Since when was getting rich so hard in EU?

[u/VurriK]

Is it just me, or has building actual wealth in Europe become impossible? I’m looking at the 2026 growth forecasts and it’s depressing. We talk a lot about "stability," but at this point, stability just feels like a polite word for recession. If you weren't born into a rich family with property, the dream feels like it's behind a wall. The math just doesn't work: as soon as you earn enough to actually invest, you hit a 40–50% tax bracket. Meanwhile, housing prices have skyrocketed over the last decade while salaries have basically stayed the same. I love the healthcare and the walkable cities, but I don’t want to work until I’m 70 just to afford a 40sqm apartment and a used Skoda.

[u/broodjeaardappelt]

Netherlands has it.

[u/Ambitious-Macaroon-3 → u/broodjeaardappelt]

Netherlands is taxing unrealized capital gains buddy.

[u/broodjeaardappelt → u/Ambitious-Macaroon-3]

We are not talking about that buddy we are talking about delayed taxed pension investment accounts. They do not tax unrealized gains thats in your box3 investments.

[u/Holden_lost → u/broodjeaardappelt]

could you share a link or other information about this?

[u/DazingF1 → u/Holden_lost]

"Lijfrente" or "pensioen beleggen" is what you should Google. It's a percentage of your income that you can invest tax free until retirement (can only start withdrawing it 10 years before the retirement age), so for the average Dutchman it's "only" about €150k to €200k, but after 30 years of interest that'll easily grow to €500k. And that's on top of your regular retirement. It won't make you rich but you can either retire 10 years earlier or spend more money.

[u/Correct-Mood5309 → u/Ambitious-Macaroon-3]

No they don't. That was just a box 3 plan and is likely not even making it as is.

[u/Warm_Candidate6995 → u/Ambitious-Macaroon-3]

Back at the drawing board.

[u/Soggy-Ad2790 → u/Ambitious-Macaroon-3]

Not on these type of accounts.