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Financial Advisor Dublin

 

What does a Financial Advisor do?

 

The simple answer is: A Financial Advisor suggests ways in which people can better manage their money to meet their particular needs and goals.

 

A Financial Advisor, however, offers much more than this…

 

For example, a Financial Advisor can advise on and suggest strategies to help you reach your financial objectives relating to budgeting & cash management, debt management, tax planning, inheritance & estate planning, savings & investments, retirement planning, and life insurance solutions.

 

A Financial Advisor will also provide valuable insight, using these strategies, for how you should be managing your money to reach your financial goals at every crucial life stage, be it, buying your dream home, getting married, planning for children, advice when changing jobs, moving up in the workplace or starting your own business, and reaching your retirement goals. This in turn will help you make smarter decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes in life, which will make it easier for you to achieve your goals.

 

Essentially, the advisor’s mission is also to close the gap between where you are currently (financially) and where you’d like to be.

 

Let’s take a deep dive into the various solutions available:

 

Financial Advisor Consultation Booking

 

 

 


How can a Financial Advisor help me?

 

 

Financial Planning

Dublin Financial Advisor | Financial Planning

 

Financial Planning gives a Financial Advisor the opportunity to get to know you, to understand your financial needs and concerns, and establish what you would like to achieve financially – your goals and objectives.

 

However, financial planning is not only about the destination, but more importantly, its about the journey through which a financial planner will guide you through, using the following techniques:

 

 

1. Monitoring & Analysis:

Properly monitor and grow your income, carefully analyzing spending patterns and budgeting to manage your cash flow more effectively.

 

2. A Tailored Plan:

A detailed, step-by-step plan that’s tailored to your individual situation, and that can develop with you as you move through your different life stages.

 

3. A Investment Strategy: 

Choosing the right Investment strategy (to combat inflation) to achieve your objectives in a the appropriate time frame.

 

4. Risk Planning:

Plan for any unexpected risks that could potentially set you back with an unwanted financial burden, for example, putting in place adequate Life Insurance to cover debts or income to ensure your loved one’s that are left behind are covered financially.

 

5. Financial Confidence: 

Education and context to help you understand and gain confidence in your financial plan.

 

6. Guidance:

Guidance and support to provide good savings and investing habits and help you avoid common investing mistakes.

 

If you concentrate on staying in control of your day-to-day finances, reduce debt, and save regularly, these are responsible actions that will help you to keep on track with meeting your goals; and have the financial freedom to make the choices that allow you to enjoy life!

 

 


 

Pensions & Retirement

Dublin Financial Advisor | Pensions

 

Saving for retirement is extremely important. People are living longer and are leading more active lives in retirement. As a result, it is important to think about where your income will come from when you retire.

 

Pension saving is one of the few areas where you can still get substantial tax relief. For example, Pension offer tax breaks and incentives, such as tax relief on contributions where you can claim up to 40% tax relief on all your pension contributions (at your higher rate of income tax).

 

Some people may have an opportunity to accumulate wealth without using pension schemes – perhaps through their business ventures or other assets. But for most people a pension scheme is likely the best way to supplement their current lifestyle and income into retirement.

 

Important Considerations for Pensions:

 

1. Planning for Retirement: 

Taking control of your retirement planning decisions earlier on in life, can help you build up an extremely valuable asset.

 

2. Adequacy of Income at Retirement: 

Although the State pension is intended to ensure that everyone receives a basic standard of living in retirement, without a Private Pension in place the State Pension alone may not be enough to meet your income needs in retirement.To illustrate this, the current Irish State Pension is €253.30 per week (personal rate 2022). The average wage is €862 per week (CSO – Q4 2021). This leaves a shortfall / average weekly gap of €608.70.

 

3. Considerations for Women:

Regards pension provision, there are a number of areas such as maternity leave, part-time working and breaks in employment where pension advice may be of particular interest for women to consider Also, women on average live longer than men and so are more likely to need their pension to last longer.

 

4. Protection for Families: 

Pension schemes can provide protection in the form of lump sums and pensions to dependents in the event of a member’s death.

 

5. Tax Advantages: 

The State provides generous tax reliefs through Pensions, such as on Tax relief on contributions made to pensions, Tax-free growth within your Pension Investment, and a Tax-free Lump Sum on retirement.

 

By taking small steps and committing to putting away a certain amount into your pension each month, this can work towards the life you want to live in retirement. When it comes to advice on one’s finances, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The best pension option for you depends on your personal circumstances and work situation so its advisable that you speak to a financial advisor first.

 

Pensions for the Self Employed

Pensions for Company Directors

Company Profits into Personal Wealth

Pension Options when Changing Jobs

https://www.smartfinancial.ie/schemes/pension-transfers/

UK Pension Transfers to Ireland

Buying Property with your Pension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Saving and Investments

Dublin Financial Advisor | Savings and Investments

 

When it comes to planning your future, investing is fundamental – simply one of the most essential decisions you can make if your goal is to be financially successful. Simply put, if you had to keep your savings on deposit in your local bank account or credit union, you’d be losing money (when adjusting for inflation). 

 

A sensible strategy that many investors use to reach their particular goals is that of multi-asset funds. The purpose of allocating money to a multi-asset strategy is to maximize the opportunities for compelling risk-adjusted returns by taking advantage well diversified asset classes.

