#PAW21 Recap.
About PAW21
Held annually in September, our roadshow has grown over the last three years. From travelling around Ireland to now travelling the web, we’ve run seminars and drop-in sessions around the country. Driving media appearances to hosting webinars and even curating content, PAW is here to help you learn and fuel your savings journey.
PAW21 shifted the focus to assist you with industry-specific information, including tech & software, medical & healthcare, professional services and much more! Aiming to make a success of pensions in Ireland in 2021. Explore the focus points of last year’s roadshow.
PAW 2021 focus points

starting a pension
starting a pension
Deciding to start a pension plan is one of the smartest moves you can make, helping to ensure a brighter future ahead for both you and your loved ones. When choosing a pension, it is vital to have all of the information you need. The good news is that you are not alone! Many people feel as if they haven't done enough to secure the future they want. The great news is that it’s never too late to take charge, get on board and change your situation, regardless of where you're at.
During Pensions Awareness Week, we will give you all the info you need. We'll chat about how pensions work, the different types of pensions, how much you need to retire comfortably, when you should start saving, and how to get started. Register for a session, it’s free, quick and easy! Get on board and start planning your future today. Your future self will thank you for it!

ethical pension
ethical pension
Ethical investing means selecting your investments based on a certain set of moral or ethical principles. Typically, it is about putting money into investments that are sustainable in terms of the environment, social impact, and good governance – as well as profit.
Learn more about what an ethical investment is and how you can invest your pension ethically with PAW21. Register for a session, it’s free, quick and easy! Get on board and start planning your future today. Your future self will thank you for it!

growing your pension pot
growing your pension pot
Every type of investment needs some care and maintenance, your pension is no different. You might need to make small changes to your pension over time to ensure it's on the right path and growing. Maintaining control of your investment will keep things on track. It all starts with understanding the amount you need to retire. In an ever-changing world, many things could've changed since you last reviewed your pension. Lifestyle changes, new investment opportunities or even new attitudes to existing investments. Making small changes now could make a big difference to your future.
During Pensions Awareness Week, you can learn more about how to grow your pension pot. It’s your money and you call the shots. Register for a session, it’s free, quick and easy! Get on board and start planning your future today. Your future self will thank you for it!

pension consolidation
pension consolidation
These days, we tend to change our jobs many times within the span of our careers and it's easy to lose touch with our old pensions. They could be overseas or even sit with an old employer who may be sending paperwork to an old address. These pensions could be exposed to risks or fees that aren't necessary. As you progress, it's essential to keep track of your old pensions and, consolidating is one way to ensure you remain in control. It’s your money and you should be able to know what's happening, when, where, how and why. We certainly think so.
During Pensions Awareness Week, you can learn more about taking control of pensions from your old jobs with a single investment strategy to bring your pension pots together. Register for a session, it’s free, quick and easy! Get on board and start planning your future today. Your future self will thank you for it!

retirement planning
retirement planning
As Peter Drucker so perfectly said, "There is one prerequisite to managing the second half of your life. You must begin long before you enter it." Failing to plan is planning to fail. Whatever the quote or slogan they boil down to this….it’s never too early to begin to plan for your retirement. Many young people believe that retirement is the end but, we understand that it’s the start of something new. Even if everyone isn't sure what they want to do when they retire, many people retiring today are much more active than previous generations.
During Pensions Awareness Week, you can learn more about how you can prepare for your retirement today. Register for a session, it’s free, quick and easy! Get on board and start planning your future today. Your future self will thank you for it!
PAW 2021 Session Recap
DAY 1
Focus on freelancers & self employed
PAW21 - Day 1: Session information
Starting a pension
When over 900,000 Irish workers have no pension savings, it’s clear that the hardest part of pensions is making a start. This session will focus on the practical aspects of starting a pension.
Self-directed pensions: a personal view on making it work
Choosing your own investments within a pension is more popular and easier than ever. But how to go about it? Join this session to hear how some pension savers have chosen to invest their money.
Creative with money - Masterclass on personal finance for the creative sector
It's been a whirlwind 18 months for those working in the arts, creative industries, and all the professions that support it. Join this Masterclass with industry insiders and financial professionals to understand the impact of recent months on your finances and how you can respond to stabilise and improve your personal finance situation. This session will also cover budgeting, financial planning, and taking advantage of pensions as a freelancer/ self employed person.
Pensions and other essentials for parents in Ireland
Parents have many demands on their money – not to mention their time! And these busy years are also vital for your career and earnings. This session identifies key areas to prioritise, from planning your pension to protecting your family.
View all session videos in our PAW library
Key Speakers
Michael Houghton
Michael is host of Firepodcast.ie, a personal finance podcast. Michael sees pensions – and financial independence generally - as a way to use money to buy freedom for himself and his family.

