World
ETF: How a Handelsblatt Journalist Left His Retirement Insurance After 15 Years
Sebastian Dalkowski, a journalist at German business daily Handelsblatt, published his investment journey on July 30, 2026. In 2008, he bought a private retirement insurance policy backed by stock funds. After 15 years and over €20,000 in contributions, he earned just €1,000—a result he attributes to high fees. At 42, he cancelled the contract and recovered over €20,000. In August 2025, he launched a monthly savings plan (Sparplan) invested in ecological ETFs, following a deliberate shift toward low-cost, sustainable investing.