Pension

What Is the Difference Between a State Pension and a Private Pension in Ireland?

By Leslie / November 24, 2025
State vs private pension in Ireland

Planning for retirement in Ireland requires understanding two fundamental pension types: the state pension and private pensions. Whilst the state pension provides a baseline weekly payment, it might not be enough for a comfortable retirement. Most people need private pension arrangements to supplement their state pension and maintain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement. This guide…

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How Pensions Work in Ireland: A Complete Guide for 2026

By Leslie / November 21, 2025
how pensions work in Ireland

Most people are surprised when they discover what their State Pension will actually cover. Whilst it serves as a solid starting point, the reality is that it’s unlikely to sustain anywhere near the lifestyle you’re used to. With the current State Pension qualifying age at 66 and typical payments falling well short of most people’s…

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Executive Pensions Are Ending in Ireland: What Business Owners Need to Know Before April 2026

By Leslie / November 14, 2025
executive pensions are ending in Ireland april 2026

If you’re an Irish business owner with an executive pension, you face a mandatory deadline of 22nd April 2026 to transition to a compliant alternative—or face your scheme being frozen. This isn’t scaremongering. It’s the reality created by new EU regulations that have fundamentally changed how pension schemes operate in Ireland. Approximately 150,000 small pension…

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Save 40% on Life Insurance: Your Complete Guide to Pension Term Assurance in Ireland

By Leslie / November 7, 2025
Pension term assurance in Ireland - how to save 40% on life insurance

Pension term assurance lets self-employed Irish workers and PAYE employees without company pensions protect their families with life cover that costs up to 40% less than regular term life insurance. A €100 monthly premium costs just €60 after income tax relief from Revenue. Yet most eligible people have never heard of this tax-efficient life insurance…

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Master Trust Pension: Ultimate Guide for Trustees and Employers in Ireland

By Leslie / October 31, 2025
master trust pension ireland

If you’re a business owner, company director, or HR professional in Ireland, you’ve likely heard the term “master trust pension” more frequently over the past year. With auto-enrolment launching on 1 January 2026 and the April 2026 deadline for transitioning existing executive pensions, understanding master trusts has never been more critical. This comprehensive guide cuts…

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Should You Start a Pension or Pay Off Your Mortgage First?

By Leslie / October 15, 2025
pension vs mortgage

If you’re an Irish professional with spare cash each month, you’re facing one of the most impactful financial decisions of your lifetime. Should you channel those extra euros towards your pension or use them to pay down your mortgage faster? Here’s the bottom line: For most Irish professionals earning between €40,000 and €100,000, maximising your…

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Am I Too Old or Young to Start a Pension? Complete Guide for Every Age

By Leslie / October 8, 2025
Too old or too young to start a pension in Ireland

The truth about pension timing in Ireland: It’s never too early, rarely too late. If you’re wondering whether you’re the right age to start a pension in Ireland, you’re asking the wrong question. The real question is: how much are you losing by waiting another day? Here’s the reassuring truth: whether you’re a 25-year-old graduate…

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PRSA vs Personal Pension in Ireland: Which Is Right for You?

By Leslie / September 8, 2025
PRSA vs Pension Plan

Choosing the right pension in Ireland can save you thousands — or cost you the same if you get it wrong. With so many pension options available, from standard PRSAs to personal pension plans, it’s no wonder many Irish workers feel overwhelmed when planning for retirement. Here’s the thing: understanding the main differences between a…

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How Business Owners Can Use Pensions to Lower Tax and Build Wealth in Ireland

By Leslie / August 28, 2025
How business owners use pensions to cut tax and build wealth in Ireland

As a business owner in Ireland, you’re probably paying more tax than you’d like. The Irish tax system does have a number of ways to slash your tax bill whilst building serious wealth for your future. Pensions aren’t the most exciting topics and are often overlooked, with a lot of people not really understanding the…

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The €1M Retirement Plan in Ireland

By Leslie / August 14, 2025
1 million euro retirement plan in Ireland

Let’s talk about the magic number of a €1 million pension pot that crops up time and again when people discuss retirement planning. But what does it actually mean to have a million-euro retirement fund in Ireland today? For many, it represents financial independence – the ability to maintain your lifestyle without worrying about running…

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What Happens to Your Irish Pension When You Die?

