Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC)

Most commonly known as Pension top-ups, AVCs allow you to boost your pension savings beyond mandatory contributions, enhancing retirement income and securing a more comfortable financial future.

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What is an AVC?

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are tax-efficient extra payments you can make in addition to your existing pension. Whether you started your pension later in life, or have extra cash to put away, an AVC is a pension option for you. When you retire, you can use the money you invested into an AVC to buy additional pension benefits you want.

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Niamh Q.
4 days ago
We couldn’t be happier with the service we received from Bernadine at Low Quotes. From start to finish, she was helpful and supportive making what can often be a stressful process feel so much easier. We’re so grateful for her and all the team's hard work, guidance, and patience throughout the journey. Their kindness and dedication made such a difference. We would wholeheartedly recommend Bernadine to anyone looking for a mortgage broker. Thank you so much for everything! 🙂
Thomas J.
5 days ago
Low quotes were an exceptional organisation to work with to get our mortgage protection policy , they gave us the best price possible to us, with particular thanks to Cormac Logue for all his help throughout the process. Would definitely recommend.
Bernard B.
1 week ago
Cormac was very helpful and excellent to deal with.
Alina H.
2 weeks ago
We got mortgage protection organised with Alan B. where he provided absolutely excellent service! 10/10! lovely person, very professional and knowledgable, full review completed which we found very useful! Definitely will recommend Alan to friends and family!
Thiago M.
2 weeks ago
Clear instructions and quick service delivered
jordan R.
2 weeks ago
Received a call from Cormac, who was very friendly , accommodating, but most of all had every detail to hand, had an answer to every question that I asked also. Got a fantastic quote thanks to him which was far cheaper than what I had originally planned
Lough Mardal L.
2 weeks ago
Cormac Logue gave us great help and advice when buying life insurance for a mortgage. He was so helpful and we really appreciate the time and effort he spent on us.
Justus B.
3 weeks ago
My case was dealt by Cormac Logue, He helped and guided through out the process and gave us the best quote. I'll give the credit completely to him. Great dedication towards the work.
Rachel K.
3 weeks ago
Cormac was very helpful and made the process of applying for mortgage protection really easy for us.
Bibitha T.
3 weeks ago
Colin was extremely helpful in securing my mortgage protection. He explained everything clearly,was professional and responsive throughout, and made the whole process very straightforward.Highly recommended his service
Sue W.
4 weeks ago
Great, fast and efficient service! Aoife (Morgan) was just lovely from start to finish when arranging the review of our life & insurance policies. Aoife was very informative when I made all initial enquiries and as I asked lots of questions. Was as good as a face to face chat and really explained the whole process without any pressure whatsoever. #goteam! Aoife explained all options professionally and with a very personable approach - made sense and we are delighted with the reviewed policies now in line with our change in circumstances (home owners), employment considerations, lifestyle, affordability and overall a much better policy arrangement. Would highly recommend 😊😊😊😊
Kirsty D.
4 weeks ago
Colin has been so helpful
Will B.
4 weeks ago
Colin at LowQuotes was excellent in setting up our mortgage protection. He took the time to understand our situation properly and tailored the policy to suit our specific needs, rather than just pushing a one size fits all option. It made a real difference having someone who listened and gave us a setup that actually made sense for us. Professional, knowledgeable, and easy to deal with throughout. Highly recommend!
Caroline O M.
4 weeks ago
Two words Aoife Excellent
jamie 1.
4 weeks ago
Alan was so helpful from start to finish I had a complication in getting my quote for income protection witch he chased it up effortlessly for me while still getting me a great price Would recommend giving them a shot for a quote
Sinead 1.
4 weeks ago
I had a really positive experience with Lowquotes.ie. The whole process was so easy and straightforward from start to finish. Bernadine was the person I dealt with and she was absolutely fantastic — so helpful, friendly and always happy to answer any questions I had. She made the whole process stress-free and easy to understand. I would definitely recommend Lowquotes.ie and especially Bernadine for making everything so simple!
Michael C.
1 month ago
Just got a Life Insurance quote for myself and my wife,and Diarmuid Woods was so helpful talked me through every step,he could not have been more helpful,and im delighted with the policy he got for us.
Karen G.
1 month ago
Spoke with Colin and he made the whole process simple and straight forward. Would highly recommend speaking to him for any financial cover needs

What are the advantages of AVCs?

