Having lived in Zurich a few months and wishing to stay, I thought it was about time I sorted out a private pension. I'm not employed, but a full-time Mum. From reading various info on the net, I'm wondering if private pensions exist for the unemployed here in Switzerland or do I need to sort out life insurance instead with payout on retirement age?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

A 25-year life insurance was what I was missold as supposed retirement provision by a so-called "independent financial adviser" working for an offshore "IFA" company which targets English-speaking expats. He claimed to search the "whole market", but instead selected one of a small number of expensive and high commission investments. It was supposed to be flexible, but was not and was laden with fees and penalties, and was supposed to grow well, but would have taken several years to show any growth at all. It would have made the broker a lot of money.

The same broker is now working for his own company as a financial consultant, selling the same investments as before.

You should be very careful if you decide to take advice from anyone. They can tell you black is white and make it sound believable.