Sessions
Self-directed pensions: a personal view on making it work
Kim O'Callaghan
Kim O’Callaghan is an event manager with MCD and a director of Minding Creative Minds. Kim was Chief Operating Officer The Olympia Theatre during the refurb of the iconic Dublin venue. Over the last few years Kim has worked on CPLT20 cricket in the Carribean and on large scale boxing events in New York , Vegas, London, Belfast and Scotland. Kim is the founder of EvntzApp which pivoted during Covid to launch the #WeAreTheSupportAct initiative with The Blizzards to raise funds to support Crew in the Live Events Industry in Ireland due to the impact of Covid 19 on the live events industry.

Sessions
Creative with money.
Ralph Benson
Ralph is co-founder of online investments and pensions advisor Moneycube.ie. A chartered accountant and qualified financial advisor, he is a tireless advocate of straight-talking and action when it comes to pensions.

Stuart Clark
Stuart is deputy editor of Hot Press magazine. He has interviewed everybody from David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and Amy Winehouse, to Séamus Coleman, Bundee Aki and President Michael D. Higgins.

Sessions
Creative with money.
Olive Ryan
Olive is head of client services at online pensions and investments advisor Moneycube.ie. Her focus is on making financial services comprehensible, inclusive, and meaningful for people who want to take charge of their financial future. She has worked in banking, for accountants BDO, and for Aviva.

Sessions
Creative with money.
JP Maguire
JP has over 20 years’ experience in capital markets. He was head of equity trading for Dolmen Stockbrokers from 2005-2010, and director of stockbroking for Cantor Fitzgerald before taking on his current role as head of intermediary sales.

Sessions
Self directed pensions - a professional view on investment strategy.
Blány Henderson
With over 12 years of experience in pensions and investments Blány is a Financial Advisor with Moneycube. Blany previously worked with Aviva as a customer service team leader and in training roles. Previous to this Blány worked with Friends First and Zurich Life.

Stephen Rice
Stephen is Pensions & Investment Propositions Lead at Aviva Life & Pensions. He is a pensions and investments specialist who is passionate about helping Irish customers and advisors make sense of pensions.

Sessions
Self directed pensions – a professional.
Claire Louise Murphy
Claire works as a product propositions consultant in the Corporate Pensions & SDIO division at Aviva. She has extensive experience in developing and implementing Corporate Pensions propositions, including creating a Corporate Pension Member Education Programme.

