Pension Basics for People Who Feel Behind
A lot of people in their 30s and 40s feel quietly embarrassed about not having a pension sorted. This session is for them.
Starting later than planned
Starting a pension at 35 or 40 is not ideal, but it is not a disaster either. The maths are less forgiving than starting at 25, but they are still worth understanding — because knowing the actual numbers tends to motivate action far more than vague guilt does.
This masterclass covers how pensions work in Ireland, including the tax relief structure that makes them one of the more efficient savings tools available. We look at occupational schemes, PRSAs, and what to do if you are self-employed or have had several jobs with different pension arrangements.
What tends to confuse people
Contribution rates, employer matching, fund choices, and what happens to a pension when you change jobs — these are the questions that come up most often, and we work through each one using straightforward examples.
Declan, who attended a previous session, described it as the first time a financial topic had been explained to him without feeling like he was being sold something.
We do not cover investment strategy in depth here — that is a separate topic. The focus is on getting started, understanding the structure, and making a decision about contributions that is informed rather than arbitrary.
Results from pension saving depend on many factors including contribution level, fund performance, and time horizon. Nothing in this session should be taken as individual financial advice.
Suitable for employees, self-employed individuals, and anyone with a dormant or forgotten pension.
Programme
What's covered
Each stage is structured to build on the last — no gaps, no assumed knowledge.
Course outline
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Part 1 — How pensions work in plain terms
The basic structure of defined contribution pensions, how funds grow, and what charges to watch for.
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Part 2 — Tax relief explained clearly
How pension contributions reduce your tax bill, with worked examples at different income levels.
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Part 3 — Your options depending on employment status
Occupational schemes, PRSAs, and personal pensions — what each one suits and how to access them.
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Part 4 — Tracing and consolidating old pensions
What to do with pension pots from previous employers and how to find out what you have accumulated.
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Part 5 — Deciding on a contribution rate
A realistic framework for choosing how much to contribute based on your age, income, and other financial commitments.
Full details
About this masterclass
Qygigoo has been building practical financial education for local communities since 2020.
Single payment, includes notes and replay
VAT included. Not a substitute for regulated financial advice.
A lot of people in their 30s and 40s feel quietly embarrassed about not having a pension sorted. This session is for them.
Starting later than planned
Starting a pension at 35 or 40 is not ideal, but it is not a disaster either. The maths are less forgiving than starting at 25, but they are still worth understanding — because knowing the actual numbers tends to motivate action far more than vague guilt does.
This masterclass covers how pensions work in Ireland, including the tax relief structure that makes them one of the more efficient savings tools available. We look at occupational schemes, PRSAs, and what to do if you are self-employed or have had several jobs with different pension arrangements.
What tends to confuse people
Contribution rates, employer matching, fund choices, and what happens to a pension when you change jobs — these are the questions that come up most often, and we work through each one using straightforward examples.
Declan, who attended a previous session, described it as the first time a financial topic had been explained to him without feeling like he was being sold something.
We do not cover investment strategy in depth here — that is a separate topic. The focus is on getting started, understanding the structure, and making a decision about contributions that is informed rather than arbitrary.
Results from pension saving depend on many factors including contribution level, fund performance, and time horizon. Nothing in this session should be taken as individual financial advice.
Suitable for employees, self-employed individuals, and anyone with a dormant or forgotten pension.Quick check-in
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