Retirement Planning Ireland

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 your retirement.

Structure My Drawdown Strategy

Turning Your Pension into an Income

You’ve spent decades building your retirement fund. Now, the focus shifts from accumulation to preservation and income. 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 the 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 like clockwork.

Which one is right for you?

The choice between an ARF and an Annuity isn't binary—many of our clients choose a hybrid approach. This allows them to secure 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.

Transitioning to Retirement

The Post-Retirement Journey: ARF vs Annuity

Maximize your 25% tax-free lump sum and build a sustainable retirement income in Ireland.

Step 01

How much do I have?

At retirement, understanding how your pension fund translates into a sustainable lifetime income is the first priority. Use our advanced calculator below to project your drawdown options.

Retirement Income Estimator

Step 02

Which product suits me?

Your "Retirement Personality" determines whether you prioritize the security of an Annuity or the flexibility of an ARF.

1. When you think about your pension fund, what is your primary concern?
  • Knowing exactly how much hits my bank account every month.
  • Having the flexibility to take extra cash if I need it.
2. How do you feel about the stock market during retirement?
  • I want to be finished with market volatility and stress.
  • I'm comfortable with some movement for potential growth.
3. How important is leaving a financial legacy?
  • Ensuring I never run out of money is my only priority.
  • Vital. I want whatever is left to go to my family.
Step 03

Discuss 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 Review

Post-Retirement: Common Questions

What is the difference between an ARF and an Annuity?
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 is subject to market risk.
How much MUST I withdraw from my ARF each year?
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 ensuring your fund remains sustainable.
What is the tax treatment of my pension income?
Once you have 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.
Will my pension be affected by the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT)?
In 2026, the SFT stands at €2.2 million. If your total pension assets exceed this, a 40% 'Chargeable Excess Tax' applies. If you are approaching this limit, we provide specialist crystallisation strategies to minimize this exposure.

Have a different question?

Ask our advisors directly.
Note: ARF funds are subject to investment risk and the value of your fund may fall as well as rise. Imputed distributions are mandatory. This does not constitute financial advice.