Sessions
What happens my pension when I go on maternity leave.
Pensions and other money essentials for parents.
DAY 2
focus on retail & services
PAW21 - Day 2: Session information
Your pension and the climate
What can pension savers do to incorporate sustainability and climate concerns into their pension? Join this discussion with Jerry Moriarty, chairperson of Sustainable and Responsible Investment Forum Ireland, to find out more.
Approaching retirement 10 years out - top things to consider
The decisions you take about your pension in the decade before you retire are critical to your wealth in retirement. We’ll help you identify actions you can take now for a comfortable retirement.
Early years/ Later years - A masterclass on personal finance for professionals in the Early Years sector
Ireland’s Early Years sector is finally getting recognition for the crucial role it plays supporting families and businesses alike. But Early Years entrepreneurs and professionals need to secure their own financial position, as well as helping others. The sector is labour intensive, highly regulated, and margins can be thin – so getting pensions right for staff, and extracting wealth as an owner is critical. If you operate in the Early Years sector, this Masterclass shows you how.
Auto enrolment, PEPPs and regulatory change - what does it mean for me and my business?
Auto-enrolment – where an employee worker will be automatically enrolled in a pension scheme when starting a job, is in the pipeline for Ireland for 2022. Next year will also see the introduction of Pan-European Personal Pensions. Tontine Trust intends to provide them. What do these regulatory changes mean for staff and how should employers plan for it?
View all session videos in our PAW library
Key Speakers
Dean McClelland
Dean is CEO of Tontine Trust, the award-winning fintech/fiduciary institution building a platform for issuing and operating tontine-style Pan-European Personal Pensions (PEPPs).

Sessions
Auto enrolment, PEPPs and regulatory change – what does it mean for me and my business?
Ian Slattery
Ian is President of the Irish Institute of Pensions Management, which promotes pension standards in Ireland.

Sessions
Auto enrolment, PEPPs and regulatory change – what does it mean for me and my business?
Paul Kenny
Paul Kenny spent more than 34 years in the pensions industry before being appointed as Ireland’s first Pensions Ombudsman in 2003. He retired from that position in May 2016. Paul was a founder Fellow of the Irish Institute of Pensions Management, and a Director for ten years of the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland and its Chairman for three years. He has written and lectured extensively on pensions and related matters and holds a Level 7 Certificate in Training and Continuing Education from NUI Maynooth.

Sessions
Approaching retirement 10 years out.
Olive Ryan
Olive is head of client services at online pensions and investments advisor Moneycube.ie. Her focus is on making financial services comprehensible, inclusive, and meaningful for people who want to take charge of their financial future. She has worked in banking, for accountants BDO, and for Aviva.

Sessions
How to consolidate your pensions.
Regina Bushell
Regina is owner of Grovelands Childcare, a large full day care service in the midlands employing >150 people. Regina also sits on Childcare Services Ireland’s Council and is the chair of Seas Suas.

Sessions
A masterclass on personal finance for the Early Years sector.
Blány Henderson
With over 12 years of experience in pensions and investments Blány is a Financial Advisor with Moneycube. Blany previously worked with Aviva as a customer service team leader and in training roles. Previous to this Blány worked with Friends First and Zurich Life.

Sessions
A masterclass on personal finance for the Early Years sector.
Jerry Moriarty
Jerry Moriarty is CEO of the Irish Association of Pension Funds which represents pension savers in Ireland. Its members are responsible for some €140 billion in retirement savings. Jerry chairs of the Irish Sustainable and Responsible Investment Forum, and is vice-chair of PensionsEurope.

Sessions
Your pension and the climate
Alan Dineen
Alan has spent the last 13 years working for Zurich Life in a variety of roles. He is a Certified Financial Planner, keen golfer and proud Kerryman.

Sessions
How to consolidate your pensions.
Darragh Whelan
Darragh is the Director Ibec’s trade association for the Early Years sector, Childhood Services Ireland, having previously provided advocacy and representation to a range of sectors within Ibec. Darragh also represents Ibec at the Internal Labour Organisation within the United Nations.

