Irish Pensions & Finance (IPF)

Financial advice for Irish public sector staff

Irish Pensions & Finance (IPF) is a financial advisory firm based in Ireland that works specifically with public sector employees. Founded in 1993, the company states it has over 34,000 clients with active policies, has supported more than 6,000 retirements and manages over €1.4 billion in funds.

Its activity is organised into two main areas: employer solutions and financial planning for employees. On the employer side, the firm works with the HSE, voluntary hospitals, county councils, the civil service and AGSI. On the employee side, it offers financial planning services tailored to different stages of working life.

Financial planning services

IPF's catalogue includes products and services aimed at the financial security of public employees throughout their careers:

• AVC (Additional Voluntary Contributions), additional voluntary pension contributions.
• Income protection.
• Life cover.
• Family protection.
• Savings and investments.
• Pensions from previous employment.

The firm structures its advice around the employee's life stages: starting out, mid-career financial decisions and retirement preparation.

The Retirement Glidepath service

IPF has developed a service called Retirement Glidepath, presented as a guide to making the most of retirement. Through it, the firm's advisors support clients through the retirement process and in their decision-making. The company also provides information on taxation in retirement and the option to book an annual review meeting.

Groups served

The firm details the public sector groups its services are aimed at:

• Healthcare staff in public hospitals and communities across Ireland, including the HSE and voluntary hospitals.
• TUSLA.
• Civil servants in government departments, State bodies, museums, galleries, authorities and regional assemblies.
• Staff of the 26 county councils, 3 city councils and 2 city and county councils in the Republic of Ireland.
• Members of An Garda Síochána, from new recruits to superintendent level, including sergeants and inspectors.

Resources and outreach activity

IPF maintains a news and blog section with content on budgets, tips for preparing for retirement and planning webinars. The firm also organises webinars and individual consultations, and has a service centre for existing clients with resources and annual reviews.

Track record and client feedback

The company presents itself as established in 1993 and with more than three decades of activity. Its website includes client testimonials highlighting the clarity of explanations, the patience of advisors and the personalised attention in processes such as setting up and reviewing AVCs or transferring pensions to a retirement fund.