Mr. and Mrs. H. We really wanted to better organize our savings and start preparing for our children's future education, but we didn't really know where to begin. Eva was great: clear, available, and an excellent teacher. She helped us see things more clearly and implement effective solutions. Honestly, we recommend her without hesitation.
Supplementary Income
Mrs. D. I wanted to find a little extra income to enjoy my retirement peacefully. Eva was wonderful: straightforward, clear, patient… exactly what I needed. I was able to set up a passive income that reassures me and allows me to live my retirement more calmly.
Story of a Succession
Mr. and Mrs. L. We would like to thank our advisor Eva from the bottom of our hearts for her exceptional support during a period that was not easy for us. The inheritance we had just received represented much more than a sum of money: it was a family story, an emotionally charged legacy. She knew how to listen to us with rare kindness, guide us with gentleness and professionalism, and above all, help us transform this delicate stage into a positive project for our future. We were able to invest this inheritance with complete peace of mind, certain that we were making the right choices. Her availability, patience, and ability to explain things simply made all the difference. We felt accompanied, respected, and understood from start to finish.
Preparing for the Future While There Is Still Time
Blog › Retirement and Protection Planning Retirement and Protection Planning: Preparing for the Future While There's Still Time Photo: Gustavo Fring — Pexels · Free license, commercial use authorized Retirement is one of those horizons that we perceive as distant for a long time — until the day we realize it is no longer as far off as we thought. However, what we know for certain is that time is the main ally of those who anticipate, and the main enemy of those who wait. Preparing for retirement is also — and perhaps above all — a matter of protection planning: protecting loved ones against life's uncertainties, maintaining one's standard of living in the face of the inevitable decline in income, and building, brick by brick, a future commensurate with one's ambitions. This article offers you a comprehensive, clear, and balanced overview to understand the issues and start taking action. 📋 Table of Contents The French retirement system: what you need to know first Why anticipating changes everything: the decisive effect of time The Retirement Savings Plan (PER): the cornerstone of preparation Other complementary levers not to be overlooked Protection Planning: protecting what truly matters Where to start? Steps to take action Conclusion 1. The French retirement system: what you need to know first Before discussing strategy, it is essential to understand the foundation upon which retirement in France is based. The current system is founded on the pay-as-you-go principle: contributions paid by today's workers finance the pensions of today's retirees. This mechanism of intergenerational solidarity is the backbone of the French social model. But it is under increasing pressure that no one can ignore. A system under demographic strain In 1950, there were approximately four workers for every retiree. Today, this ratio has fallen to less than two to one, and projections indicate it will continue to deteriorate in the coming decades. This mathematical reality is at the heart of all debates on retirement system reforms: the extension of the contribution period, the raising of the legal retirement age, changes to pension calculation rules… All these adjustments, taken together, tend to reduce the replacement rate — that is, the portion of your final salary that the legal pension will actually cover. The replacement rate: a reality often underestimated For a private sector employee, the average replacement rate currently stands between 50% and 75% of the final net salary, depending on income level and career length. For self-employed workers, liberal professions, or senior executives, this rate can be significantly lower. Concretely, this means a person earning €3,500 net per month can anticipate a pension of approximately €1,750 to €2,500. To maintain their standard of living, the difference will need to be made up from other sources. This is where personal preparation comes into play. 💡 Good to know: It is possible to request a free Individual Situation Statement (RIS) or a Global Indicative Estimate (EIG) from the Pension Insurance (Assurance Retraite) to visualize already acquired rights and pension projections. This is the starting point for any serious reflection. 2. Why anticipating changes everything: the decisive effect of time Photo: Mikhail Nilov — Pexels · Free license, commercial use authorized It is tempting to put off until later what seems to belong to a distant future. Yet, in the field of retirement savings, every lost year is irreplaceable. The reason is simple: compound interest, often presented as the eighth wonder of the world in financial literature, works better the longer the investment horizon. The striking illustration of compound interest Let's take a simple example to illustrate the power of anticipation. A person who starts saving €200 per month at age 30, with a hypothetical average annual return of 4%, will have a significantly larger capital at age 65 than someone who waits until age 40 to start with the same monthly effort. The difference is not proportional: it is exponential. This is the principle of compound interest — gains themselves generate gains, and time multiplies their effect. Caution: any return is hypothetical and not guaranteed. Past performance does not predict future results. Flexibility as a hidden advantage of anticipation Starting early also means granting yourself valuable freedom of choice. Someone who prepares for retirement from their forties can afford moderate contributions, a gradual and calibrated risk-taking, and regular adjustments based on life's circumstances. Someone who starts at age 55 often must make a much more intense savings effort, within a much tighter timeframe — leaving little room for maneuver. Anticipation, in short, does not cost more: it simply requires less effort. ⚠️ Important: The numerical examples presented in this article are purely illustrative and do not constitute a reliable projection for your personal situation. Any realistic calculation must incorporate your tax situation, investment horizon, risk profile, and uncertainties related to financial markets. Personalized guidance is essential to obtain a serious estimate. 3. The Retirement Savings Plan (PER): the cornerstone of preparation Since the Pacte Law of 2019, the retirement savings landscape in France has been profoundly reshaped. The Retirement Savings Plan, commonly known as PER, has become the benchmark vehicle for preparing for retirement within a favorable tax framework. Its flexibility and tax advantages make it one of the most relevant tools today — but also one of the most misunderstood. The general principle of the PER The PER is a long-term savings product that allows you to build up capital or an annuity for retirement, benefiting from tax advantages upon entry. Voluntary contributions are, subject to
Primary Residence
We have just bought our first main residence thanks to Eva's support. She was available, patient, and very pedagogical from start to finish. She was able to answer all our questions, reassure us in moments of doubt, and guide us at every step. Thanks to her, we found the property that perfectly suits us. We recommend her without hesitation. Mr. and Mrs. Y.
