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.

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.

Google Reviews

LowQuotes.ie
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Zahia H.
Zahia H.
I recently completed the purchase of my new home and just picked up the keys today! I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of Bernadine.From start to finish, she made the mortgage process smooth and stress-free. Always professional, responsive, and clear in her communication, she helped me navigate every step with confidence. I truly appreciated her patience and guidance throughout.Highly recommend their services to anyone looking for expert mortgage advice and outstanding support!
Daniel K.
Daniel K.
Neil O' Brien recently guided me through the process of securing mortgage protection and couldn't have made it any more straightforward.Neil was friendly, knowledgeable and meticulous in the dealings that I had with him. I was impressed with how responsive Neil was with any follow up queries that I had.I would highly recommend Neil and Low Quotes to any person organising mortgage protection and other forms of life insurance based on the positive experience I have had.
Harry M.
Harry M.
I took out an Income Protection policy this week, great service from start to finish, Cormac was very professional and was able to get me a good quote quickly having offered me advice on which company would be best for me
Response from the owner: Hey Harry,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Cormac. It’s great to know he was able to offer you clear advice and secure a good quote for your Income Protection policy so quickly. We aim to make the process smooth and straightforward, so your feedback really means a lot to us! If you have any questions or need help in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Kathleen S.
Kathleen S.
Shaun was very helpful and very easy to talk to and explained everything very well
Response from the owner: Hey Kathleen,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Shaun. It’s great to know he was able to explain everything clearly and make the process easy to follow. We aim to keep things simple and understandable for everyone, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance down the line, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Patrick
Patrick
I was chatting to shaun young today from low quotes in regards of private health insuranceand he went into Great details about my concerns in regarding private health insurance I don't think I could have spoke to anyone that was so knowledgeable about this matter sometimes you wake up in the morning being concerned about certain things in regards of your health but after speaking to Shaun he put my mind completely at ease after getting off the phone to him I will spend a more relaxed day knowing that I don't have as much to worry about as I've thought I had. shaun was just a delight and pleasure to talk to and I will definitely be passing on this information to others that has concerns and I will be passing on the low quotes website to my friends knowing that there is someone on the phone that will talk to you and put you at ease so thank you from the bottom of my heart to Shaun and all the people at low quotes thank you very much for such a pleasurable experience on the phone and I recommend anybody with any concerns get in touch with any of the guys from low quotes I highly recommend them
Response from the owner: Hey Patrick,We’re so glad to hear about your positive experience with Shaun. It’s great to know he was able to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease — that’s exactly the kind of support we aim to provide. Your kind words mean a lot to Shaun and the whole team here at LowQuotes. Thank you so much for recommending us and for sharing your experience with others. If you ever need anything else or have more questions in the future, we’re just a phone call away.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Ritchel P.
Ritchel P.
I recently had the pleasure of dealing with Neil of LowQuotes.ie for our Mortgage Protection insurance. Everything was straightforward and he made sure that he answers all my questions. He made sure that we get a cover in all aspects without being too pushy so he provided us with options that we can consider. In the end, we still got a good cover that’s within our budget. He was very knowledgeable and made this insurance hunting for us like a walk in the park.
Response from the owner: Hey Ritchel,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Neil. It’s great to know he made everything straightforward and helped you find the right cover without any pressure. We always aim to make the process clear and easy, so your feedback really means a lot. If you have any questions down the line or need anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Theresa V.
Theresa V.
We would just like to show our appreciation for the brilliant service & advise from Aoife Morgan.We are extremely happy with all that Aoife had to offer us i.e. the best quotations and available options.We are delighted with our choice, by getting all additional information needed, speedy feedback & all the value added from Aoife.Aoife are highly recommended, especially regarding her competency, efficiency & excellent communication skills.Thanks you very much & much appreciated.Theresa & Aubrey Staples
Response from the owner: Hey Theresa & Aubrey,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Aoife Morgan. It’s great to know she was able to provide the best quotations, clear advice, and quick feedback to help you make the right choice. We really appreciate you highlighting her competency, efficiency, and excellent communication. That’s exactly the standard we aim for every time.If you ever need anything else or have any questions in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Rishi R.
Rishi R.
I had the pleasure of dealing with Aoife Morgan regarding my life insurance, and I can confidently say she made the entire experience smooth, honest, and reassuring.She was incredibly patient throughout the process — never rushed me, always listened, and helped me understand all the options available. She guided me toward a life insurance plan that fits my budget, yet still gives my family solid protection for the future.Aoife also offered genuine advice and took the time to answer all my questions, even when I was unsure or needed clarity more than once.I truly appreciated her professionalism, kindness, and calm approach. I wish her continued success and prosperity — and would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for insurance advice or support. She’s a real credit to her team and clients.Thank you, Aoife.
Response from the owner: Hey Rishi,We’re thrilled to read your thoughtful review, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Aoife Morgan. It’s fantastic to hear how her patience, clear advice, and genuine care made arranging your life insurance smooth and reassuring.We’re especially glad you felt fully informed and supported every step of the way, that’s exactly the standard we strive for. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Aoife, she’ll be delighted!If you ever need any further help or advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Joan S.
Joan S.
I found Shaun to be very helpful in answering all my questions and explaining everything to me.
Response from the owner: Hey Joan,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Shaun. It’s great to know he was able to answer all your questions and explain everything clearly. 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
Wesley S.
Wesley S.
Bernadine was exceptionally helpful. She provided guidance and support at every stage of our mortgage application. I've already recommended her to friends and family, and would highly suggest anyone looking for a new mortgage, or to change an existing mortgage, reach out to Lowquotes.
Response from the owner: Hey Wesley,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Bernadine. It’s great to know she was able to guide and support you through every stage of your mortgage application. We really appreciate you recommending us to your friends and family — that means a lot! If you ever need any further assistance or have questions in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
James K.
James K.
Aoife guided us all the way. Very informative along with her sunny disposition even though we were discussing life (death) cover. Will check in with her again when we need other cover.
Response from the owner: Hey James,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Aoife. It’s great to know she guided you so well and made the process informative and pleasant, even when discussing something as serious as life cover. We really appreciate your trust and look forward to helping you again when you need other cover in the future.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Aoife O.
Aoife O.
Niamh was very helpful and efficient. Made the whole process easier than expected and answered all questions thoroughly.
Response from the owner: Hey Aoife,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Niamh. It’s great to know she was able to make the whole process easier and answer all your questions clearly. We aim to make everything 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
Caitlin C.
Caitlin C.
Colin was helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. He made the process of applying for life insurance which I've been avoiding for months, a very simple, painless experience. I highly recommend asking for Colin if you're seeking similar cover.
Response from the owner: Hey Caitlin,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Colin. It’s great to know he was able to explain everything clearly and make the process of applying for life insurance simple and stress-free. That’s exactly the kind of service we aim to provide!Thanks so much for your kind words and for recommending us—if you need anything else down the line, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Charlena M.
Charlena M.
Colin was lovely to work with. Made the process very easy
Response from the owner: Hey Charlena,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Colin. It’s great to know he made the process easy and enjoyable for you. That’s exactly what we strive for at LowQuotes!Thanks for taking the time to leave a review—if you ever need anything else, we’re just a call away.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
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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!

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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.

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. 

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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.