Free checklist
Your first ETF: a 10-step checklist
Everything to check before you start investing in Germany, in an order that makes sense. Free to read here, no email needed.
- Know why and for how long
ETFs suit money you can leave invested for many years. Keep an emergency buffer in a savings account first, so you never have to sell in a bad month.
How an ETF savings plan works - Understand what you’re buying
An ETF is a basket of many companies in one fund. A broad world index spreads your money across thousands of them.
What is an ETF? - Read the fund name
Index, accumulating or distributing, where the fund is based: the name tells you a lot once you can decode it.
ETF Name Decoder - Check the yearly cost (TER)
Small differences in fund costs add up over decades. Compare before you choose.
ETF Fee Impact calculator - Pick accumulating or distributing
Accumulating funds reinvest payouts for you. Distributing funds pay them out. Both are taxed in Germany, at different moments.
Accumulating vs distributing, explained - Open a Depot with a broker
Look at order fees, savings plan fees and whether the broker handles German tax for you.
Broker Comparison - Use your yearly allowance
The first €1,000 of investment income each year is tax-free (€2,000 for married couples assessed jointly). With a German broker you set up a Freistellungsauftrag to use it.
How Germany taxes ETF gains - Know about the Vorabpauschale
Germany can tax a small amount at the start of the year even if you didn’t sell. Keep a little cash in the account linked to your Depot.
The Vorabpauschale explained - Start a monthly savings plan
A fixed amount every month takes timing out of the picture. See what time and costs can do in an example.
ETF Growth Calculator - Leave it alone, check once a year
Prices go up and down, and investments can lose value. A yearly look at costs and your plan is usually enough.
For educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the assumptions shown. They are not financial, investment or tax advice. Actual outcomes may differ, and investments can lose value.
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