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How Do I Select My ARF Adviser?

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one of the most important decisions you will make

Choosing the right pension adviser at retirement.

The adviser you choose will play a major role in protecting your money and your future, guiding your income decisions, and ensuring you never run out of money. It is very important that you work with a highly experienced, regulated, and knowledgeable financial adviser.                    

Why Choose
ARF Ireland?

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01.

Expertise & Experience

Over 20 years of experience assisting individuals to draw down their pensions across Ireland.

02.

Pension Problem Solving

Daily solving of complex revenue pension problems for our clients who are business owners and individuals with large sums in their pensions.

03.

Non-Biased & Personalised Advice

We compare the whole market and tailor recommendations based on your goals, age, tax position and investment preferences.

04.

Regulated Advisors

ARF Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

05.

Knowledge & Expertise

Our Team have the knowledge and experience to provide you with enough clear and concise information to allow you to make an informed decision.

06.

Clear, Simple Explanations

No jargon, just straightforward guidance on how your ARF works, how withdrawals are taxed, and how long your fund is likely to last.

07.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Planning

We help structure your income for maximum tax efficiency.

08.

Additional Tax Advice

We will propose solutions as to how to keep taxes to a minimum.

09.

Ongoing Support

Regular communication, pension reviews, and tax advice to help you adapt to the ongoing changing Revenue rules for pension funds.

10.

Investment Strategy Built For Retirement

We design a suitable ARF investment plan balancing growth, risk control, and your long-term income needs.

Here’s what to look for when selecting a pension ARF adviser.

1. Choose a Regulated and Registered Pension Adviser

Your adviser should be a regulated financial services firm authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. This ensures:

Proper qualifications

Professional standards

Consumer Protection

Clear documentation and transparent fees

2. Look for ARF Specific Experience

Managing an Approved Retirement Fund is not the same as managing a pension during your working years. Your adviser should have:

Extensive experience with ARF income planning

Knowledge of minimum withdrawal rules

Understanding of taxation in retirement

Expertise in protecting your fund from running out

Tip: Ask how many ARF clients they work with and how long they’ve been advising retirees, and take a look at their testimonials and case studies.

3. Make Sure the Adviser Is Unbiased

An unbiased pension adviser can work with multiple insurance companies, such as:

Zurich

Irish Life

Aviva

New Ireland

This gives you access to a wider range of ARF options and ensures the advice is:

Unbiased and offers comparisons of the open market for you

Tailored to your needs

Not limited to one company’s products

4. Check Their Investment Strategy for ARFs

Your adviser should recommend a clear strategy for:

How your ARF will be invested

How will risk be managed

How will income be sustained long-term

How investments can change as your needs change

5. Understand The Ongoing Support They Provide

A good ARF pension adviser is not just for the setup. Ongoing support is crucial:

Annual reviews

Income and tax planning

Adjusting withdrawals

Fund performance updates

Revenue and regulatory updates

Support for your spouse or family

6. Look for Clear Communication and Straightforward Explanations

Pension access options can be complex. Your adviser should explain things:

Clearly and concisely

Simply

Without jargon

You should always understand what you are invested in, how much income you can take, and what risks apply.

7. Ensure Fees Are Clear and Transparent

Typical ARF advice involves:

Annual management charges

Adviser service fees

Fund charges

Make sure your adviser explains:

What you pay

How they are paid

Whether fees come from your ARF or are billed separately

Transparent fees mean no surprises

8. Choose Someone You Trust

At retirement or when you access your pension, your adviser will guide decisions that impact the rest of your life. Choose someone who:

Listens to your needs

Puts your interests first

Takes time to understand your situation

Offers clarity and confidence

Trust and relationship are just as important as technical expertise.

Our trusted experts

Our Team Members

Choosing an adviser when accessing your pension is an important decision. The adviser you choose should have a great team around them, so you know the support & expertise are there if and when you and your family need it.

Michael Coburn

Pension, Tax & Investment Specialist

Jim
Doyle

Owner &
Director

Joanne Fenelon

Communications Manager

Kelly
Keane

Financial
Advisor

Evan Rowan

Financial Administrator

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Would you like A simple, obligation-free call to understand your options clearly?

Talk to an ARF Specialist today