Krass verdienen und mit 40 in Rente: Klappt das? (#289)

This episode explores the feasibility of early retirement at 40 using a detailed financial analysis of German football legend Lothar Matthäus's career earnings. The hosts calculated what would have happened if Matthäus had followed a 50/30/20 budgeting rule (50% living costs, 30% lifestyle, 20% savings) and invested 15% in stock ETFs and 5% in savings accounts. Starting with 30,000 marks annually at Borussia Mönchengladbach in the early 1980s, his salary peaked at 1.5 million marks in Italy and later $1 million in the US. Despite earning millions over his 22-year career and maintaining a 20% savings rate, the analysis shows he would have accumulated 4.87 million euros by age 40. However, this would only support a retirement income of 12,500 euros monthly (using a 3.5% withdrawal rate) compared to his peak luxury budget of 450,000 marks annually. The hosts emphasize the challenge of lifestyle inflation, noting that once accustomed to high spending levels, it becomes extremely difficult to scale back. They calculated that this retirement fund would last until age 85, after which it would be depleted. The discussion extends beyond this extreme example to practical advice about gradual career transitions, part-time work options, and the importance of conscious spending decisions. The episode concludes with listener Q&A covering topics like tax exemption orders versus tax returns for investment gains, how often to switch savings accounts, and overcoming fear when implementing financial strategies.