More time, security and ease for your financial growth.

You arrived with energy and plans. Then came the registration, the insurance letters, and salary deductions nobody explained to you. This free guide shows you the 7 things to get right first - so you save time, money and stress.

Ambition was never the problem.

Most internationals don't lack drive - they lack a clear explanation of how Germany actually works, financially. These are the questions that cost the most.
"Where did half my salary go?"
Gross looked great in the offer. Then taxes and health, pension and long-term care contributions quietly reshaped your real budget.
"GKV or PKV - which one fits me?"
Around 100 statutory health funds, plus the private option and consequences that follow you for years. The cheapest is rarely the right choice.
"What if I leave again?"
Pension entitlements, insurance, contracts - a lot of it looks fine until your plans change. Few people set it up to stay flexible.

7 first steps - in the order that matters.

Not every detail at once — the overview and what to do first, so each step makes the next one easier.
1
Choose the right health insurance from the start
GKV or PKV is the decision that shapes your costs, your coverage and your flexibility for years. Choose by fit, not by the lowest monthly premium.
+100 statutory funds to choose from
2
Understand your net salary, not just the gross
Income tax and four social contributions stand between the headline figure and your account. Plan your rent and savings on your real budget.
€4,000 → €2,450.97 ‒ an illustrative gross‒to‒net example
3
Cover everyday risks before they get expensive
Personal liability, household contents, international travel health and income protection. Unremarkable - until a small mistake meets a large bill.
Under €100 a year for personal liability cover
4
Close your pension gap early
The statutory pension rarely maintains your standard of living - and that matters even more if you won't spend your whole career here. Three layers, one plan.
18.6% pension contribution, shared with your employer
5
Get the first bureaucratic steps in order
Registration, tax ID, bank account, insurance and contracts are all connected. In the right order, everything else becomes much easier.
2 weeks ‒ the typical deadline to register your address
6
Know what you're signing
Mobile, internet, gym, electricity - minimum terms, automatic renewals and price jumps after the introductory offer. Flexibility often beats a small discount.
24 months ‒ the typical term for mobile & internet contracts
7
Build a financial system around your real life
Protection first, then liquidity, then growth. Not a stack of products - a system that fits your income, your family and your plans.
Protect → Reserve → Grow: the order that builds security
Smiling man in a navy suit, white shirt, and glasses, with hands clasped, wearing a silver watch.

A clear, personal explanation of how Germany works.

For seven years I've worked as an independent financial advisor in Germany, supporting internationals who arrive with energy and plans - and run into a system nobody explains in their language …
I advise digitally and in person, translating complex German systems into your real life: your job, your family, your risk profile and your future. This guide gives you the what. The individual how depends on your situation.
Rated 5/5 by more than 200 readers
IHK-certified §34d
IHK-certified §34f
Unattached
Digital & personal
What my clients say about me
Lionel P.
Mr Fenselau responded 100% to my individual needs and was able to answer all of my questions. I always had the impression that he never tried to push me toward a particular product, but instead wanted to find the solution that fit me best personally. I can only recommend him.
Marie L.
I had the pleasure of receiving financial advice from Melvin and would recommend him without hesitation. His expertise and genuine commitment to understanding our goals made us trust him right away. He's been reliable, and great at explaining complex topics in a clear, approachable way, which gave us confidence in the decisions we made. Thanks to his guidance, we've built a solid investment plan and gained valuable financial knowledge.
Victor S.
Melvin is a very likeable and accommodating person. He helps with every question about the financial system, and his advice is more than satisfying. Highly recommended!
Niklas R.
When I first met Melvin, I was immediately impressed by his open manner and positive energy. We've been working together for almost three years now, and during that time he has not only supported me in achieving my savings goals but also helped me realize my dream of owning my own home. I especially appreciate that he is always available, gives honest advice, and explains things in a way that is truly understandable. I highly recommend a conversation with Melvin; you always leave with something valuable.
Moritz T.
Melvin Fenselau is attentive to my needs as a customer and is always available and flexible. He meets me at my current level of knowledge and communicates goals and next steps clearly and precisely. The combination of customer service and quality/expertise is fully guaranteed.
Josef L.
I'm pleased to recommend Melvin, an outstanding financial planner with an exceptional ability to see the full picture while tailoring every recommendation to individual needs. His combination of deep expertise, strategic foresight, and genuine attentiveness made our collaboration incredibly valuable. Melvin helped me navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence, always taking the time to understand my goals and translate them into a well-structured, personalized plan. His holistic approach and calm, competent guidance created real impact, both in terms of financial stability and long-term direction. Melvin combines financial excellence with a truly client-centered mindset.
Elisabeth B.
I have known Melvin since his time at SalesPotentials and have watched with great respect the consistent and ambitious way he has pursued his career in the finance and insurance sectors. He has since established himself within our circle of friends and acquaintances as a trusted point of contact for financial matters—reliable, honest, and always focused on finding tailored solutions. I particularly appreciate that Melvin truly takes the time for his clients and proactively keeps them informed about relevant changes or new opportunities—whether regarding cost savings, investment trends, employee benefits, or company pension schemes. His combination of expertise, dedication, and genuine enthusiasm for collaboration makes him a partner I can recommend without reservation, both for personal and business needs.
Alexander M.
Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work very closely with Melvin. I have witnessed not only incredible growth and impressive speed but also a strong commitment to providing value-driven services to his clients—true to the motto "There’s no such thing as 'it can't be done'." This attitude is reflected in his clients' willingness to recommend him to others. In short, having Melvin as your consultant is a truly exceptional experience. Best of luck on your journey.
Frequently asked questions
Is the guide really free?
Who benefits most from your advice?
What happens with my email?
Do I have to become a client?
Which language is it in?
Is this financial advice?
Menu
Legal
Contact
Westfälische Str. 27, 10709 Berlin
2026 Melvin Fenselau. Built by RHS Solutions