Strean Blog — Plain-language investing for Europeans
Short, honest articles for beginners and expats. No jargon, no sponsored content.
Altersvorsorgedepot for Expats (2027): Eligibility, and What Happens If You Leave Germany
The Altersvorsorgedepot explained for expats in English: who is eligible (it's about employment, not citizenship), and exactly what happens to your subsidies and capital if you leave Germany — for the EU/EEA and for third countries.
2026-08-29
Returns by Year: What Stocks, Gold, Bonds & Co. Really Delivered 2021–2025
An honest look at yearly returns from 2021 to 2025 — equity ETF, gold, real estate, bonds, cash and crypto. Why these numbers differ from the averages on our asset cards, and what the 'bad year' 2022 teaches.
2026-08-15
Gold ETF vs Gold ETC: Why the Real Gold ETF Doesn't Exist — and How the Tax Rule Works
In Germany you can't buy a true gold ETF — only gold ETCs. The difference decides your tax: gains on the right gold ETC are tax-free after one year. Explained clearly and independently.
2026-08-11
How Safe Is Your Money in an ETF? The Real Risks — and the Imagined Ones
Can you lose everything in an ETF? We separate the risks that are already handled by design from the real ones — and the rare worst-case scenarios.
2026-07-21
Why are almost all ETFs Irish (IE)? — and does it matter for you?
Noticed that nearly every ETF's ISIN starts with IE — Ireland? There's a tax reason behind it. We explain it simply — and why you usually don't need to do anything about it.
2026-06-16
Why can't I buy US ETFs like VOO as a European — and what do I buy instead?
You tried to buy a well-known US ETF like VOO or VTI and your broker blocked the order? That's down to an EU rule called PRIIPs. Here's why — and which UCITS ETFs to buy instead.
2026-06-15
Altersvorsorgedepot Explained in English (2027): Germany's New Pension, and Is It Right for You?
The Altersvorsorgedepot explained in plain English: from 2027 it replaces Germany's Riester pension. How the state subsidy works, the risks, inheritance rules, and who it actually makes sense for — clear and independent.
2026-06-10
Investing for Your Kids: 529 vs Custodial Accounts, Explained Honestly
Investing for a child uses the most powerful force there is — time. Here's an honest look at 529 plans vs custodial (UTMA/UGMA) accounts: the tax perks, who controls the money, and what happens when your child grows up.
2026-06-06
Savings Account or ETF? It's Not a Competition — They're Two Tools
Most people ask whether a savings account or an ETF is 'better.' That's the wrong question. The right one is: when will I need this money? Here's the honest framing, no sales pitch.
2026-06-06
Dollar-Cost Averaging: The Myth, the Math, and What Actually Applies to You
Everyone repeats that dollar-cost averaging lowers your risk. The data says something more nuanced — and most people are arguing about a choice they don't even have. Here's the honest version.
2026-06-05
Accumulating vs Distributing ETFs: Which Type Fits You?
Accumulating ETFs reinvest your dividends automatically; distributing ETFs pay them out. Here's how to choose between them — and why it matters less than you might think.
2026-06-04
Thematic ETFs: What the Hype Gets Right — and What It Quietly Costs You
AI, crypto, robotics — thematic ETFs are everywhere in 2026. Here's an honest look at what they get right, the risks the marketing skips, and where they actually fit in a portfolio.
2026-06-04
ETF Savings Plan: How Much to Invest — and When It Really Pays Off
How much should you invest monthly in an ETF savings plan, and when does compounding actually start to matter? An honest breakdown with real numbers — no broker ads.
2026-06-02
Sector ETFs: when betting on an industry makes sense — and when it doesn't
Tech, Healthcare, Clean Energy, Defence and ESG funds as sector ETFs explained. Real UCITS tickers, honest risk warnings, ethical caveats. Educational content for European investors.
2026-05-31
ETF Taxes in Germany: Simpler Than You Think
If you invest in ETFs through a German broker, taxes are almost always handled automatically — and €1,000 per year stays tax-free thanks to the Sparerpauschbetrag. Here is how the German ETF tax system actually works, in plain English.
2026-05-28
VWCE or IWDA — Which One Should You Pick?
VWCE and IWDA are Europe's two most popular global ETFs. The key difference: VWCE includes emerging markets, IWDA stays in developed markets only. An honest comparison — without hidden preferences.
2026-05-28
What UCITS Is — and Why It Matters More Than You Think
UCITS is the EU stamp of quality for investment funds — it protects your money through strict rules. For beginners, it's the clearest sign that an ETF is legitimate. Explained simply.
2026-05-28