MB Finance guides
From starting a career or family to buying a home, becoming self-employed and planning retirement: choose the situation relevant to you.
With your first employment or apprenticeship contract you become a member of the social insurance system in your own right, pay tax and often lose cover through your family. This guide shows what happens automatically, which contribution rates apply in 2026 and what to review in your first weeks.
A child brings new entitlements – and new deadlines. If you arrange parental allowance, child benefit or your child's health insurance too late, you can lose money or options. Here you will find the amounts and rules for 2026, the insurance that matters and a checklist for the first weeks.
When you become self-employed, you lose the protection that employees get automatically through their employer and social insurance: you pay for health and long-term care insurance on your own, and you usually have to provide for retirement and unemployment yourself. This guide explains what is compulsory in 2026, which deadlines apply and which risks to check before you start – including if you are new to Germany.
The purchase price is only part of the bill: property transfer tax, notary, estate agent, maintenance and insurance come on top. This guide sets out the costs in 2026, the rules for your mortgage, building insurance and owner-occupied flats, and which cover matters from when.
Couples who move in together often have two liability and two contents policies – and pay twice. Marriage also changes health insurance, tax, inheritance and who may act for you in an emergency; for unmarried couples, little of this applies automatically. This guide explains what applies, what you should arrange yourselves and in which order.
When can you retire, what is left after tax and health insurance contributions, and what happens if you need long-term care? This guide sets out the rules and amounts for 2026, explains what to watch out for with pension periods abroad and shows which applications and documents to prepare in good time.
Only a few types of insurance are required by law in Germany – above all health insurance. Others are voluntary but protect you against losses that can follow you for a lifetime. This guide explains both, sets out the legal basis and deadlines and shows newcomers what matters in the first weeks.
Policy documents, terms and letters from insurers are full of technical terms. This glossary explains the most important ones in plain English and keeps the German original next to each explanation – so you can understand your documents and ask the right questions.
After a loss, safety comes first, then the right order: limit the damage, document it, report it. If you breach your duties under the policy, the insurer may pay less or nothing at all. These checklists show what to do after the most common types of loss, which deadlines apply and what rights you have.
This content provides general orientation. Situations and benefits mentioned are examples; the specific need, policy terms and individual advice are decisive. It does not state a price, acceptance or cover decision.
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