Planning for your retirement is one of the most important financial steps you will take in life. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about ensuring you have the right plan in place to enjoy your future, maintain your standard of living, and have peace of mind in the years ahead.
At Barry Walsh Financial Services Limited, we offer tailored pension advice and retirement planning services to individuals, families and business owners throughout Ireland. With decades of experience in financial planning, our goal is simple: to help you make the most of your retirement, by building a strong, sustainable pension strategy that’s built around you.
Why Pension Planning Matters More Than Ever
The reality is that the State Pension alone is unlikely to provide a comfortable retirement for most people. As of 2025, the State Pension (Contributory) stands at just over €15,000 per year. While this provides a basic income, it may not cover the lifestyle, healthcare, and leisure needs of many retirees.
Pension planning gives you control over your financial future. It allows you to:
- Supplement your income beyond the State Pension
- Reduce your tax liability through pension tax relief
- Create a structured plan that grows over time
- Retain flexibility and access to funds in retirement
- Provide for your spouse or family after you’re gone
Whether you’re just starting your career, running a business, or approaching retirement, there’s never a bad time to assess your pension options and take action.
Our Pension Services – Tailored to Every Stage of Life
At Barry Walsh Financial Services Limited, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your career, lifestyle, and personal goals all impact the type of pension that’s right for you.
Here’s how we help:
1. Personal Pension Plans
If you’re self-employed or don’t have access to a company pension, a Personal Pension Plan could be the right fit. This is a private pension you can set up independently, contributing regularly to build your retirement pot over time.
We’ll help you:
- Select the most appropriate pension provider and fund options
- Maximise your tax relief (up to 40% for higher-rate taxpayers)
- Monitor your fund performance over time
- Adjust contributions as your income changes
2. Executive Pension Plans
If you’re a company director or key employee, an Executive Pension Plan offers both flexibility and generous tax advantages. These pensions are employer-sponsored but tailored to high earners or business owners who want to maximise contributions efficiently.
We guide business clients on:
- Structuring contributions to meet Revenue limits
- Choosing funds aligned with your retirement horizon and risk profile
- Ensuring full compliance with Revenue and PRSA guidelines
- Integrating pensions as part of a broader remuneration package
3. Company Pension Schemes (Occupational Pensions)
For employers, offering a group pension scheme is not only good for employee retention—it’s now a legal obligation under Ireland’s Auto-Enrolment system (rolling out from 2025).
We support SMEs and employers with:
- Setting up and managing group pension schemes
- Providing employee education around retirement planning
- Handling scheme administration and employer obligations
- Ensuring compliance with PRSA and Revenue requirements
Whether you’re an employer or employee, having a structured occupational scheme in place can offer long-term financial security.
4. PRSAs (Personal Retirement Savings Accounts)
For flexible, portable pensions that suit a wide range of employment situations, PRSAs are a common and accessible solution. They are particularly useful if you:
- Change jobs frequently
- Are self-employed or freelance
- Don’t have access to a workplace scheme
PRSAs offer flexibility, simplicity, and full transparency of fees—ideal for clients who value autonomy and portability.
5. AVCs – Additional Voluntary Contributions
If you’re already a member of a company pension scheme, AVCs allow you to top up your contributions and maximise your retirement income. These are especially helpful in closing gaps from career breaks or later life pension starts.
We help you:
- Calculate the additional retirement income you could generate
- Structure AVCs in a tax-efficient way
- Integrate AVCs with your broader retirement plan
Expert Advice on Retirement Options
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of financial planning. In fact, deciding how to access your pension at retirement is just as critical as building it.
We advise clients on two key post-retirement options:
Annuities
An annuity converts your pension pot into a guaranteed income for life. This offers peace of mind and predictable monthly income, making it ideal for those who prioritise security.
Key considerations include:
- Current annuity rates and inflation risk
- Whether to opt for single or joint-life annuities
- Inclusion of guarantee periods or escalation clauses
We provide clear advice on whether an annuity suits your goals.
Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs)
For clients who prefer continued investment and flexibility, an ARF allows your pension to remain invested after retirement, with the ability to draw income as needed.
Our service includes:
- Managing ARF investments for long-term sustainability
- Ensuring compliance with Minimum Distribution Requirements (MDRs)
- Advising on succession planning and tax implications for beneficiaries
Choosing between an annuity and an ARF is a personal decision—we walk you through every step.
Tax Benefits of Pension Contributions
Pension planning is not only about retirement—it’s also one of the most efficient ways to reduce your tax bill.
Key tax benefits include:
- Income Tax Relief: Contributions are eligible for tax relief at your marginal rate (20% or 40%)
- Tax-Free Investment Growth: Funds within your pension grow free from Capital Gains Tax and DIRT
- Tax-Free Lump Sum at Retirement: Up to 25% of your fund can usually be taken as a tax-free lump sum (subject to limits)
We help clients make the most of these tax advantages, and we work with your accountant or tax adviser to ensure you’re maximising efficiency.
Business Owners and Company Directors – Don’t Leave Retirement to Chance
If you own a company, your pension strategy should form a key part of your exit planning.
We help business owners:
- Maximise company contributions (often significantly higher than personal limits)
- Build pension wealth outside the company (protecting your future post-sale)
- Include pension funding as part of key man or succession planning strategies
This also includes guidance around Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) or Executive PRSAs for high-value pension planning.
How Much Should You Be Saving?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “How much do I need for retirement?”
While the answer depends on your desired lifestyle, retirement age, and current savings, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a pension fund that can replace 50–70% of your final salary.
To help, we offer a free Pension Calculator that gives you an estimate of:
- Your target pension fund size
- Monthly contributions required
- Projected retirement income
Use this tool as a starting point for a conversation with one of our advisers.
Why Choose Barry Walsh Financial Services Limited?
At Barry Walsh Financial Services Limited, we pride ourselves on offering practical, expert advice with a personal touch. Our clients appreciate our transparency, professionalism and client-first approach.
We offer:
- Independent Advice: We’re not tied to one provider, so you get unbiased recommendations
- Clear Communication: We avoid jargon and ensure you understand every option
- Proven Track Record: We’ve helped hundreds of clients across Ireland plan confidently for retirement
- Ongoing Support: We don’t just set up your pension—we’re with you for the long haul, reviewing your plan and adapting it as your life evolves
Whether you’re in your 30s and starting your first pension or in your 60s looking to access your fund, we can help.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Retirement should be something to look forward to, not worry about. The sooner you start planning, the more options you’ll have—and the more secure your future will be.
At Barry Walsh Financial Services, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the pension process, from first-time savers to experienced investors and retirees.
Get in touch today to arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our pension specialists, or visit our Pensions & Retirement page to learn more.
