OSIGURAJ SE Radojka Hainski

Guest Radojka HajinskiHosted by Marijana MatkovićMay 3, 2026

Radojka Hajinski

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

The future of state pensions across Europe, and particularly in Croatia, faces a stark reality: an aging population, declining birth rates, and emigration are steadily eroding the system's sustainability. With the ratio of retirees to employees now at 1:1.25, and the average pension covering just 58.5% of the average salary after forty years, the question is no longer if the system will be strained, but how individuals will prepare. Radojka Hajinski, the CEO of Croatia osiguranje dobrovoljno mirovinsko društvo, navigates this complex landscape, managing seven voluntary pension funds designed to bridge that looming gap. She argues that proactive, personal savings are not just a supplement, but a critical necessity for a dignified retirement. Hajinski also highlights a lesser-known benefit for businesses: voluntary pension savings are a tax-recognized expense, making them a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent. This conversation isn't just about financial products; it's about confronting a demographic challenge head-on and understanding the concrete steps individuals and employers can take to secure their future.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

When the ratio of retirees to employees in Croatia hits 1:1.25, the math no longer supports the promise of a comfortable state pension. This stark number reveals that your future income isn't just a state problem; it's a personal responsibility you start building today.

The average net pension in Croatia sits at just 58.5% of the average salary after forty years of work. The number itself is a warning: your lifestyle doesn't shrink on day one of retirement, but your income will if you rely only on the first two pillars.

Mandatory pension funds are automatic or assigned by the state; the third pillar, however, is 'absolutely and exclusively up to the individual.' If you want a retirement beyond the bare minimum, you must take the first step yourself.

Many people, the guest notes, need someone to 'tell them all the details' and 'push them' to understand voluntary pension funds, especially regarding payouts. When the decision spans decades, a clear conversation often beats any online calculator.

If the washing machine breaks, 'you can temporarily stop paying,' the guest says. This flexibility, the ability to pause contributions without losing returns, is what makes long-term voluntary savings viable for people living paycheck to paycheck.

The best way to ensure consistent savings, the guest suggests, is to 'set up standing orders in banks to make personal deductions from salaries.' Remove the monthly decision, and you remove the temptation to spend, turning small sums into significant future assets.

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