Investment Return Comparison
Freelancer / Contractor in Berlin · A volatile financial ride
This page compares financial outcomes for a Freelancer / Contractor living in Berlin, Germany, following the A volatile financial ride life scenario.
A highly unstable financial path combining income uncertainty, market swings, and repeated adverse events. Outcomes range widely, from recovery and growth to prolonged stagnation.
Berlin has a diverse economy with strong demand in technology and services, paired with a relatively high cost of living.
The comparison focuses on how changing the Investment return (expected) influences long-term results, while all other assumptions remain constant.
Simulation Overview
Base scenario assumptions
- The simulation starts at age 30 and runs until age 65.
- The initial annual labor income is €22,990.
- Labor income grows annually at an average rate of 4%.
- A labor income tax rate of 35% is applied to gross earnings.
- The saving rate is set to 20%.
- Minimum annual living expenses are €18,000.
- Savings are invested with stochastic annual returns.
- The average annual return is 5%, with year-to-year variability.
- All values are expressed in real terms, assuming average annual inflation of 2%.
- The simulation includes stochastic life events such as unemployment, health issue, unemployment, and health issue.
- These events may temporarily affect income, expenses, or net worth.
- Financial independence is defined as having net worth equal to 25 times annual expenses.
- Bankruptcy is triggered if net worth remains below €0 for 2 consecutive years.
Scenario Comparison
Results are shown as a realistic range. P10 represents a pessimistic outcome, while P90 represents an optimistic outcome. Most simulations fall between these two values.
| Scenario | Median Net Worth | P10 Net Worth | P90 Net Worth | FI Probability | FI Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3% | 63,668 | 6,713 | 142,042 | 0% | — |
| 5% | 71,789 | 6,936 | 170,613 | 0% | 62 |
| 7% | 80,611 | 7,164 | 204,279 | 1% | 62 |
How Your Financial Life Evolves
These charts show how each scenario affects long-term outcomes, including expected wealth, downside risk, and the likelihood of achieving financial independence.
Net Worth Median
Net Worth Range
Fi Probability
Fi Median Age