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Welcome to Spuerkeess’s finance blog. From credit cards, loans, home buying to investing, our blog provides regular content to keep you in the know!
Téisty, a philosophy for life based on respect!
Téisty is about more than just organic products. First and foremost, it is about putting into practice, on a daily basis, a philosophy for life that is centred...
Bank payments kick into high gear
Banks are introducing a new standard for interbank payments: Instant Payments.
Let’s get cooking for Bretzelsonndeg!
In the office the other day, Marc’s colleagues were talking about Bretzelsonndeg, which is just around the corner. Marc had completely forgotten about it, so...
4 good reasons to boost your environmental commitment by investing “green”
Reducing the use of plastic, taking public transport, buying second hand, eating local...the list of small actions that can improve our consumption habits has...
It is never too early to make plans for your retirement!
As Sophie sits in her car waiting for the stoplight to turn green, she suddenly begins to daydream, imagining all the things she will be able to do once she...
Love is in the car!
Has a little tune suddenly started going round in your head as Valentine’s Day approaches... “Love is in the air, everywhere I look around ...”? Has your...
Why you should switch from saving to investing for your children
"It’s a fact that most of our customers open a savings account for their children at birth. And being a young father myself, I perfectly understand that...
Looking for his very first car!
Your child is about to turn 18 - it’s hard to believe he is an adult now! It seems like just yesterday that you held him in your arms for the first time, but...
Make the most of the Autofestival with Spuerkeess’s personal loan and private leasing
Just like Sophie, you’ll almost certainly have heard that the Autofestival is going ahead this year and that it’s even being extended until 13 February 2021. A...
Opening a bank account, without even having to go anywhere!
Sophie is so happy! Her new colleague Audrey, with whom she is going to work on various projects, is really nice. They only met a few days ago, and yet it is...
FLASH – Élections présidentielles américaines
À ce stade de la procédure électorale, les élections présidentielles américaines n’ont pas encore débouché sur un résultat clair. Contrairement à ce que les...
Interview with Xavier Hannaerts
It is in a particular environment that Xavier Hannaerts, Head of Investments at Spuerkeess Asset Management, speaks about developments in the context in which...
Luxembourg’s National Housing Week
Summer is not over yet and we are already anticipating autumn, the season during which nature can be seen in its full splendour when leaves are turning all...
Contactless payment, mobile banking and the first debit or credit card
Going to highschool means that your child will have more freedom but also more responsibilities. To make this change easier for you and safer for your child,...
Look out: new subsidies for electric vehicles are here!
As of late, you can receive new subsidies on purchasing certain electric vehicles or vehicles with low CO₂ emissions. We have responded by adapting our special...
Student loan: your checklist and other important information!
Wherever you decide to study, you are automatically entitled to a student grant as well as a student loan! If you are wondering what the next steps are and how...
CEDIES prize draw: win a scholarship of EUR 1.000!
Are you ready to face the post-high school transition? Or do you feel discouraged by the cost of student life that seems unaffordable? Are you concerned that...
New dog, new car!
They had already decided upon their new car and how to finance it. But, as it so often happens in life, Sophie and Marc had to shift course partway through the...
Quantitative easing: the oft-ignored long-term effects
Aykut Efe, Economist at Spuerkeess Asset Management, discusses the potential impacts of quantitative easing on the real economy in the long term.
Solid as a rock
Dr Yves Wagner, Executive Vice President of BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), discusses the context in which the asset management...
Banks support the national economy in the wake of COVID-19
Alongside five other Luxembourg banks, Spuerkeess is providing financial support to its professional clients, particularly to those who are facing a lack of...
Banking made easy with the LuxTrust token
Usually, things tend to break or disappear at the most inconvenient time. Which is exactly what happened to Marc during the pandemic: his LuxTrust token has...
Newcomer to Luxembourg? Learn more about how to manage your life in the Grand-Duchy
New job opportunities can equal new challenges, moving abroad being only one of them. Sophie and Marc met Shauna while visiting the USA and they have stayed in...
Need a new car? Get it the easy way with a Lease Plus leasing!
You are an expatriate in Luxembourg and you need a car? Lease Plus is the perfect leasing solution ... not only for expats!
Dividends immune to Covid-19
Since the 2008 financial crisis and the implementation of non-conventional monetary policies around the world, bond yields have fallen significantly. The US...
