Client stories
Anonymised examples of advice delivered in practice.
These summaries illustrate typical mandates. They are not performance guarantees, and every client situation is different.
Names and identifying details have been removed. Figures describe outcomes for those specific cases only.
Client testimonials
Illustrative, anonymised comments. They are not a guarantee of similar results.

Andreas K., Zurich
Client for 8 years
We came for a written comparison of pension versus lump sum and left with a plan we could actually follow. The first meeting cost nothing and nobody tried to sell us a product.
A hybrid withdrawal kept a floor income and avoided drawing everything in one tax year.

Marta S., Lucerne
Client for 5 years
Helfenstein modelled the pillar 3a and vested-benefits withdrawals before I retired. Seeing the progression in writing changed the year I took the capital.
Drawing the capital over three tax years reduced the combined withdrawal tariff.

Reto L., Zug
Client for 6 years
Our fixed-rate mortgage was coming due and the incumbent renewal looked expensive. They ran a comparable tender across banks and set the numbers out clearly.
The chosen offer improved on the published list rate versus the incumbent renewal.
Trust metrics
50+
families advised
CHF 200M+
assets managed
7 years
average client retention
What we do for you
Retirement decisions
Pension versus lump sum modelled in writing.
Taxes
Pension capital drawn across several years to hold down progression.
Mortgages
Structured refinancing before fixed terms expire.
Talk to us
A free first meeting is the usual starting point.
Client stories
Retirement
Pension or lump sum before retirement
A couple aged 62 needed a written comparison of drawing the pension fund as a lifelong annuity versus a staggered lump-sum withdrawal, including tax progression and longevity risk.
A side-by-side model over life expectancy showed a hybrid approach preserved liquidity while securing a floor income — adopted after the free first meeting.
Taxes
Drawing pension capital across several years
A client approaching 62 held pillar 3a and vested-benefits capital in a single account and planned to withdraw all of it in the year of retirement, which would have fallen into the steepest band of the capital-withdrawal tariff.
Splitting the capital across separate accounts and drawing it over three tax years reduced the combined progression materially; the schedule was set out in writing before the first withdrawal.
Real estate
Mortgage refinancing on expiry
A homeowner with a CHF 1.1m fixed-rate mortgage approaching term end needed a comparable tender across banks, insurers and pension funds before rates locked in.
Helfenstein ran a structured comparison; the chosen offer improved on the published list rate and saved several thousand francs a year versus the incumbent renewal.
Illustrative, anonymised examples. Not a guarantee of similar results.
General information only. Nothing on this page constitutes personalised investment, tax or legal advice. Helfenstein Group does not hold client assets; all custody stays with the bank you choose, under your control. Decisions should be based on your own circumstances and, where appropriate, on a written analysis from a qualified adviser.
Clear thinking for the financial decisions that matter — practical perspectives on retirement, tax, investing and property, with no product advertising. Receive our client newsletter.

