One of the most valuable financial tools available in Ireland.
For most people:
Contributions get made.
Statements arrive.
The value goes up and down.
Now what?
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Am I contributing enough?
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How much will I actually need?
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When could I afford to retire?
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Am I using the right pension structure?
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Am I getting the full benefit of available tax reliefs?
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Is my pension invested appropriately?
The challenge isn't opening a pension.
It's knowing whether the current plan is the right one.
A pension is often one of the most tax-efficient ways to build long-term wealth in Ireland. But the benefits depend on getting the structure right.
That includes:
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How contributions are made
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Who makes them
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How the money is invested
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and what charges you're paying
Small decisions made consistently over time can have significant impact on the outcome.
Are you putting enough away to achieve your goals?
Are you using the most appropriate pension structure for your circumstances?
Is your pension invested in a way that reflects your goals, timeline and attitude to risk?
High fees can quietly reduce long-term outcomes.
We review existing arrangements and look for opportunities to improve value and reduce unnecessary costs.
Understanding how much is enough, when work becomes optional and what retirement could realistically look like.
As a fee-based advisory firm, we're paid for advice rather than product sales.
That means pension recommendations are based on what makes sense for your situation.
Not what pays the highest commission.
Q: What is the best pension for a business owner in Ireland?
The right pension structure depends on your company setup and personal circumstances. Executive Pensions (also called Company Pensions) are often the most tax-efficient option for company directors, allowing both personal and employer contributions. We review your situation and recommend the most appropriate structure.
Q: How much should I be contributing to my pension?
The right contribution level depends on your age, income, existing pension value, and the retirement income you want. We model this specifically for your situation rather than applying a general rule of thumb.
Q: What tax relief is available on pension contributions in Ireland?
Pension contributions qualify for income tax relief at your marginal rate — up to 40% for higher earners. Employer contributions through a company pension also qualify for corporation tax relief. The combination makes pensions one of the most tax-efficient structures available in Ireland.
Q: What is an Executive Pension and is it right for me?
An Executive Pension is a company-sponsored plan that allows a business to make contributions on behalf of a director or employee. It typically allows higher contributions than a personal pension and is one of the most common structures we recommend to company directors.
Q: How do I know if my current pension is performing well?
Performance alone is only part of the picture. We review contributions, charges, investment strategy and whether the structure is still appropriate — not just the headline return figure.
Q: What are pension charges and why do they matter?
Pension charges — including fund management fees, policy fees and adviser fees — reduce your long-term outcome. A difference of 0.5% annually compounds significantly over 20 years. We review existing arrangements and identify where charges can be reduced.
Q: Can I transfer my pension to a different provider?
In most cases, yes. We review whether a transfer is beneficial, taking into account exit penalties, the quality of investment options and charges at the new provider.
Q: When can I access my pension in Ireland?
The normal minimum retirement age is currently 60, though this is rising to 62. Some schemes allow earlier access from 50 with certain conditions. We factor retirement timing into your overall financial plan.
For a confidential phone call, book some time to talk to Dave, Enda or Liam.
We don't work on commission and will never push a product onto you.