In recent years, the issue of old-age pensions has become increasingly pressing, driven by the gradual increase in the legal retirement age and increasing longevity. Many Portuguese people wonder how to ensure an adequate income when they cease their professional activity.
According to DECO PROTeste, an organization specializing in consumer rights and personal finances, knowing the options available is essential to ensure a more comfortable retirement.
Lifetime contributions
One of the central elements that determine the value of the pension is the number of years of contributions to Social Security. The longer the contributory career, the higher the future pension tends to be. According to the same source, anyone who has had periods of intermittent work or career interruptions can still settle outstanding contributions.
This possibility is also valid for self-employed workers, who can opt for voluntary payments to fill gaps and increase the final pension amount. The impact of these adjustments throughout working life can be significant, especially for those who started working early or faced periods of unemployment.
Long careers and demanding professions
Extending your career is another strategy that influences retirement. Workers with more than 40 years of contributions can benefit from mechanisms that value the pension. For professionals with physically demanding roles, there are specific schemes that allow early retirement without substantial loss of income.
These mechanisms have a direct effect on the amount that reaches the retiree’s pocket, being particularly relevant for interrupted or long careers, where periods of caring for family members or mandatory breaks could reduce the pension.
Work after renovation
The possibility of accumulating a pension with income from work after retirement has also been discussed. Some recent legislative changes aim to make the limits more flexible, allowing retirees to maintain additional income without compromising their pension.
According to DECO PROTeste, this measure is especially important for those who want to maintain their standard of living or increase savings for unforeseen events.
Supplements and adjustments
There are also supplements aimed at those who have cared for children or dependent family members or whose careers have been interrupted, which can significantly increase the value of the pension. The way the pension is indexed over time, considering inflation or salary developments, influences purchasing power and is crucial to ensuring financial stability.
Private savings and planning
In addition to the public system, private savings and occupational reform plans appear as an essential complement. Contributing to pension funds or retirement insurance allows you to increase your total income, especially if financial planning starts early. According to the same source, financial education and advance planning are crucial to ensuring a retirement without economic constraints.
Ensuring an adequate pension involves a combination of consistent contributions, career development, specific supplements and private savings. Knowing these options and acting strategically throughout your working life can transform an average retirement into a safer and more comfortable pension, concludes .
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