Should I save for my retirement? AM Financial answers your questions.

Am I not entitled to a State Pension when I retire?

Yes, you are. A State Pension is payable from the age of 66 to those who have paid the required PRSI contributions throughout their working lives. However, the State Pension will only pay for the basics.

The State Pension is a maximum of €248.30 per week. This is equivalent to €1,080 per month or €12,950 per year.

The State Pension. will only replace 32% of a €40,000 salary at retirement. The effect is more pronounced at higher salary levels. The State Pension replaces only 13% of a salary of €100,000 at retirement. We need our own additional retirement savings to fill the gap.

AM Financial can help you figure out what % of your salary you will need in your retirement years.

Is a pension the only way I can save for my retirement?

There are other ways to generate income in retirement - deposit account interest, interest from bonds, dividends from shares or, once a big discussion topic here in Ireland, rental income from investment properties. Another possibility is relying on the family home - downsizing to create a nest egg for retirement. We may also choose to continue to work reduced hours in retirement.

However, the substantial tax benefits that accompany saving for retirement through a pension make it a very attractive option.

What are the tax benefits of saving through a pension?

1. Tax Relief on Contributions

Personal contributions are deductible against salary for income tax. What does this mean. Well, assuming you are in the 40% income tax bracket, you have a choice of taking €60 in after-tax income or investing €100 into a pension savings plan.

I know there is a natural reluctance to give up income now for income later. But when the differential is this big, it makes a lot of sense !

2. Tax-Free Investment Return

All savings invested in a pension are exempted from income tax, DIRT and capital gains tax. This helps give your pension the snowball effect. Small amounts contributed now can grow into very large amounts when they come back to you.

3. Tax-Free Lump Sum at Retirement

When it comes to retirement, it is possible to take a lump sum of €200,000 tax-free. That's quite a few sun holidays. Bringing the grandkids is optional !

Sounds good - but I don't know if I can spare the money to save now !

Sometimes money is tight and we all know that feeling. Still though : it is such a shame to miss out on the tax benefits available here. These kind of opportunities are rare. Even a small amount saved every month can snowball into quite a decent pension pot.

At AM Financial we can help you figure out what level of savings might be possible in your budget. We will help you figure out how big your pension savings will need to be to get you the income you need in retirement.

It is also possible to switch on and off your pension savings as you like. So there's no excuse - come and talk to us !