Pension Planning: What You Need To Know To Get Started

by | Nov 23, 2022 | Pensions & Retirement Planning

Pension planning is an important part of ensuring a comfortable retirement, but it can be a minefield when you’re just starting.

Why do you need a pension? What type of pension plan is best suited for you? Where do you start?

In this article, we explore all of these questions and more, so read on to find out everything you need to know to get started. We’ll discuss why pensions are so important, what types of pensions are available, and when is the best time to start planning your pension.

 

Pension Planning What You Need To Know To Get Started - Infographic - SM - ERM Financial Services

 

What is a pension?

 

A pension is essentially a savings plan that’s going to help you to lead a fulfilling life after you retire. Whether that means going on that cruise you always dreamed of or just being able to live comfortably and keep doing the things you love, having an adequate pension plan gives you the freedom to live the life you want to live after retirement.

The money you save in your pension is typically invested into a mix of stocks, bonds and property, allowing the amount you save to accumulate even more savings over time in the form of interest or ongoing payments.

Some pension funds will also invest in commodities such as coal, oil and gold because these provide the potential for higher returns than simply keeping your money on deposit.

 

Why do I need a pension at all?

 

It’s no secret that many of us are not saving enough to keep us going throughout our golden years. According to a recent study, only around 13% of women and 27% of men are confident they are saving enough money for retirement.

The current State pension in Ireland is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough PRSI contributions. It amounts to just under €13,000 a year, which may not be enough to maintain your current standard of living in retirement — particularly since people are now living longer and staying active later in life.

 

Pension Planning - What You Need To Know To Get Started - ERM Financial Services (2)

 

What are the advantages of pension planning over regular savings?

 

Pension planning is a better way to save for retirement than regular savings because your contributions are usually eligible for tax relief and your money can grow tax-free. This means you will save more money in the long run and be able to maintain a higher standard of living in retirement.

As Kristen Foran, National Sales Director at Zurich puts it – having a pension is the most tax-efficient way of saving in Ireland right now: “When you save into a pension you can normally get tax relief at your marginal rate. When you retire, you can take up to €200,000 of your funds tax-free, and the remaining fund is then used to provide an income for you in retirement.”

One thing to keep in mind is that pensions have restrictions on when you can withdraw the money, so it’s important to have a mix of both pension savings and regular savings for emergencies or shorter-term goals.

 

What type of pension should I start?

 

There are several types of pensions available, including private pensions, company pensions, and the State pension. Your options will depend on your employment status and what may be available to you through your employer.

If your employer offers a company pension plan, make sure to take advantage of it. Even if you can only contribute a small amount each month, it’s better than not saving at all. And if you have the option, consider increasing your contributions each year to boost your retirement savings.

If you don’t have access to a company pension scheme, then you can pay into a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) or a personal pension.

 

Pension Planning - What You Need To Know To Get Started - ERM Financial Services (3)

 

When should I start my pension?

 

Ideally, it’s best to start saving into a pension as early as possible. This allows more time for compound interest to work its magic and grow your savings.

However, it’s never too late to start saving for retirement. Even small contributions add up over time, so make sure to at least do some research and see what options are available to you. Don’t forget to take advantage of any employer-offered pension plans.

Overall, remember that saving for retirement is a long-term commitment, but it’s worth it in the end to have a comfortable retirement. Pension planning is a great way to do this, so consider starting or increasing your contributions today.

 

Who can help me with pension planning?

 

When you’re starting to think about planning for your retirement, there are several online and in-person resources available to you.

However, before you make any decisions, it’s best to get advice from an experienced financial advisor. Not only will they be able to explain all your options and recommend the right type of pension plan for you, but they can also help you contribute to that plan regularly and make sure you’re on track for a comfortable retirement.

 

Start your pension planning journey with ERM Financial Services

 

If you’re looking for advice on pension planning or you need some help getting started, the team at ERM Financial Services is here to help. With almost 30 years in business, we can assist you in securing the future you want with expert pension advice and retirement planning built around you.

Our experts will guide you through the process of planning for your retirement, calculating pension plans and comparing the different types of pensions to help you make the best decision for you.

To get started on securing your ideal retirement, get in touch with our team today. After all, there is no better time to start pension planning than right now!

 

Pension Planning What You Need To Know To Get Started - Infographic - SM - ERM Financial Services