Approaching Retirement

Approaching retirement involves crucial steps to ensure financial preparedness. Explore options like downsizing and delaying retirement to align with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Getting a quote is the first step in your journey! Answer a few questions and wait for one of our Advisors to contact you!

When can I retire?

If you set up a retirement plan while self-employed or with an employer who didn’t contribute to your pension, you have a Personal Pension. The value and regulations of this pension will determine your retirement benefits.

If you were employed and participated in a pension scheme where your employer made contributions, you have a Company Pension. This could be a Defined Contribution (DC) pension, a Defined Benefit (DB) pension, or an Executive Pension Plan. If you choose to boost your company pension by making additional voluntary contributions, you have an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) pension.

Alternatively, you may have a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA), which is available to various individuals including employees, self-employed individuals, homemakers, the unemployed, and others. If you left an employer and transferred your pension fund to an independent pension account, you have a Retirement Bond.

LowQuotes.ie
4.9
Based on 1534 reviews
Helena D.
Helena D.
Very helpful explained everything really well
Sarah D.
Sarah D.
Seamus is one in a million, he went way above and beyond to help us we struggled with getting mortgage protection and he put both of us at ease every time we got anxious his bubbley personality, humour and honesty made our journey a joy ,thank you again Seamus your amazing at your job 🎉🙏
Geraldine M.
Geraldine M.
Thanks Aoife for taking the time and advice of best policy to take out
J M
J M
I had the pleasure of dealing with Alan Broderick who supported me with finding the best rates for my few policies and plans and I even ended up switching. Not only was this guy professional, he was also very easy going, empathic, and just had a very good understanding of how to support me with the best advice and products for my hard earned little money. This is rare in today's world of ever rising costs! And despite my annoying phone calls and never ending questions, he still remained patient and helpful.If you're looking for an advisor who is driven and knows his stuff, then look no further. I would highly recommend this gem. Thank you Alan for all your help.Joyce M - Dublin
isobel lawlor (.
isobel lawlor (.
We found Colin to be friendly, easy to deal with and very imformative.He explained every thing clearly and made sure we went with a policy that suited our needs.Would highly recommend
Elena A.
Elena A.
As first time buyers,we choose LowQuotes for our mortgage and life insurance and we are very happy that we did ,because from the very begining until the end Aoife Morgan guide and help us to choose the best offer for us .She help us with everything and answear to our questions in a very friendly and profesional way.We highly recomend her to help you on your way.
Kelley M.
Kelley M.
I highly recommend! Rebecca was fantastic, so kind and easy to talk to. She made the process easy and explained everything to me clearly. It was easy to get in touch when needed and Rebecca was so professional with returning calls etc ! Thank you so much
Debby S.
Debby S.
Rebecca Sharpe was excellent to communicate with. She explained the purpose and process of acquiring life insurance (as part of a mortgage application) so well. She was honest and helpful in answering all my questions. She was very knowledgeable and gave a range of options so I could get the most appropriate package for my personal situation. I would highly recommend her and LowQuotes as a result. Thanks!
Carmel S.
Carmel S.
Had great help from ColinSet up my life insuranceEasy no hassleThanks again
Response from the owner: Hey Carmel,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Colin. It’s great to know he made setting up your life insurance easy and hassle-free! We always aim to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us.If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Michael M.
Michael M.
Rebecca has been dealing with us over the past few days. Professional, friendly and Genuine are words that come to mind when describing the customer experience. Very helpful throughout and would recommend this company going forward due to Rebecca's help.
Response from the owner: Hey Michael,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Rebecca. It’s great to know she was professional, friendly, and genuine throughout the process, and that her support made such a strong impression.We aim to make every interaction helpful and straightforward, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Stephen D.
Stephen D.
I've been dealing with Seamus who helped me. Have to say, his professionalism, patience and his knowledge was fantastic, such an easy guy to talk to. Ended up going through Seamus and id absolutely recommend him. I hope this review gets to his manager, great guy! Thanks Seamus
Response from the owner: Hey Stephen,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Seamus. It’s great to know he was able to guide you through the process with such professionalism, patience, and knowledge. We’re thrilled to hear how easy he made everything for you, we’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to him!We aim to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Shauna D
Shauna D
Had a very positive experience speaking with Rebecca Sharpe today, she was very helpful in discussing my options and made sure I understood the policy that I was getting and was very patient in answering any questions that I had. Highly recommend this service.
Response from the owner: Hey Shauna,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Rebecca Sharpe. It’s great to know she took the time to explain your options clearly, ensure you fully understood your policy, and answer all your questions with patience and care.We aim to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
John A.
John A.
Highly Recommend, Dealing with Rebecca was fantastic.
Response from the owner: Hey John,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Rebecca. It’s great to know she was able to explain everything clearly and make the process smooth for you. We aim to make every step as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us!If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Aisling K.
Aisling K.
Really happy with the service I received. Shaun was extremely helpful during this process as it can be fairly confusing. He made everything a much simpler process.
Response from the owner: Hey Aisling,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Shaun. It’s great to know he was able to make the process clear and straightforward for you, especially when things can feel a bit confusing at first.We aim to make everything as simple and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Philip C.
Philip C.
We had the pleasure of dealing with Rebecca Sharpe who went above and beyond to accommodate us ensuring we understood all the policy benifits and calling us at a convenient time to allow us time to discuss which policy suited us best. Thanks Rebecca.
Response from the owner: Hey Philip,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Rebecca Sharpe. It’s great to know she went above and beyond to ensure you fully understood all the policy benefits and took the time to accommodate your schedule.We aim to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Agnes C.
Agnes C.
Very positive experience with low quotes. Isabel in particular is fantastic to deal with.
Response from the owner: Hey Agnes,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Isabel. It’s great to know she made the process smooth and straightforward for you. We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great experience with our team!We aim to make everything as simple and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Sophie P.
Sophie P.
Had my consultation with colin bailey on the phone and have to say he was amazing with everything, literaly spent an hour out of hes time explanining everything to me in detail to help leave my children set for life if anything were to happen to me, would highly recommend the company
Response from the owner: Hey Sophie,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Colin Bailey. It’s great to know he took the time to explain everything in detail and help you feel confident about protecting your children’s future. We aim to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
graham D.
graham D.
From the initial application on line to dealing with Rebecca Sharpe on the phone, was seamless. She made applying and understanding the policy an easy transition, thanks for your help Rebecca very much appreciated.
Response from the owner: Hey Graham,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Rebecca Sharpe. It’s great to know she was able to explain everything clearly and make the process seamless for your policy application. We aim to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
js_loader

