Pensions

Now is a great time to get started with your pension

Putting a little aside today could help you live an active and productive retirement tomorrow.

Choice – There is more than one way to enjoy your retirement and there is more than one type of pension. We will help you choose the one that is right for you.

Control – You can decide how your pension is invested. After all, it’s your money.

Flexibility – With tax relief, employer contributions and optional lump sum payments, you may be able to save more than you think.

What is a pension?

A pension is a long-term savings plan that helps you save for your future.

Unlike a regular savings account, money invested in your pension can earn important tax breaks. And when you retire and look for access to your fund, the benefits can be available in a tax efficient way.

Why take out a pension?

These days we are living longer than previous generations. In fact, most of us can now look forward to 20 or even 30 years of retirement.

A pension can help you plan for these years – whether you want to retire to the country, travel, or spend time with your grandchildren.

The State Pension (Contributory) may not be enough

Ireland’s State Pension (Contributory) stands at about €230 per week, less than half the current average industrial weekly wage. While the State Pension (Contributory) can help you get by, it may not be enough to allow you to live the active retirement that you want.

Finding the right pension

Regardless of your employment status, we can help you choose the type of pension that works for you.

What your pension will be worth?

The value of your pension at retirement depends on how much you can afford to put away each month, the length of time you are making contributions, the type of pension plan you select and the investment return. One thing we know is that the sooner you start a pension, the bigger it should grow.

Pension tools

Start planning for your future with our handy tools.

Choosing a pension

Whether you are self-employed, an employer or an employee, an experienced investor or a novice, we have many pension options to choose from.

Personal pensions

A pension to match your lifestyle:

  • Personal Pension – If you are self-employed, or if your employer does not offer an occupational pension.
  • PRSA Pension – A simple flexible pension which you can take out, regardless of your employment status.
  • Retirement Bond – A retirement bond that lets you take your pension entitlements with you when changing jobs, without having to transfer to your new employer’s scheme.

PRSA

A PRSA (Personal Retirement Savings Account) is a personally owned pension that lets you save for retirement on your own terms.

  • It’s flexible – you can contribute to it whenever you want and stop making contributions at any time.
  • It’s portable – so you can take it with you If you move jobs, or opt for a career break.

Personal Retirement Bond (PRB)

A Personal Retirement Bond allows you to bring your pension benefits with you, if you leave a pension scheme.

  • It’s flexible – You have control over your pension plan and how it is invested.
  • It’s tax-efficient – That’s because any growth on your investment is tax-free.

Executive pension

Executive Pension – A pension designed for company directors and owners.

AVCs – Additional (and optional) payments to an existing pension scheme, to build up an additional retirement fund.

Self-Directed

Pensions that let you manage your investment:
Self directed pension – Suitable for experienced investors who wish to manage their pension fund investments themselves.

AVCs

Additional Voluntary Contributions, or AVCs, are extra contributions you can make in addition to your existing company pension.

  • AVCs give you the opportunity to grow your pension ahead of retirement, on your own terms.
  • They’re tax efficient – You can claim tax relief against AVCs, subject to revenue limits.

Company Pension Plans

Providing your employees with access to a Company Pension scheme is essential if they are to enjoy a comfortable life in retirement.

Company Pensions are essential for employees

A Company Pension – sometimes referred to as a DC Pension or Occupational Pension is a pension plan provided by an employer for its employees.

It is a tax efficient way for you to help ensure your employees are financially secure in retirement as it offers employees the opportunity to avail of tax-reliefs against contributions.

We offer defined contribution (DC) company pensions – Trust Based, Contract Based (PRSA) or a combination.

Benefits for Employers and Employees

As an employer, providing a Company Pension Plan to your employees will help attract new staff and retain existing employees.
We will play an active role in engaging your employees so they are involved in their retirement planning, and therefore recognise the value of your company’s investment in them.

PRSA and Group Pensions

Many Group Pensions are trust based arrangements. A Group PRSA (Personal Retirement Savings Account) is different from a Group Pension because Group PRSAs are individually-owned contracts.

You and your employers can avail of tax-reliefs against contributions and the pension plan does not require trustees. With our advise we help you to select the best of both PRSAs and Company Pension Plans for your employees, depending on their needs.

Planning your retirement

There are lots of factors to consider before you start planning your retirement. It’s a very special time and the decisions you make now can make all the difference to your lifestyle in retirement. With the right information, you should be in full control of when and how you take your money. Because there are a number of pension options available to you, deciding what’s best for you can be difficult. So when you’re choosing your retirement option, having all the information you need is key. We’re here to help you understand your options

  • Tax free Lump sum ,
  • Annuity,
  • Approved Retirement Fund, and will guide you as you take the next steps in planning your financial future.