Who Are Husák's Children?
The term "Husák's children" refers to a generation born in former Czechoslovakia during the 1970s and early 1980s, named after communist leader Gustáv Husák. This was a period of pro-natalist policies that resulted in an unusually large generation.
Key dates: Born roughly 1971-1985, currently aged 40-54.
"We worked hard all our lives, raised children, and now we're finding out that retirement might not exist for us."
Why This Generation Faces a Unique Crisis
1. Demographics Work Against Them
According to statistical offices:
- In 1990: 4.5 workers per 1 pensioner
- In 2024: 2.1 workers per 1 pensioner
- In 2050: 1.3 workers per 1 pensioner (projected)
When Husák's children retire (2035-2050), there simply won't be enough workers to fund their pensions.
2. They've Paid the Most Into the System
This generation experienced:
- Privatization chaos of the 90s
- Multiple economic crises
- Rising social contribution rates
They paid into a system designed for a different demographic reality.
3. Property Is Their Main Asset
Many Husák's children:
- Bought apartments in the 90s/2000s when prices were lower
- Already paid off mortgages
- Own property worth €100,000-300,000
But this wealth is "frozen" — you can't eat your apartment.
What the Numbers Say
| Factor | Today | When You Retire (2040) |
|---|---|---|
| Average pension | ~€500-600 | ~€550-700 (inflation adjusted) |
| Average apartment price | €180,000 | €300,000+ (projected) |
| Pension as % of wage | 45% | 35-40% (projected) |
| Living costs | €900/month | €1,400/month (projected) |
Gap: Expected pension €600 vs. costs €1,400 = monthly shortfall of €800.
Three Paths Forward
Path 1: Trust the State
Continue paying into the system and hope the state will take care of it.
Reality: State debt is growing, dependency ratio worsening, politicians postponing reforms. This is the riskiest option.
Path 2: Self-Insurance
Additional pension savings, investments, ETFs, private pension funds.
Reality: Works if you have €300-500/month extra to invest. Many don't.
Path 3: Unlock Property Value
Use your biggest asset — your apartment — to supplement retirement income.
Reality: If you own property worth €180,000, you're sitting on unused capital.
HomeGrif: Third Path in Practice
Example: Mrs. Svobodová (58)
- Owns 3-bedroom apartment in the capital, value €200,000
- Paid off mortgage in 2020
- Expected pension: €550
- Expected costs: €1,200
With HomeGrif:
- Signs contract at age 65
- Receives monthly rent €950 on top of pension
- Total income: €1,500/month
- Lives in her home until death
Why Not Just Sell?
Common question: "Why don't you just sell and rent?"
Answer:
- Rent for same apartment: €700-900/month
- After 15-20 years, you've paid back the sale price in rent
- You lose your home, memories, security
- Risk of rent increases, eviction
With HomeGrif, you don't pay rent and stay home.
What You Can Do Today
- Calculate: How much pension can you expect? How much will you need?
- Audit: What assets do you have? (property, savings, investments)
- Plan: How will you cover the gap between income and costs?
- Explore: Use our calculator to see what your property could provide
It's not too late. Husák's children have a unique advantage — they own valuable properties. The key is knowing how to use this asset wisely.