Lockdown exit at Spuerkeess
Spuerkeess has continued to offer a complete banking service over the whole lockdown period. While temporary restrictions on counter transactions could not be...
School at home – Tutoring at home
Let’s face it; once we have left school, most things we learned about maths or languages are lost if we don’t use these matters in our every day life. This can...
A slow and gradual recovery
Aykut Efe, Economist at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), considers the current economic climate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Spuerkeess Direct branch
Frank Fischer, Head of Spuerkeess Direct, explains the concept of Spuerkeess Direct, the branch available from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm Monday to Friday to carry out...
How to make life easier during the COVID-19 period
As a result of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Marc is working from home and Sophie has taken leave for family reasons in order to take care of their...
Speedinvest withstands headwinds
In an increasingly complex environment, the digital automated investment product Speedinvest has proven to be the ideal investment.
lux|funds: an approach that is proving its worth
Since February, as COVID-19 has rippled across the globe, there has been a widespread sell-off in the financial markets, combined with a literal explosion of...
Serious measures
Aykut Efe, Economist at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), considers the current economic climate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
BCEE Asset Management S.A. becomes a Climate Bonds Partner
LONDON/LUXEMBOURG 19/03/2020: BCEE Asset Management S.A., an independent Luxemburgish asset manager, joins the Climate Bonds Initiative Partners’ Program,...
Reducing volatility in portfolios
The portfolios managed by Spuerkeess under the ActivMandate discretionary management service have proven fairly resistant to the recent high price volatility...
Spuerkeess in 2020
Lisa Wells, Head of Marketing, talks about the “Spuerkeess” brand in 2020: As part of the internal renewing process in recent years, we have worked on...
Mammoth task: how to update documents of a bank
Carole Schwartz and Pierre Reuter from the Spuerkeess Marketing give us a short insight into the internal changes related to the new Corporate Identity (CI).
In the spirit of continuity
Françoise Thoma, Chief Executive Officer of Spuerkeess, talks to us about the Bank’s new communications strategy.
New Corporate Identity (CI) and new brand image campaign for Spuerkeess
Interview with Claude Faber, head of communications in the marketing department, about the procedure for the elaboration of the new Spuerkeess Corporate...
New Corporate Identity (CI) from the perspective of the graphic designer
Raoul Loudvig, head of the “Graphic Design” division inside the Spuerkeess Marketing department, gives us an insight into the graphical design world of...
Financial markets dialogue for the first quarter
Aykut Efe, Economist at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), discusses the economic and financial environment at the start of 2020 and...
Entrepreneurship: addressing future needs through innovation and technology
NEOFACTO has been assisting companies with their digitalisation since 2000 in Luxembourg, navigating its way between the creativity of start-ups and the...
Moving to Luxembourg? A story about living and working in the Grand Duchy as an expat
Simône van Schouwenburg, Head of Expat Services at Spuerkeess gives you a unique insight into the experiences she has made. Advantages, challenges and tips...
Autofestival checklist: buy new or second-hand?
Are you looking for a more spacious car to accommodate your growing family? Or perhaps you’re after a particular model, and want to get a good deal? Whatever...
Best way to save in the New Year
The New Year has long begun but you seem to have forgotten all about your good resolutions? Don't worry! In order to refresh your memory, here are five...
Those New Year’s resolutions start right now
With a new year come new resolutions! But don’t wait too long to make a start on your resolutions where personal finance is concerned. After Christmas and the...
The Luxembourg Real Estate Market: rental investment
Spuerkeess is market leader for residential real estate loans in Luxembourg. We spoke with Michel Zimer, Vice President of Credit Process Management, and asked...
Which real estate website should you choose when looking to rent or buy a property?
Search, visit, purchase, move ... The world of real estate, and especially the search for the right property, is not always easy. This is the reality that...
Digital payments give us greater flexibility. But are there risks?
Let’s be clear from the start: there never has been and never will be zero risk. Digital payments are becoming more practical and secure compared with cash...
Code Club Luxembourg and Spuerkeess united to teach coding to children!
"Helping the future generation to better understand the digital world", such is the motto of Code Club Luxembourg. With this in mind, we met with...
BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management) signs the "Investor statement on deforestation and forest fires in the Amazon"
On 12 September, as part of its commitment to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI), BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset...