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are discretionary payments individuals can make to supplement their pension savings beyond regular contributions to workplace or personal pension schemes. AVCs offer flexibility, allowing individuals to enhance their pension pot by contributing additional funds, providing financial security for retirement. These contributions are voluntary, empowering individuals to decide the amount and frequency of payments based on their financial situation. Moreover, AVCs may offer tax efficiency, potentially reducing overall tax liability through qualifying contributions. This flexibility and potential for increased retirement income make AVCs valuable for optimizing pension planning and ensuring a comfortable retirement.

With AVCs, you have control over your investment, enabling you to adjust contributions according to your evolving needs. Whether increasing, decreasing, stopping, or restarting contributions, this adaptability ensures your investments align with changing priorities. Eligibility for an AVC Plan typically arises upon becoming a member of your employer’s Superannuation Scheme, with contributions subject to Revenue-set limits and a minimum monthly contribution of €75 (or equivalent).

Tax Relief

Investing in an AVC allows you to benefit from tax relief on your investments,  For example: If your marginal rate of tax is 40% and you invest €100, the actual cost to you is €60 as you get 40% (€40) in tax relief. This makes it much more tax efficient compared to a savings account as you can also maximise your tax-free lump sum on retirement.

Retire Early

Every investment you make into your AVC will grow your Pension fund, gaining you closer to your ideal estimated fund value. Meaning you could be retiring sooner than you think. The state pension retirement age is ever increasing, why not personally take control of when you retire?

Flexibility

flexibility to modify your Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) at your discretion. You can increase, decrease, stop, or restart your AVC contributions as needed. This adaptability allows you to align your pension strategy with changing financial circumstances, ensuring that you have control over the level of contributions based on your preferences, life events, or evolving priorities. 

Start a Retirement Planning today to have the future of your dreams!

Planning for retirement is a significant milestone. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or are already well into your retirement journey, this guide will help you make informed decisions and create a retirement plan that aligns with your financial goals. And it’s totally FREE! Don’t wait, download now!

Your journey towards financial freedom starts here!

After you download your guide, one of our expert Financial Advisors will be in touch shortly to provide you with guidance and further relevant information to build you a customised retirement plan.

What are my investment options?

This is entirely your own choice and dependent on your risk profile, it is usually invested in a range of unit linked funds. You’ll have access to a wide range of different assets with varying degrees of risk, so you’ll be sure to find a solution that works for you.

Retirement options with AVCs.

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Your Questions Answered

We’re living longer than previous generations. Upon retirement, on average we will have 20-30 years of retirement. A pension plan will make sure you’re financially sound for these years. Whether you wish to travel, retire to the country, or spend time with your children & grandchildren.

The amount you will receive per month entirely depends on how much you’re willing to pay per month, the length of time you’ve been making contributions, the type of pension plan and its investment return. You can also choose to receive a lump sum upon retirement or not.

As of today, the State Contributory Pension is about €240 per week. For most people, during their 20-30 years of retirement, this simply isn’t enough. When you pay into a pension plan, you will receive both the state pension (If available to you) and your Pension Plan.

Tax relief reduces the actual cost of your pension. You do not have to pay tax on money that you put into a personal pension (This falls within the limits set out below). This is calculated at the highest rate of tax you pay (Currently 20% / 40%)

Example:
Monthly contribution = €100
Tax Relief (40%) = €40
Cost to you = €60

Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance.      

Warning: The value of your investment may go down and up.      

Warning: If you invest in this product, you will not have any access to your money until you retire.   

Warning: If you invest in this product, you may lose some or all of your investment.     

Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. 

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We would like to assure our customers that although this Worldwide Pandemic has struck our Nation hard, we are still here for our new and existing customers. All phone calls and emails will be dealt with accordingly.

In the unfortunate circumstance that a customer contracts COVID-19 and dies, our life policies would pay out in line with our usual claims philosophy.

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