What are the steps to get ready for retirement?

1. Reassess your Goals

Take time to review and refine your retirement goals. Consider the lifestyle you desire during retirement and adjust your financial plan accordingly. Set new savings targets based on your anticipated income needs.

2. Boost contributions 

As you approach retirement age, ensure your pension contributions are sufficient for a financially secure retirement. Consider increasing contributions, including Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), to maximize savings potential and take advantage of potential tax benefits.

3. Review Investments

Adjust your investment strategy as retirement nears. Shift towards more conservative investments to protect your savings from market volatility and ensure a stable income during retirement. Seek advice from a financial advisor to optimize your portfolio.

4. Track down old Pensions

Don’t overlook old pension accounts from past employment. Conduct pension tracing to locate forgotten accounts, potentially consolidating them to boost your retirement savings and simplify your financial situation.

5. Create a Mortgage Strategy

Consider strategies such as refinancing for lower rates, paying off the mortgage, or redirecting funds towards pension contributions. Choose the approach that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances to reduce post-retirement expenses and enhance financial security.

6. Consider Downsizing

Downsizing your home presents financial advantages, including proceeds from selling your current property, lower housing costs, reduced utility expenses, and decreased maintenance burdens, enabling you to redirect funds towards retirement savings and potentially minimize retirement expenses.

Start a Retirement Planning today to have the future of your dreams!

Planning for retirement is a significant milestone. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or are already well into your retirement journey, this guide will help you make informed decisions and create a retirement plan that aligns with your financial goals. And it’s totally FREE! Don’t wait, download now!

Your journey towards financial freedom starts here!

After you download your guide, one of our expert Financial Advisors will be in touch shortly to provide you with guidance and further relevant information to build you a customised retirement plan.

What are my options at retirement?

You will have various options when you retire, and, subject to specific guidelines from Revenue, you can potentially combine these options. The range of choices accessible to you upon retirement is contingent upon the type of pension you hold. There are four main options available to you:

  1. Take a tax-free retirement lump sum (subject to a lifetime limit of €200,000)
  2. Take a taxed retirement lump sum
  3. Invest in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)
  4. Buy an Annuity

How the tax-free lump sum work

First €200,000

Tax Free Lump Sum

Next €300,000

Subject to standard rate income tax

Any other Lump Sums

Subject to higher rate income tax

What is an ARF?