Apple Pay: mobile & contactless payment now available
We all have had situations like these: you leave the house in the morning, your thoughts are all over the place. The baby didn’t sleep all night, the dog kept...
Financial markets dialogue for the fourth quarter
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), considers the current economic climate.
Marc wants to invest his savings, what about you?
Over time, Marc has amassed a small amount of money in his savings account. With how interest rates have been developing over the past years, this means that...
The Luxembourg Real Estate Market: current market prices (part II)
The high real estate prices are a direct consequence of the imbalance between supply and demand for housing in our country. But how did this imbalance occur?...
Spuerkeess Code Club: let’s get coding!
Like most kids these days, Sophie’s niece Emma has grown up with mobile phones and ipads. Fully at ease with the new technologies, she’s very interested in all...
OUNI, pioneer of “packaging-free” shopping in Luxembourg
OUNI is an abbreviation for “Organic Unpackaged Natural Ingredients” and means “without” in Luxembourgish. It is the first packaging-free, organic grocery...
Why outsourcing sales is the next “big thing”
Outsourcing sales is becoming more and more popular, especially for startups and small companies that do not have the means to hire their own sales people. SOS...
Keep innovating to move forward!
This is the motto at Supermiro (the personal assistant that handles your free time) and now Helloboss (which takes care of your professional schedule and your...
Responsible Investments: certification for BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management)
Carlo Stronck, Director, and Loïc Chaulacel, Portfolio Manager specialising in responsible investment at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset...
Spuerkeess – your partner for a good start at university
Summer time is over and school is starting again, but this year, you’re up for university, which means new challenges, new responsibilities and new...
wedo.lu – a digital platform for craftsmanship in Luxembourg
Are you considering installing new parquet flooring? Or perhaps you are looking for a caterer for your wedding? wedo.lu can help you find tradespeople and...
Withdraw your foreign currencies at the S-BANK ATMs
Since the introduction of the euro banknotes and coins on 1 January 2002, going on holiday abroad can be a much more spontaneous affair than it was. For most...
A holiday in the sun with Luxair!
“Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take ya, Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama…” Ok, so Sophie and Marc aren’t off to the Jamaica the Beach Boys were singing...
BoJo’s mojo
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments, and Aykut Efe, economist, discuss the election of Boris Johnson after the resignation of Theresa May.
New S-Net features: complete management of your credit cards!
If until now you could already change the limit of your credit cards via the S-Net app, it now allows you to manage even more payment settings!
Financial markets dialogue for the second quarter
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), considers the current economic climate.
Is the Fed aiming for a new soft landing?
After three years spent tightening its monetary policy (from December 2015 to December 2018), the United States Federal Reserve put the process on hold at the...
Eataliano - from Italy with love
Eataliano is the first Online Shop for Italian Specialities in Luxembourg, created and run by Roberto Petrarulo and Tom Zigrand. Their idea is simple -...
One goal: get your dream car. Two solutions: leasing or loan
The difference between owning and leasing a car is solely based on the means to achieve one same goal: to get you your dream car!
Happy birthday S-Net!
This month, the overhauled S-Net mobile app celebrates its fourth birthday! If today, we can no longer imagine a world without mobile phones or applications,...
Understanding residual debt insurance!
You've probably heard of residual debt insurance. But what does it mean and do you need it?
KidsBox is a go!
KidsBox is a new way to consume products using a circular economy approach. Designed for parents and children aged 0 to 6, the service aims to reduce our...
How much can you borrow for a real estate project?
Are you considering a real estate project but don't know if you can afford it? You can find out the sum that you'd need to borrow and how much you...
Master your Business Intelligence system & erase IT debt to shape the future
Our software openAudit is a solution for managing decision-making data flows, in order to massively simplify systems and tackle the most stringent regulatory...
Debit and credit cards: what exactly is the difference?
Why are there different payment cards? Can some do more than others? When and how do you get these payment cards?
Elegant shoes that don't leave a footprint
This is 21st century style according to BLANLAC, a Luxembourg start-up that draws on Italian excellence to combine quality, beauty, craftsmanship, sustainable...
4 tips on how to avoid going broke when moving away from home
Perhaps you're leaving home to go to university, move in with your partner or simply because it's time. Congratulations! From now on, you can deck...
