Planning for retirement may not sound exciting, but for self-employed professionals, it’s one of the smartest and most empowering financial steps you can take. Many freelancers and entrepreneurs in the Netherlands enjoy the independence of working for themselves, but that freedom comes without one essential benefit: an employer pension. Without a clear plan, your financial independence today might become financial stress tomorrow.
The number of self-employed professionals in the Netherlands has grown rapidly over the past decade. Many love the flexibility, but too few take time to prepare for the future. The state pension (AOW) provides only a modest income – enough to cover basic needs, but not enough to maintain the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to build.
As financial advisors at Armin’s Adviesbureau, we regularly meet clients who postpone thinking about their pension. They often say: “I’ll deal with that later.” But later can be too late. The earlier you start saving, the more freedom you’ll have when you decide to stop working – and the more control you’ll have over your future. The truth is simple: if you don’t plan for your retirement, no one else will.
Your Options as a Freelancer
There are several options available to freelancers and entrepreneurs who wish to build their retirement savings. In the Netherlands, private pension plans (lijfrente) are one of the most common solutions. These plans allow you to invest in funds or fixed-term accounts, and your contributions are often tax-deductible within certain limits. This means you can reduce your taxable income while saving for the future.
At Armin’s Adviesbureau, we often advise clients to combine structure with flexibility. For example, you might set up a lijfrente for stability and supplement it with sustainable investments for long-term growth. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds not only build wealth but also let you invest in companies that reflect your personal values. In this way, your pension savings can contribute to a better world while securing your own financial freedom.
For freelancers with irregular income, banksparen is another valuable option. It allows you to save at your own pace while keeping the tax advantages. What matters most is consistency – even small, automated contributions each month can grow into a meaningful pension over time.
Learning from International Examples
Looking at international examples can help illustrate why independent pension planning matters. In the United States, freelancers often use Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) or Solo 401(k)s to save for retirement, benefiting from tax advantages. In the UK, private pensions and Lifetime ISAs serve similar purposes. These examples show that self-employed professionals everywhere face the same challenge – and the same opportunity: taking charge of their own financial future.
Our Vision as Armin’s Adviesbureau
For many modern entrepreneurs, sustainability is not only a business goal but also a personal value. We believe that your money should work for you and for the world around you. Sustainable investing (ESG investing) allows self-employed individuals to grow their retirement funds while supporting environmental and social progress.
At Armin’s Adviesbureau, we see retirement planning as an act of empowerment. We don’t just focus on numbers – we focus on people. By taking control of your future today, you make sure that your independence continues long after you stop working. We help our clients design flexible, tax-efficient pension strategies that match their income patterns, goals, and sustainability preferences.
We always start with one question: what does “freedom” mean to you? For some, it’s the ability to stop working early; for others, it’s knowing their investments align with their values. Whatever your vision, we help you turn it into a financial plan that supports it.
Conclusion
If you are self-employed, it’s never too early to start planning for retirement. In fact, starting today is the best investment in your future peace of mind. Whether you choose a lijfrente, sustainable investment funds, or a mix of both, taking small, consistent steps now can make a major difference later.
At Armin’s Adviesbureau, we believe financial independence shouldn’t end when you stop working – it should last a lifetime. With the right structure, guidance, and personal attention, your independence can become your greatest long-term asset.
