Mastering the compliance burden
New regulation has made standalone pension schemes more complex to run well. That is where master trusts come in
Pensions Focus Special Report
Pensions Focus looks at all aspects of the rapidly evolving Irish pensions market from green pension funds to auto-enrolment delays and the introduction of master trusts, and highlights the critical importance of starting early on the retirement savings journey. It also looks at the options open to people as they approach retirement and need to make decisions on how much risk they are prepared to take with their hard-earned pension savings.
Your pension: how to make up for lost time
Starting later is ‘considerably better’ than deciding it is simply too late to do anything, says Evelyn Ryder of New Ireland
Plan your retirement fund to make it last a lifetime
What are the best strategies for ensuring you enjoy a comfortable retirement for the rest of your days?
Twist or stick on defined benefit pension buyouts?
Understanding what makes a good offer falls into the ‘buyer beware’ category
MyFutureFund: The biggest structural shift in pension coverage in a generation
Over 800,000 workers who had no pension provision now have one, says Neville Maxwell of New Ireland
How to navigate and maximise Ireland’s State pension
While generous, the Irish State pension requires 40 years of qualifying contributions to reach the maximum rate
Thinking about retirement? Think about thresholds
If you have been diligently building a substantial pension pot, be careful you do not incur tax penalties
Weighing up the value of a guaranteed income for life
Annuities or ARFs? Whichever retirement plan you choose, shopping around is essential
The most attractive investment product on the market
Pensions are irresistible investment propositions, so why did more than 800,000 people need MyFutureFund to get started?
Pensions for the planet: balancing sustainability with the right investment
Can you target environmentally responsible pension options without limiting your returns?
Ensuring your nest egg is adequate to meet your needs
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to determining what a reasonable contribution to a pension plan looks like
Staying invested beyond retirement
Main alternative to an ARF is an annuity, where the pension fund buys a guaranteed income for life
Sticking with low-yield assets will erode your spending power over time
Counter-intuitively, being overly conservative is the highest-risk decision an investor can make
Pensions: The most important step is simply getting started
The ‘longevity megatrend’ is reshaping how people in Ireland live, work, prioritise, plan and retire
Defined benefit pensions may be in decline but they have not gone away
Defined benefit pensions offer security, but members must stay engaged to manage risks, funding concerns and lifestyle needs throughout retirement
Additional voluntary contributions: A little more today can mean a lot more tomorrow
AVCs can supercharge your pension – tax relief and flexible options make it easier than you think to boost your retirement income
Has sustainable pension investing had its day?
With ESG under fire, political pushback in the US is reshaping the global sustainable investment landscape
Transformative change is on the way but it comes with complications
The launch of My Future Fund marks the biggest shake-up in Irish pensions since ARFs, with up to 800,000 workers set to join the retirement savings system
Governance rules push smaller pension schemes to consolidate
EU’s IORP II directive has led to major changes in Irish pension governance, prompting a shift to master trusts and raising compliance standards
Poor financial literacy and missed opportunities can leave pension pots lacking
Many underestimate what’s needed for a comfortable retirement, or even a decent standard of living
Retirement is just the start of the next investment chapter
Your pension strategy needs more than just time; key decisions along the way can shape your financial future
Pension planning: Take risk, reward and the inflation trap into account
Volatility and risk are often confused – but knowing the difference is crucial when investing your pension pot for long-term retirement income
Auto-enrolment expands pension coverage – but leaves 350,000 self-employed behind
The self-employed – excluded from the My Future Fund scheme’s generous State contributions – face the same old challenge: funding retirement alone
Simplicity at the heart of new auto-enrolment pension scheme
National Auto Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority will do the ‘heavy lifting’
Mobilising Irish pensions to support enterprise and innovation
Irish pension funds hold €141bn, mostly overseas. Experts say even modest domestic investment could boost jobs, innovation, and economic resilience
Pension decisions: Aligning risk appetite with your long-term financial goals is key
From high-growth equity funds to low-risk cash options, pension savers have a wide array of investment choices
Top up your pension while you still can, but be mindful of Revenue rules
Additional voluntary contributions can supercharge a pension when a person is nearing retirement, and they can also be a tax-efficient use of funds
In a world of greenwashing, how green is your pension?
Greening your pension is 21 times more effective than relinquishing flying, turning vegetarian and changing energy provider combined
Women working eight years longer than men for same pension pot
Ideal time to gender-proof pension policy with Auto Enrolment on the way
Employees switching to master trusts over onerous pension schemes
Master trusts allow multiple employers to participate under the same shared arrangement, offering economies of scale and other advantages
Racing to the finish: How pension savers can make up for lost time
‘A pension remains the most tax-effective way to save for retirement ... a decision that you will not regret’
Upon retirement the tough choices begin
Decisions you take at this point will have a significant bearing on your financial security and that of your dependants
Pensions: The longer you leave it, the bigger the loss down the road
Is Government action required to make the pension system more attractive to younger people?
Navigating defined benefit pension pots
What is the best option: to stick and wait to receive your pension entitlement in retirement? Or twist and invest it in defined contribution arrangement
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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