Sessions
Early years/ Later years. A masterclass on personal finance for professionals in the Early Years sector.
DAY 3
focus on medical & healthcare
PAW21 - Day 3: Session information
Investing your ARF
For many of us, questions about how to manage our pension only begin as we retire. If you’re wondering how to invest your pension as you draw it down in retirement, this session is for you.
Pensions for millenials
Millenials have many competing demands on their money in Ireland. On top of that, millennials have a reputation as conscious consumers. How does a pension fit in and what does it look like?
Investing your pension ethically
There’s a world of ethical investment options out there, from clean energy to gender equality to funds that avoid certain industries. This session will discuss ways to invest your pension ethically, and the rise of ethical, social and governance (ESG) concerns.
View all session videos in our PAW library
Key Speakers
Liz Dwyer
Liz is an award winning journalist, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Future Beauty, as well as a brand ambassador for the likes of Google, Diageo, Bank of Ireland, Brown Thomas & many more.

Sessions
Wealthcare for healthcare - wealth and pensions for medical and dental professionals.
Sohini De
Sohini is founder and CEO of Empeal, the health coaching and employee wellness app.

Sessions
Wellness technology.
Sarah Norris
Sarah manages the Global Equity Impact fund for Aberdeen Standard Investments. The fund invests in companies listed globally that aim to create positive measurable environmental and/ or social impacts.

Sessions
Investing your pension ethically.
Michael Houghton
Michael is host of Firepodcast.ie, a personal finance podcast. Michael sees pensions – and financial independence generally - as a way to use money to buy freedom for himself and his family.

Sessions
Self-directed pensions: a personal view on making it work
Ralph Benson
Ralph is co-founder of online investments and pensions advisor Moneycube.ie. A chartered accountant and qualified financial advisor, he is a tireless advocate of straight-talking and action when it comes to pensions.

Sessions
Investing your pension ethically.
Brian Mooney
Brian Mooney is one of Ireland’s most prominent guidance counsellors and a regular Irish Times columnist. Brian was recently hired by pensions and investment company Standard Life in a new role as End of Career Guidance Counsellor. Brian himself retired in 2019 after 43 years and will now “help guide those approaching retirement towards a fulfilling and rewarding second life”.

Sessions
Approaching Retirement – 5 years out.
Blány Henderson
With over 12 years of experience in pensions and investments Blány is a Financial Advisor with Moneycube. Blany previously worked with Aviva as a customer service team leader and in training roles. Previous to this Blány worked with Friends First and Zurich Life.

Sessions
Pensions for Millennials.
DAY 4
focus on tech & software
PAW21 - Day 4: Session information
Wellness technology
Wellness technology is changing corporate approaches to wellbeing. This session looks at how new platforms can enhance staff wellbeing, and increase engagement with pensions and benefits, for on-site and remote-working teams.
Changing jobs or leaving service - Defined Contribution schemes
When you change job, your pension options change too. If you’re leaving a job with a defined contribution pension, you have several options. How should you decide what to do with your old pension?
Redundancy and your pension
The last 18 months have seen huge change in the employment market, and many of us have changed jobs. This discussion looks at how redundancy affects your pension and tax situation.
Programming your future - pension considerations in tech and rapid growth businesses
Tech and rapid-growth businesses have some unique pensions and benefits challenges. Young and mobile workforces have different demands and expectations. And there may be competing demands for short-term benefits like RSUs and bonuses, making engagement difficult. If you have responsibility for pensions and people in a fast-growth business in Ireland, this Masterclass is for you.
It takes two - how matched contributions work
Many employers will match the contribution you make to your pension. This short session explains why this is such a valuable feature, and how it can benefit you.
View all session videos in our PAW library
Key Speakers
Peter Oakes
Peter is founder of Fintech Ireland, chairman of AWM Wealth Advisors, and a former senior assistant director general of the Central Bank of Ireland.

Sessions
Programming your future – pension considerations in tech and rapid growth businesses.
Barry Prost
Barry is managing partner of Yala.ie, which helps SMEs hire and engage with talent in Ireland and across Europe.

Sessions
Changing jobs or leaving service – Defined Contribution schemes.
Redundancy and your pension.
Ralph Benson
Ralph is co-founder of online investments and pensions advisor Moneycube.ie. A chartered accountant and qualified financial advisor, he is a tireless advocate of straight-talking and action when it comes to pensions.

