The Dutch government attempts to base its social policy on a life course perspective, and it promotes such a perspective in Europe. This has led to the introduction of a Life Course Saving Scheme (starting in 2006), which aims to enable good management of the 'peak hour' of life and to facilitate transitions between and combinations of the activities of working, caring and learning. This important and ambitious policy can be seen as a pioneering example for European countries, however, the present realisation is not sufficient according to research and problems to deal with. This article examines (1) whether the Dutch government's life course policy is based on a sound scientific basis and (2) whether the new Life Course Saving Scheme can realise the policy aims as formulated.