How to Build Sustainable Wealth and Generate Additional Income?
Blog › Real Estate Investment Real Estate Investment: How to Build Sustainable Wealth and Generate Additional Income Photo: Curtis Adams — Pexels · Free license, commercial use authorized Real estate is often presented as the quintessential safe-haven asset for the French. And for good reason: for decades, investing in property has allowed people to build tangible wealth, generate additional income, and prepare serenely for the future. But between the different types of investments, tax schemes, financing mechanisms, and risks not to be overlooked, navigating this universe can seem complex. This article offers you a comprehensive, educational, and balanced overview to understand the drivers of real estate investment and assess whether — and how — it can fit into your wealth strategy. 📋 Table of Contents Why invest in real estate? The main types of real estate investment Financing and leverage: the engine of the strategy Real estate taxation: what you really need to know Risks not to be underestimated How to get started concretely? Conclusion 1. Why invest in real estate? The question deserves to be asked sincerely: with volatile financial markets, fluctuating interest rates, and an uncertain economic climate, does real estate remain relevant? The answer is nuanced, but generally positive — provided the subject is approached realistically. A tangible asset in an uncertain world Unlike a stock or a bond, a real estate property is a real, physical asset that can be seen and touched. This concrete dimension reassures many investors, especially during periods of economic turbulence. Historically, real estate prices in France have shown a long-term upward trend, even though occasional corrections exist and past performance does not predict future results. Building transferable wealth Real estate has an often underestimated advantage: it can be passed on to future generations. Whether through inheritance or donation, a real estate property constitutes a durable asset, likely to benefit your children or loved ones. Specific mechanisms — such as donation of bare ownership (nue-propriété) — allow for optimizing this transfer from a tax perspective. Generating additional income A well-targeted rental investment can produce regular rental income, which supplements work income or, eventually, offsets the decline in income at retirement. For many people, this is precisely the goal: not to rely solely on a pension, which is often insufficient to maintain the desired standard of living. Photo: MART PRODUCTION — Pexels · Free license, commercial use authorized 2. The main types of real estate investment There is not just one type of real estate investment, but a multitude of approaches, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and constraints. Here are the main categories to know. Rental investment in existing properties Buying an existing apartment or house to rent out is the most common form of investment. The main advantage is the great diversity of available properties and a certain flexibility in choosing the market. On the other hand, renovation work may be necessary, and profitability must be carefully calculated by including all costs: property tax, condominium fees, management fees, work, vacancy periods… Investment in new real estate Acquiring a new property — particularly within off-plan (VEFA) programs — offers other advantages: builder guarantees, recent energy standards (which limits future expenses), reduced notary fees, and, under certain conditions, access to specific tax schemes. The main counterpart is a generally higher purchase price per square meter than for existing properties. Furnished rental (LMNP / LMP) Renting out a furnished property offers a specific tax framework: the status of Non-Professional Furnished Lessor (LMNP) notably allows for the accounting depreciation of the property and furniture, which can significantly reduce taxation on rental income. This is an option that particularly interests investors wishing to optimize their taxation on rental income, while receiving rents often slightly higher than those for unfurnished rentals. Real Estate Investment Companies (SCPI) SCPIs allow investing in real estate without directly managing it. By acquiring shares, the investor gains access to a diversified real estate portfolio (offices, retail, residential, healthcare…) managed by an approved management company. Income is redistributed in the form of dividends. That said, like any investment, SCPIs present risks: liquidity (resale of shares not guaranteed), variation in distributed income, and capital loss. This type of investment is neither guaranteed nor risk-free. ⚠️ Important: Regardless of the form of investment considered, it is essential not to focus solely on the positive aspects. Each option carries its own risks — capital loss, vacancy, unfavorable market developments — and deserves a thorough and personalized analysis. 3. Financing and leverage: the engine of the strategy One of the great strengths of real estate investment lies in the possibility of using bank loans. This is what is called leverage: investing a larger sum than your personal contribution, thanks to credit, and having part of the acquisition financed by the rents received. How does leverage work? Let's take a simplified example: you have €30,000 in equity and borrow €170,000 to acquire a property worth €200,000. The rents received (say €700/month) partially, or even totally depending on the case, contribute to repaying the monthly loan payment. Eventually, you own an asset worth significantly more than your initial down payment. This is the founding principle of many wealth-building strategies. However, this effect works both ways: in the event of a decrease in rental income or an increase in expenses, the investor must be able to bear the residual financial effort. The debt-to-income ratio and borrowing capacity Banks assess an investor's borrowing capacity by considering all their income and expenses
How to Choose the Right Vehicles to Grow Your Money?