Financial markets dialogue for the second quarter
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), discusses current financial market news.
Pay with a smartwatch!
Ever since Sophie got pregnant, Marc has started cooking larger meals for his darling, and for himself as well. As a result, it's hard to tell which one...
It's time for the tax return!
At the beginning of February, Sophie’s parents received a letter from the Luxembourg Direct Tax Authority (Administration des Contributions Directes, ACD),...
Ruth Gallery, a trendy art gallery
Ruth Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that aims to showcase different cultures from all over the world. Having presented the pop art universe a few months...
Civil union (PACS) and inheritance: how does it work?
Isn’t love wonderful! We fall in love and enter into a civil partnership but what happens if one of the partners dies? Here’s all you need to know!
Saving for your children: what makes the most sense?
Sophie and Marc are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter Lily! While the couple is on cloud nine, they already have quite a few questions about...
The importance of giving children pocket money
It’s difficult to know how much pocket money to give to children. But one thing is for sure: managing a budget will help them learn the value of money and...
Nyuko: fostering entrepreneurial spirit
Nyuko, a challenger of ideas, is repositioning and has signed a partnership with Spuerkeess. This will enable nyuko to supervise project leaders even better...
Annual statement: benefit from tax adjustment!
Are you entitled to a tax refund? Discover if your situation calls for an annual statement!
Employability: a skill to acquire!
We tend to forget that recruiting works in both directions. Both the employee and the employer choose to work together, and it's important that both...
Financial markets dialogue for the first quarter 2019
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), discusses current financial market news.
Loan or leasing: find your answer!
You want a new car but without taking a loan? We have different options - choose yours!
On the road in an oldtimer – a real pleasure drive!
Close your eyes. You are driving along winding roads under the hot Tuscan sun in an Aston Martin DB5. OK. So you're not James Bond, but you're...
Spotlight on Japan's economy and businesses
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), takes a look at economic trends in Japan and the challenges the...
Real estate loan: what rate should you choose?
You've found your dream house, and all you have to do now is take out a housing loan with your bank. You're wondering whether to go for a fixed or...
BREXIT – What’s next?
On Tuesday15 January, the UK Parliament is to express its final position on the adoption or rejection of the new withdrawal agreement negotiated between Prime...
Expertise. Stability. Reliability.
In light of the recent economic environment and the arrival of MiFID II, which further regulates investment advice and portfolio management, clients have...
Investment - a timeless gift for yourself
This year, treat yourself to a gift that will keep on giving!
Car leasing: 3 advantages you should know!
Lease Plus makes your life easier! Consider these 3 reasons why you should lease your car.
Alternative Saving: the advantages you should know about
Considering transparent and socially responsible investment? Ekkehart Schmidt, public relations officer at etika – Initiativ fir Alternativ Finanzéierung asbl,...
Leasing vs buying a car: no more misconceptions!
“Who in their right mind would want to lease a car?”, “It’s more expensive than buying and you don’t even own the car”, “There are always hidden costs”, “It’s...
Leasing, a modern trend
The Garage Schmitz in Mersch has been a BMW dealership since 1968. Since its takeover by the Cloppenburg group in May 2008, it has evolved considerably in...
Baby on board! Time for a practical and spacious car.
Dear readers, Sophie and Marc have reached an important milestone: our favourite couple are expecting a baby! Becoming parents brings with it a lot of joy, but...
Understanding the tax benefits of a rental investment
Whether it is to live in or rent out, buying a property also offers a number of tax benefits as set by law. In order to help you better understand these...
Enjoy your independence with the Axxess Study package
Are you between 18 and 30? Are you going to school, to university or hoping to do an apprenticeship? Take advantage of your student life without hassle or bank...
Buy to let: a good idea?
You've decided to invest in real estate? Congratulations! Investing in bricks and mortar remains an interesting bet when preparing your retirement. It...
Financial markets dialogue for the fourth quarter
Marc Fohr, Head of Investments at BCEE Asset Management (now Spuerkeess Asset Management), discusses the financial markets.
Spuerkeess joins the InnovFin programme
Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat, Luxembourg (Spuerkeess) has announced it is taking part in the “InnovFin” programme, with a budget of 40 million euros....