An Approved Retirement Fund is a personal investment account into which an individual can (in certain circumstances) transfer part of their retirement fund, instead of using those funds to buy an annuity or take it as a taxable lump sum. The balance of an ARF on death is paid to the holder’s estate.

The ARF owner can withdraw funds from the ARF whenever required. There is no maximum rate of draw down from an ARF. An individual can withdraw the full balance in an ARF at any time.

Any withdrawal made during the lifetime of the ARF holder is subject to income tax under PAYE, USC and Class S PRSI (if under 66)

ARF Offers:

  1. Tax-free investment returns.
  2. Option of lower annual taxable withdrawals.
  3. Ability to pass the balance of the ARF to a spouse’s ARF without any immediate tax charge.

What is Annuity?

An annuity is a single premium insurance policy where, in return for a lump sum payment, the selected life insurance company guarantees to pay a specified level of regular income for entire life of the individual insured by the policy.

A single life annuity ceases on the death of that individual, apart from outstanding payments under the guarantee period (if applicable).

An annuity can provide a continuing payment of part or all of the annuity to a nominated person, typically a spouse, following the individual’s death; this is called a joint life annuity or an annuity with a reversion, i.e. part or all of the annuity ‘reverts’ to another individual following the death of the individual who took out the annuity.

E.g. James is now 65 years old and a RAC fund of €200,000. Taking €50,000 lump sum, purchasing an annuity for €150,000. This guarantees €6000 for the rest of his life, with a guarantee of 5 years. If James dies 3 years later, €6000 per year will be paid to James’ estate for two years. Or pay the outstanding to his estate.

Meet our Team of Expert Advisors

Would you like to speak to an advisor?

Our award winning team is always here to help you.

Your Questions Answered

We’re living longer than previous generations. Upon retirement, on average we will have 20-30 years of retirement. A pension plan will make sure you’re financially sound for these years. Whether you wish to travel, retire to the country, or spend time with your children & grandchildren.

The amount you will receive per month entirely depends on how much you’re willing to pay per month, the length of time you’ve been making contributions, the type of pension plan and its investment return. You can also choose to receive a lump sum upon retirement or not.

As of today, the State Contributory Pension is about €240 per week. For most people, during their 20-30 years of retirement, this simply isn’t enough. When you pay into a pension plan, you will receive both the state pension (If available to you) and your Pension Plan.

Tax relief reduces the actual cost of your pension. You do not have to pay tax on money that you put into a personal pension (This falls within the limits set out below). This is calculated at the highest rate of tax you pay (Currently 20% / 40%)

Example:
Monthly contribution = €100
Tax Relief (40%) = €40
Cost to you = €60

Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance.      

Warning: The value of your investment may go down and up.      

Warning: If you invest in this product, you will not have any access to your money until you retire.   

Warning: If you invest in this product, you may lose some or all of your investment.     

Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. 

We’re proud to have been featured in Ireland’s leading media outlets, sharing insights on insurance, mortgages, and financial planning.

As seen on

You may also be interested in...

Follow us on Social Media

For press, marketing, or partnership enquiries, please reach out to our Media & PR team.

Career at LowQuotes

Here at LowQuotes, we want to ensure that our clients receive the highest standard of service.  If you have a passion for connecting with people and aspire to thrive in a culture built on trust, dedication and excellence, please send us your CV below. 

Talk to us live for Pension guidance using...

No Fields Found.
insurance advisor

Quick Call Back

Enter your details below and a Financial Advisor will call you back promptly.

Contact Info

Coronavirus Covid 19 Information

We would like to assure our customers that although this Worldwide Pandemic has struck our Nation hard, we are still here for our new and existing customers. All phone calls and emails will be dealt with accordingly.

In the unfortunate circumstance that a customer contracts COVID-19 and dies, our life policies would pay out in line with our usual claims philosophy.

All Consultations will be held by Phone or Online via Computer/Smart Device to remove face-to-face interactions and keeping in line with social distancing guidelines recommended by the Government.

We at Lowquotes.ie hope you, your family and your loved ones stay safe & healthy in this time.