Specialist retirement income & pension drawdown advice
The transition from earning to decumulation is the most critical phase of your financial life. We provide the technical expertise to manage ARF distributions, navigate the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT), and ensure your capital provides a sustainable, tax-efficient income throughout retirement.
Structure my drawdown strategyFrom accumulation to preservation and income
You've spent decades building your retirement fund. Now the focus shifts — we help you choose the right path for your lifestyle.
Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)
Maintain ownership and control over your capital while drawing an income.
- Flexibility: adjust your income as your needs change
- Investment growth: keep your money working in the market
- Inheritance: pass the remaining fund to your spouse or children
- Ownership: you retain legal title to your assets
The Annuity option
Exchange your pension pot for a guaranteed, worry-free income for life.
- Certainty: your income is guaranteed, regardless of markets
- Simplicity: no ongoing investment decisions required
- Peace of mind: eliminate the risk of outliving your money
- Stability: fixed payments that land every month
Which one is right for you? The choice isn't binary — many of our clients choose a hybrid approach, securing a base level of guaranteed income via an annuity while keeping a portion flexible in an ARF for growth and legacy planning. We help you find the exact ratio that fits your risk tolerance.
How much do I have?
Understanding how your pension fund translates into a sustainable lifetime income is the first priority. Use the estimator below to project your drawdown options.
Disclaimer: Illustrative only. ARF and annuity figures are estimated annual income on the remaining 75% of your fund after the tax-free lump sum, before tax. Actual annuity rates vary by provider, age and health. For a personal projection, speak to a Financial Health advisor.
Which product suits me?
Your "retirement personality" determines whether you prioritise the security of an annuity or the flexibility of an ARF.
1. When you think about your pension fund, what's your primary concern?
2. How do you feel about the stock market during retirement?
3. How important is leaving a financial legacy?
Discuss your result with Financial Health
Retirement decisions are often irreversible. Our expert advisors stress-test your assumptions to ensure your capital lasts as long as you do.
Book my reviewPost-retirement FAQ
An annuity provides a guaranteed income for life but usually offers no capital value to your estate. An ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) keeps your money invested and flexible, allowing you to pass the remaining fund to your heirs, though it's subject to market risk.
Revenue requires imputed distributions of 4% annually starting the year you turn 61, increasing to 5% at age 71. We help you structure these withdrawals to be as tax-efficient as possible while keeping your fund sustainable.
Once you've taken your tax-free lump sum, any further income from your ARF or annuity is subject to Income Tax, PRSI (up to age 66), and USC. We work to manage your drawdown levels to keep you within the lower tax brackets where possible.
In 2026, the SFT stands at €2.2 million. If your total pension assets exceed this, a 40% "Chargeable Excess Tax" applies. If you're approaching this limit, we provide specialist crystallisation strategies to minimise this exposure.
Have a different question?
Ask our advisors directly