Economic health not endangered despite buffeting markets
Global equities markets fell significantly in early October. They have remained very volatile since then. In fact, this phenomenon raises very serious investor...
Furniture Festival: take advantage of the Prêt Plus special rate
Autumn started today and you have probably already noticed the fresh autumn colors in all the furniture shops. This is the perfect time to check on the...
Financial tips for twenty-year-olds: here's what you need to know
First time at university, first job, first salary, first flat... and the list goes on! Life in your twenties is exciting. Everything is new and there is a...
Pizza, tennis and film nights: reasons to keep an expense journal
It's the end of the month: Sophie and her friends are meeting for a cocktail at their favourite bar. Expenses come up in conversation and everyone wonders...
How to manage your finances as a couple
Now that Sophie and Marc are civil partners, they decided to open a joint current account in order to tackle everyday expenses. Note, everyday expenses relate...
The civil union ("PACS"): an alternative to marriage
One fine summer day, Sophie and Marc met in the hallway of the company they worked in. Their eyes met and very quickly, their friendship turned into love......
An “open space” concept for Spuerkeess branches!
In a society marked by digitalisation, consumers’ behaviour and their expectations regarding retail outlets have changed considerably. This trend is affecting...
"Spuerbéchs": a childhood memory!
You can't think about School Savings Day ("Fêtes de l'Epargne Scolaire") without also remembering the "Spuerbéchs"! Most of us...
Checklist for a stress-free holiday
You're going on holiday? Great, make sure to read our little checklist before you take that plane!
Rewarding environmentally friendly projects!
In case you haven't noticed, it's cold outside! Out with the summer jackets and in with the scarves and overcoats! This is also usually the time when...
Smart investing: our tips
Discover how you can take advantage of the financial markets by investing small amounts, starting from age 18!
Luxembourg’s Real Estate Market: Spuerkeess’s added value (part III)
Spuerkeess is aware that the ongoing price increases put pressure on customers who want to purchase real estate, whether for their own needs or as a rental...
Schoulspuerfester, a tradition born at Spuerkeess
It all began with the Spuerkeess’ statutory mission of promoting saving in all its forms within the population of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. As a result,...
MIA: Track your budget. Live smarter.
Next year, Sophie and Marc are planning to go on holiday to Japan. This will be quite an expensive trip, and the young couple will have to plan their expenses...
Improve customer experience through new technologies
As the leading bank in the Luxembourg financial market, Spuerkeess has launched MIA, a personal financial management (PFM) tool, free of charge, destined to...
Bitcoin: bubble, trend, new currency or pyramid?
Beyond its financial aspect, the bitcoin has become a social issue. Not a day goes by without the topic being discussed, for better or for worse, by a variety...
The home loan in three main steps
A few weeks ago, you took a trip with your family to the countryside and came across a magnificent little house for sale. Since then, nobody can stop talking...
BHW: Save today and build tomorrow
Now that Sophie and Mark are in a civil partnership, they are thinking more and more about building a house. Sophie already sees herself planting roses in her...
The State Guarantee: a helping hand for young people
If you have just finished your studies or started your professional life, you are probably not thinking about saving money. And even less about saving to buy a...
The savings account, offer a different present
Sophie's niece Emma is too old now for the traditional Easter egg hunt. Instead, she prefers reading her anatomy books because one day, she wants to be a...
Spuerkeess has launched its blog
In need of tips or advice on financial matters? Well then, you might like our new blog! Luc Sinner, Deputy Head of Business Unit Marketing at Spuerkeess told...
MiFID II: added value for the customer
The European Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) entered into force on 3 January 2018. Claude Hirtzig, Head of Department and Senior Vice...
What is the best way to save for your children?
When you become a parent, you worry about the well-being of your children. This is also true for their finances! By putting away a sum you are giving them an...
The importance of innovative design in the banking sector
Spuerkeess recently redesigned the desktop and mobile versions of its S-Net. The modern and innovative design created by the communications agency Apart won a...
Buy first and sell second
Charles Pletsch, deputy head of Spuerkeess’s Coordination du Réseau des Agences, talks about the bridge loan, a short-term loan that can ease the transition...
Electric cars, classic or plug-in hybrids
Electric cars, classic or plug-in hybrids: what is the real demand for this type of vehicle and what role do the tax rebates play in this context? During the...
