#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

Q

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

Q

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

Q

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

Q

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

Q

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

Q

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.

Self-directed pensions: a professional view on investment strategy

Choosing your own investments within a pension is more popular and easier than ever. How would a professional investor go about it? Join this webcast to understand investment strategies from a money manager’s perspective.

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.

What happens to my pension when I go on maternity leave?

This session looks at the short-term effect of maternity leave on your pension. We’ll also touch on the longer-term financial implications of time out of the workforce, and whether career breaks should mean pension breaks.

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.

Sessions

Starting a pension

Self Directed pensions – a professional.

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.

Sessions

Pensions and other money essentials for parents.

What happens my pension when I go on maternity leave.

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

Q

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.

How to consolidate your pensions

Most of us now change jobs many times in our careers. As you progress, it’s essential to keep track of old pensions. This discussion shows you how to combine your pensions, improving results, reducing costs, and simplifying your financial life.

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

Q

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.

Approaching retirement 5 years out - top things to consider

Five years out from retirement, you still have time to implement changes that will improve your financial position. From late top-ups to investment approaches, we’ll help you identify actions for a comfortable retirement.

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

Q

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

Q

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.

Approaching retirement 1 year out - top things to consider

If you're 12 months from retirement, a little planning and research now will help you avoid making important long-term decisions in a rush.  Join this discussion to understand the questions you should be considering.

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.

Changing jobs or leaving service - Defined Benefits schemes

When you change job, your pension options change too. If you’re leaving a job with a defined benefit pension, extra care is called for. How should you decide what to do with your old pension?

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.

Sessions

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

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.