Blog › Investments and Savings Investments and Savings: How to Choose the Right Vehicles to Make Your Money Grow 📷 Image: Piggy bank and coins — Suzy Hazelwood / Pexels Photo: Suzy Hazelwood — Pexels (free license, commercial use authorized) You regularly put money aside, but sometimes feel it isn't really «working» for you? You hear about life insurance, PER, PEA, or securities accounts, without really knowing what these terms mean or which one suits your situation? This is a reality shared by many French people: the world of savings is rich, varied, and sometimes disconcerting. This article offers you a clear and objective overview of the main savings vehicles available, their characteristics, advantages, and limitations — to help you ask the right questions before taking action. 📋 Table of Contents Why save: defining your goals well before choosing Secure and precautionary savings Life insurance: the versatile vehicle par excellence The Retirement Savings Plan (PER): preparing for the future while reducing taxes The Equity Savings Plan (PEA): investing in the stock market with tax advantages The ordinary securities account: maximum freedom, standard taxation Synthetic comparison of main vehicles How to build your savings strategy? Conclusion 1. Why save: defining your goals well before choosing Even before talking about products, it is fundamental to answer a simple but decisive question: what are you saving for? The answer conditions all your choices. A short-term project — buying a car in two years, a trip, a renovation — does not call for the same solutions as preparing for retirement in twenty years or a wealth transfer goal. Three main families of goals In practice, savings goals fall into three main families. The first is precautionary savings: having a safety net that is easily accessible in case of an unforeseen event (car breakdown, job loss, unexpected health expense…). The often-cited rule is to build up the equivalent of three to six months of current expenses in a liquid and risk-free vehicle. The second is project savings: financing a purchase, a trip, work, or training within a defined time horizon. The third — and often the most neglected — is long-term savings: preparing for retirement, passing on capital to children, or generating sustainable additional income. This distinction is essential because it determines the acceptable level of risk, the desired lock-in period, and the optimal tax treatment to seek. Wanting to grow long-term savings in a regulated savings account is potentially leaving behind years of additional returns. Conversely, placing precautionary savings in volatile vehicles means risking having to sell at the wrong time. 📷 Image: Budget planning — Karolina Grabowska / Pexels Photo: Karolina Grabowska — Pexels (free license, commercial use authorized) 2. Secure and precautionary savings So-called «secure» savings vehicles offer a guarantee of capital, immediate availability, and modest but predictable remuneration. They constitute the essential foundation of any well-constructed wealth strategy. Regulated savings accounts In France, several regulated savings accounts allow you to place your savings in complete security, with immediate availability of funds. Their interest rates are set by the State and can evolve according to inflation. Their main advantage is simplicity and total capital security. On the other hand, their remuneration is intended to preserve purchasing power rather than significantly increase it, and their deposit limits are often restricted. Standard bank savings: ordinary passbook accounts Ordinary passbook accounts offered by banks — sometimes called «super passbooks» or boosted-rate passbooks — can offer temporarily attractive rates, particularly upon opening. However, they do not benefit from any tax advantage and their interest is subject to the single flat-rate withholding tax (PFU) of 30%. They remain useful for very short-term savings, as a complement to regulated accounts. ⚠️ Point of vigilance: Savings concentrated for too long on low-yield secure vehicles can, over a long period, lose purchasing power if inflation exceeds the remuneration rate. This is what is called the risk of monetary erosion — often invisible in the short term, but significant over ten or twenty years. 3. Life insurance: the versatile vehicle par excellence Life insurance is the preferred investment of the French — and for good reasons. It is a tax wrapper that allows investment in a wide range of vehicles, from security (euro funds) to performance (unit-linked accounts), while benefiting from notable tax advantages on gains and upon transfer. Euro funds vs unit-linked accounts Within a life insurance policy, two main families of vehicles coexist. Euro funds offer a guarantee of capital: the sums invested cannot decrease (excluding management fees). In return, their yield is moderate and tends to evolve according to market conditions and the insurer's policy. Unit-linked accounts (UC) are vehicles invested in financial markets: stocks, bonds, real estate, private equity… They offer a higher return potential, but without capital guarantee. The value of UCs can fluctuate upwards and downwards, and the investor may recover less than what was paid in. Favorable taxation on withdrawals One of the great advantages of life insurance is its taxation on gains upon withdrawals (called «surrenders»). After 8 years of holding the contract, an annual allowance applies to gains: €4,600 for a single person, €9,200 for a couple subject to joint taxation. Gains exceeding this allowance are subject to the single flat-rate withholding tax (PFU) of 30%, or a reduced rate of 7.5% if contributions are less than €150,000. Under 8 years, gains are subject to the PFU of 30% without allowance. A tool