Pension

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

By Colin Hudson / October 8, 2025

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…

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

By Colin Hudson / August 28, 2025

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…

The €1M Retirement Plan in Ireland

By Colin Hudson / August 14, 2025

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…

What Happens to Your Irish Pension When You Die?

By Colin Hudson / July 31, 2025

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,…

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

By Colin Hudson / June 5, 2025

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.

Voluntary & Compulsory Redundancy in Ireland: Pension & Tax Guide

By Colin Hudson / May 23, 2025

Facing redundancy can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re considering voluntary redundancy in Ireland or you’ve been made redundant, one of your biggest concerns is likely: “What happens to my pension?” You’re not alone in this. We’ve helped hundreds of people navigate exactly this situation, and the good news is that you have options. Let’s walk through…

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.

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…

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…

PRSA vs Personal Pension Ireland: How to Choose the Right Option

By Colin Hudson / January 23, 2025

Getting your pension choice wrong in Ireland could cost you tens of thousands of euro over your working life. That sounds dramatic, but it’s true. The difference between a well-chosen product and a poorly matched one compounds year after year, quietly eating into your retirement fund while you’re busy living your life. Most people find…

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

By Colin Hudson / August 28, 2024

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…

ARF or Annuity? Understanding the Key Differences

By Colin Hudson / August 27, 2024

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…

Guide to Directors Pension in Ireland

By Colin Hudson / July 26, 2024

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

How Long Will My Money Last in Retirement?

By Colin Hudson / May 30, 2023

The number one stress for anybody approaching retirement is the unknown of whether or not their pension fund will last them in retirement. Increased life expectancy is putting extreme pressure on pension funding as this income needs to last for approximately 30 years. Defined Benefit pensions (guaranteed pension income for the rest of your life)…

Should I Transfer my Pension to Malta?

By Colin Hudson / May 30, 2023

The global nature of business has meant that many people move from country to country to either further their careers or to experience other cultures. This often results in individuals becoming ex-pats (expatriates), i.e. residing in a country that is not their native country. Along this journey, an individual can build up various pension pots.…

Why a Company Pension Helps Attract and Retain Staff

By Colin Hudson / May 15, 2022

Pensions have hit the headlines in recent months as it is quite clear that we are sleepwalking into a pension crisis in the not so distant future. With an aging population a growing reality, the cost of retirement provision to the State is set to increase significantly in the coming 15-20 years. The State pension…

What Happens to my Australian Pension When I Return to Ireland?

By Colin Hudson / April 14, 2022

Irish emigrants moving back from Australia on a permanent basis, cannot transfer these holdings into an Irish pension like some other overseas pension arrangements.

What happens to my Canadian Pension when I return to Ireland?

By Colin Hudson / January 31, 2022

This article discusses the pension options available to Irish citizens returning from working in Canada.

As featured in the Sunday Independent – Is it normal to face €2,300 fee on UK pension transfer?

By Colin Hudson / June 19, 2019

Opes Financial Planning Featured in the Sunday Independent answering questions regarding UK transfers. Link to full article in the Sunday Independent https://www.independent.ie/business/small-business/advice-centre/is-it-normal-to-face-2300-fee-on-uk-pension-transfer-38220674.htm Brexit and pension Question: I am a 54-year-old woman, who has 20 years of various pensions from working in the UK. I have been living and working in Ireland for 14 years. The…

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)

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