By Leslie / July 31, 2025
What happens to your Irish pension when you die

While it may not be the easiest subject to consider, understanding what happens to your pension on death is essential. A pension is often one of the largest financial assets an individual holds, and assumptions about automatic inheritance can be misleading. The treatment of pension benefits depends on the type of arrangement—executive pension, master trust,…

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How Much Do I Need to Retire at 60 in Ireland?

By Colin Hudson / June 5, 2025
How much do I need to retire at 60 in Ireland

Discover how much you need to retire at 60 in Ireland. Plan for early retirement with real-life examples, income targets, savings tips, and pension insights.

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Voluntary & Compulsory Redundancy in Ireland: Pension & Tax Guide

By Colin Hudson / May 23, 2025
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Retirement Relief in Ireland: Changes & Complete Guide

By Colin Hudson / March 13, 2025

Understand what retirement relief is with practical examples and learn about new tax changes impacting family business & farm transfers in Ireland.

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What to do if approaching the standard fund threshold?

By Colin Hudson / March 6, 2025

The Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) was once a concern only for individuals with exceptionally large pension pots. However, as the threshold has fluctuated over the years, more people are now finding themselves approaching this limit. While the SFT remains at €2 million for 2025, it is set to increase annually from 2026 onwards, reaching €2.8…

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Early Retirement in Ireland – When Can I Unlock My Pension Early?

By Colin Hudson / February 6, 2025

    Picture this: You’re 55, sitting in your garden on a Tuesday afternoon, coffee in hand, with nowhere you need to be. No meetings. No deadlines. Just time – your most precious asset – finally yours to spend as you wish. Sounds appealing? You’re not alone. More workers in Ireland are choosing to retire…

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How To Start a Pension in Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

By Colin Hudson / August 28, 2024
How to start a pension in Ireland

Starting a pension in Ireland is an achievable goal that can secure your financial future. Whether you’re self-employed, employed, or a director, there are different pension options available to suit your needs. The key is to understand the steps and select the right type of pension scheme for your situation. A popular choice for those…

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How Much Can a Company Pay into a Directors Pension in Ireland?

By Colin Hudson / August 28, 2024
Paying into a director's pension in ireland

Each individual has a personal pension funding threshold of €2 million. This is a combined total of all an individuals Irish pension benefits. In order to reach this level of funding, in most cases, it will require large contributions from a Ltd company. A company can make large one-off pension contributions as well as regular…

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ARF or Annuity? Understanding the Key Differences

By Colin Hudson / August 27, 2024
ARF vs Annuity

Choosing between an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and an annuity for your retirement plan can be challenging. The biggest difference lies in how the two handle income and inheritance. With an annuity, you receive a fixed, guaranteed income for the rest of your life, which can provide stability. However, this income ends when you pass…

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Guide to Directors Pension in Ireland

By Colin Hudson / July 26, 2024
Directors pension in Ireland

Explore the benefits and options of directors pensions in Ireland, including tax efficiencies, contributions, and investment strategies for a secure retirement.

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CONTACT INFO

Opes Financial Planning Ltd
12, Parklands Office Park
Southern Cross Road
Bray, County Wicklow
Ireland, A98 WF95

Tel: +353 (0)1 272 4130
Email: info@opesfp.ie

We are conveniently located on the Southern Cross Road between Bray and Greystones which can be accessed via junction 7 of the N11.

This is ideal for servicing clients from the surrounding South Dublin, Wicklow and greater Leinster areas.

 

Directions:

Our office is situated 20kms south of Dublin, just beyond Bray in Co. Wicklow. Take the M50 southbound onto the N11 then take Exit 7, the Bray/Greystones exit and follow signs to Greystones. We are on the right near the end of the Southern Cross road leading from the N11 to the Greystones Rd.

OPES FINANCIAL PLANNING LIMITED

OPES FINANCIAL PLANNING LIMITED is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

OPES FINANCIAL PLANNING LIMITED (Company No 456044)

Opes Financial Planning is a trademark used under licence.