Sessions
Redundancy and your pension.
Olive Ryan
Olive is head of client services at online pensions and investments advisor Moneycube.ie. Her focus is on making financial services comprehensible, inclusive, and meaningful for people who want to take charge of their financial future. She has worked in banking, for accountants BDO, and for Aviva.

Sessions
It takes two – how matched contributions.
Geraline Magnier
Geraldine is co-founder of Idiro Analytics, which pioneers in advanced analytics. Geraldine is a Board member of Technology Ireland (IBEC) representing Ireland’s tech sector. With a keen interest in educational initiatives as a former enterprise and economics educator, she currently serves on the Skillnet SFA Steering Group. ‘Where the Needle Lands’ is Idiro’s podcast that Geraldine co-hosts and produces dealing with the societal impact of AI for better and for worse.

Sessions
Programming your future – pension considerations in tech and rapid growth businesses.
John Alford
John leads the workplace financial wellbeing team within Irish Life, working with employers to improve the overall financial wellbeing of their employees through a combination of digital tools, webinars/seminars, email nudges and individual consultations.

Sessions
Programming your future – pension considerations in tech and rapid growth businesses.
It takes two – how matched contributions work.
DAY 5
focus on professional services
PAW21 - Day 5: Session information
What risk category am I, and why?
In finance, risk and reward are closely linked. All choices involve some uncertainty, but how much risk should you take with your pension? Join this session to find out what’s right for you.
What's a Pension Adjustment Order and how does it work?
Divorce and separation can have a major impact on your finances, including your pension. This discussion will explain how Pension Adjustment Orders work, and how they affect your pension.
Project Pension - maximising wealth for people working in professional services.
If you work in professional services you’re used to setting high standards, managing for results, and being bang up-to-date with industry changes. But can you say the same about your pension? There is money to be won and lost by taking a professional approach to your pension. This Masterclass is dedicated to helping people in professional services apply the standards of excellence and rigour to their financial lives that they are used to delivering professionally.
Everything you need to know about topping up pensions for public servants
Public servants have some unique pension considerations. This discussion looks at how you can top up your pension using Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), and how these affect your wider pension pot, especially at retirement time.
View all session videos in our PAW library
Key Speakers
Maura O'Neill
Maura is chair of the ACCA Financial Services Committee, and senior investment manager at Goodbody. Maura is a qualified accountant (FCCA), a member of the Irish Taxation Institute, a Qualified Financial Advisor, and a Registered Stockbroker.

Sessions
Project Pension - maximising wealth for people working in professional services.
Paul Kenny
Paul Kenny spent more than 34 years in the pensions industry before being appointed as Ireland’s first Pensions Ombudsman in 2003. He retired from that position in May 2016. Paul was a founder Fellow of the Irish Institute of Pensions Management, and a Director for ten years of the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland and its Chairman for three years. He has written and lectured extensively on pensions and related matters and holds a Level 7 Certificate in Training and Continuing Education from NUI Maynooth.

Sessions
Project Pension - maximising wealth for people working in professional services.
Approaching retirement 1 year out.
Ralph Benson
Ralph is co-founder of online investments and pensions advisor Moneycube.ie. A chartered accountant and qualified financial advisor, he is a tireless advocate of straight-talking and action when it comes to pensions.

James Skehan
With more than 40 years of pensions industry experience under his belt, James Skehan was head of pensions with New Ireland for 20 years. James currently acts as an independent professional trustee and advises employers and trustees on pension matters

Sessions
Pension Adjustment Orders and Everything you need to know about topping up pensions for public servants.
Stephen Gillick
Stephen is a partner and head of pensions at Mason Hayes Curran. Stephen also sits on the Pensions Council, a statutory body that advises the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection on matters relating to policy on pensions.

Sessions
Project Pension - maximising wealth for people working in professional services.