How Raising Children Boosts Your German Pension: A Complete Guide to Child-Rearing Credits
Did you know raising children can increase your German state pension? This guide explains child-rearing credits (Kindererziehungszeiten), how to claim them, and how they compare to US Social Security benefits for parents. Maximize your retirement income with expert tips from ARAG legal expert Tobias Klingelhöfer.…
Worst Insurance Products 2023: Advigon, Helvetia, Wetterheld Compete for 'Insurance Cheese' Award
The German Insurance Consumer Association (BdV) has nominated Advigon, Helvetia, and Wetterheld/Wakam for the 'Versicherungskäse 2023' award, highlighting policies with questionable value, high costs, or significant coverage gaps. Learn what makes these products controversial and how to spot poor insurance offers.…
Health Insurance Cuts Proposed: German Insurer Chief Calls Dental & Homeopathy Cuts "Inevitable"
A major German public health insurer CEO warns the system is at its limit, proposing drastic benefit cuts. Explore the debate on healthcare cost control, coverage reductions, and the future of statutory insurance.…
German Long-Term Care Reform 2023 (PUEG): Will It Improve Care? Premiums, Benefits & What You Need to Know
The new German Long-Term Care Support and Relief Act (PUEG) brings higher premiums starting July 2023 and modest benefit increases. Expert Margit Winkler analyzes whether the reform truly helps families or leaves them to prepare on their own. Understand the key changes to statutory long-term care insurance.…
German Health Insurance Reform: Proposed Income Cap Hike & Its Impact on Public vs. Private Coverage
SPD and Greens propose raising the income contribution cap (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) for public health insurance (GKV). We analyze this potential reform, its financial implications for high earners, and how it could affect the choice between GKV and private health insurance (PKV).…
European Consumer Credit: A Fixed Income Alternative for Yield-Seeking Investors
Explore European consumer credit as a compelling fixed income investment. Discover how this asset class offers stable returns, low volatility, and diversification beyond traditional bonds in today's rising rate environment.…
Radical Proposal: Cutting Dental & Homeopathic Coverage from German Public Health Insurance
A leading public health insurance (GKV) fund chief proposes drastic cuts, including removing all dental care and homeopathy from coverage. We analyze the potential impact on patients, costs, and the growing need for private supplemental insurance.…
Claims Communication: Why Phone Calls Are Still King for Insurance Customers
Discover how insurance customers prefer to communicate during a claim. New data reveals the phone is the top choice, while mobile apps are losing favor. Learn key insights for improving customer satisfaction in claims management.…
Celine Nadolny on Entrepreneurship, Women in Finance, and Why You Should Start a Side Hustle | Insurance & Financial Advice
Forbes '30 Under 30' honoree Celine Nadolny shares expert insights on self-employment, financial literacy for women, and navigating the finance industry. Learn how to spot trustworthy financial influencers, why entrepreneurship is less risky than you think, and get actionable tips for starting your own business. Essential reading for insurance professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.…
Higher Earners to Pay More? German Coalition Proposes Raising Health Insurance Contribution Ceiling
SPD and Greens propose raising the income ceiling for German public health insurance (GKV) contributions, meaning higher earners would pay hundreds more per month. Explore the plan, its impact, and the political debate.…
Neobrokers Like Trade Republic in Crisis? How the EU's Commission Ban Threatens Retail Investing
The EU's proposed ban on commissions for 'execution-only' trades could disrupt neobrokers like Trade Republic. Explore the potential impact on fees, investor access, and the future of low-cost investing in Europe.…
Leaving a Toddler Alone in a Car: A Court Case on Parental Supervision & Liability
A German appeals court ruled a mother violated her duty of supervision by leaving her 2.5-year-old alone in a car with keys accessible, leading to an accident. Learn about parental liability, insurance implications, and how to avoid similar risks.…
Debeka Warned by Consumer Watchdog Over Opaque Pension Plan Surrender Charges
The Hamburg Consumer Center has issued a formal warning to insurer Debeka over unclear surrender charge clauses in older pension contracts. Debeka defends its practice, setting up a potential legal clash over transparency in life insurance costs.…
Transforming Dunning: How Friendly Reminders Boost Insurance Customer Experience
Late payment reminders are a critical touchpoint in insurance customer experience. Expert Oguz Kocak explains why digital, empathetic communication and integrated payment options are key to retaining trust and improving collections.…
Celine Nadolny: The Science Behind a Great Finance Book and How to Start Your Financial Journey
Forbes '30 Under 30' honoree Celine Nadolny, founder of Book of Finance, reveals what makes a great financial book, how she built her expertise from over 700 books, and her advice for young adults starting their personal finance journey.…
Cloud Security Guide: How to Effectively Combat Cybercrime for Your Business
Is your business data truly safe in the cloud? Explore how private cloud solutions and strategic IT security can protect against ransomware, phishing, and DDoS attacks. Essential cybersecurity insights for SMEs and insurance professionals.…
Inflation Fears 2024: Over Half of Germans Plan to Cut Insurance Spending | Guidewire Report
Rising inflation is forcing consumers to reevaluate budgets. A new Guidewire survey reveals 56% of Germans likely to reduce insurance expenses. Discover which policies are at risk and how to prioritize essential coverage.…
The Evolving Market of Basic Ability Insurance: A Guide to Coverage, Trends, and Smart Choices
The market for Basic Ability Insurance (Grundfähigkeitsversicherung) has rapidly evolved, offering new modular options but also creating complexity. This expert analysis explores the product's development, key differences from Disability Insurance, and how to choose the right policy for your needs without unexpected surprises.…
Data Sovereignty Is Key: Future Challenges for Insurance Brokers and Agents
IGVM Chairman Stefan Rumpp discusses commission bans, market consolidation, and why data control will determine success for insurance brokers. Essential reading for independent agents.…
AXA Health Insurance Fined by BaFin: A Warning on IT Governance & Regulatory Compliance
German regulator BaFin imposes a capital add-on penalty on AXA Health Insurance for serious IT governance deficiencies. Learn what this means for policyholders, the insurance industry, and Solvency II compliance.…