vivisor Insights
Retirement · 7 min read
Retirement Planning in Ireland: What an Advisor Will Cover
Retirement planning is about more than pensions — it's making sure your money supports the lifestyle you want for the rest of your life. A good financial advisor in Ireland helps you see where you are now, where you want to be, and exactly how to bridge the gap — using the tax reliefs and product choices available to you.
What an advisor will cover with you
Your retirement goals — when you want to stop or step back, what you want to do, and what 'enough' looks like.
Your full financial picture — pensions (current and old), savings, investments, property, partner's income, expected State Pension.
Your income needs — a realistic monthly budget for retirement, split into essentials, lifestyle and one-offs (travel, car, helping family).
Your pension outlook — projected fund value and the income that's likely to generate in today's money.
Closing any gap — higher contributions, AVCs, employer matching, working a bit longer, downsizing, or rebalancing existing assets.
Investment strategy — appropriate risk level for your time horizon, and a glide-path that de-risks as you approach retirement.
Drawdown options — tax-free lump sum, ARF (Approved Retirement Fund), annuity, or a combination.
Tax & estate planning — how your pension, ARF and other assets pass to a spouse, civil partner or children.
How a financial advisor can help
Quantifies the gap between your current trajectory and your target — no more guessing.
Maximises tax relief you're entitled to (income tax relief on contributions, tax-free growth, 25% tax-free lump sum up to €200,000).
Consolidates old pensions so you can see and manage everything in one place.
Stress-tests your plan against market downturns, inflation, and living longer than expected.
Reviews the plan every year and rebalances as your life, tax bands and the market change.
What to bring to your first meeting
Recent benefit statements for every pension you've ever had (current, old jobs, PRSAs).
A rough monthly budget — current spending and what you think retirement spending will be.
Mortgage balance, savings, investments and any other debt.
Your partner's pensions and income (if planning jointly).
Any expected inheritance, property sale, or business exit you're counting on.
Questions worth asking
What income could I realistically have if I retire at 60? At 65? At 68?
How much more do I need to contribute each month to hit my target?
Should I take the tax-free lump sum, and how should I use it?
ARF or annuity — which suits my situation, and why?
What happens to my pension if I die before or after retirement?
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For information purposes only. vivisor does not provide financial advice.