 

Take the Zurich Prisma 4 Fund for example. With an aim to generate long-term capital growth through capital gains and income from investing across a diversified range of global asset classes – equities, bonds, property, commodities, cash and alternative assets, the fund has a medium to high risk rating set to outperform over rolling 5 year periods. At the time of writing, the fund has achieved an annual fund performance of 7.1% p.a since its launch. Cash, which invests in deposits and money market instruments has delivered -0.75% p.a over a similar period.

 

Why Cash is NOT King:

 

In addition to the above-mentioned example, over the last number of years, 10, 20 even 50 years plus, returns from investments such as equities and bonds have far exceeded that of cash. Investors sometimes think of cash as a safe haven during periods of volatility, or even as a steady source of income. However, with interest rates being relatively low, the returns you may be getting from deposit accounts probably won’t deliver the long-term returns you need.

 

According to Investopedia, the U.S. stock market has long been considered the source of the greatest returns for investors, outperforming all other types of investments including financial securities, real estate, commodities, and art collectibles over the past century. A 10-year holding period performed even better, with returns averaging about 13% – and zero negative returns.

 

What are your goals? 

 

Before you decide where to invest or put your savings, you may want to first set out your future goals. 

 

Examples of such can include: Your wedding & marriage, Securing your dream home & raising a family, building up funds for your children’s education, starting a new business, or saving for retirement.

 

Once you have identified your goals, a Financial Advisor can create a personalized plan suited your investment strategy to help you reach them.

 

Investment Bond

 

 

 

Regular Savings Plan

 

 

 

Children's College Savings Plan.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Income Protection

Dublin Financial Advisor | Income Protection

 

Income protection insurance is an insurance policy that pays out a regular cash payment (each month) that replaces part of your lost income if you are unable to work due to a medium to long-term illness or disability (It does not cover redundancy). It must also not be confused with private health insurance.

 

To qualify for this insurance, you must be in full-time paid work or be self employed. Cover can be obtained between age 18 and 59, and can reach age 70 with certain insurers. The replacement income starts paying out after a certain period of time. This is called the deferred period.

 

Do I need Income Protection? 

 

Consider this… You are put into a situation where an illness or injury stops you from working for a couple months or even years. You are trying to recover and get better, and in so doing you ask yourself, “where am I going to get the money to pay for my monthly expenses and commitments??”

 

Now sure, you may get some sick pay from your employer, or have some savings in the bank, however, that probably won’t nearly be enough to pay for expenses for medical treatments or pay off monthly bills such as your mortgage repayments, car insurance, utilities, weekly groceries, and children expenses & education (well let’s not go down that road…). Considering the weight of the above, you would indeed need sufficient income to support yourself and your family financially. Here, Income Protection has you covered!

 

Important considerations for Income Protection:

 

You may also need income protection if you:

  1. Are self-employed and would have no source of income if you couldn’t work due to illness or disability.
  2. Have little or no sick pay from your employer.
  3. Have no ill-health pension protection.
  4. Have dependents who rely on your income.
  5. Have no other source of income.
  6. Do not have sufficient benefits to replace your lost income and/or cover your expenses.

 

> How much cover can I get?

> How much does it cost?

> What additional benefits are available?

 

Executive Income ProtectionPersonal Income Protection

 

 

 

 

 


 

Mortgage Protection

Dublin Financial Advisor | Mortgage Protection

 

Mortgage Protection cover is a life assurance policy designed to protection your home by paying off the outstanding mortgage (loan) in the event of your death – thereby, protecting your family from a financial burden.

 

Prior to arranging your mortgage with your lender, you are entitled to arrange your own Mortgage Protection insurance through any Life Assurance company or Intermediary of your choosing – of which most of the time you may be get better value. It is not compulsory to take out the policy with your lender.

 

 

Why is Mortgage Protection important?

1. Compulsory: If you have a mortgage on your home, it is compulsory to take out Mortgage Protection insurance.

2. Protection: It protects your family from a substantial financial burden.

3. Death: If you pass away during the term of the policy, the policy will pay off the remaining amount on your mortgage.

 

 

Dual Mortgage Protection

Joint Mortgage Protection

 

 

 

 

 


 

Life Insurance

 

Dublin Financial Advisor | Life Insurance

It is true that you don’t buy Life Insurance because you are going to die, but because those you love are going to live! No-one likes to think or talk about a time of their passing, however, your loved one’s will no doubt thank you and remember you for considering their future.

 

Life insurance pays out a cash lump sum if you die during the term of the policy. It is one of the most important types of insurance cover available to you and your family because it helps to provide financial peace of mind should something unexpected happen.

 

Do I need Life Insurance?

 

The amount of Life Cover you will need to take out will depend on the Lump sum required to cater for financial circumstances such as the following:

 

  1. To pay off all debts you owe (mortgage, car loan, credit cards)
  2. To invest the money for future income.
  3. To cover any known, large future expenses (e.g., school fees, child’s wedding, etc.)

 

To determine whether you need Life Insurance, you need to first take into account what your financial obligations are and what impact they will have on your loved ones if you were no longer around. For example, if you have a mortgage you may want to decide how you plan to fulfill many years of those monthly repayments. If you have children you may want to consider their future education and school or college fees, etc. If you find that you have little-to-no provision for your loved ones (such as savings, sale-able assets, income, investments, or pensions) then a life insurance policy makes a lot of sense.

 

Life Cover should be considered for the following Life Stages or events: 

 

Marriage:

When you eventually get to that special day of tying the knot, a new chapter of joy and adventure begins, but with that, also comes responsibility. When uniting families, so too will you combine your assets. Here, Life Insurance is an important tool to ensure that you both have each other’s well-being in mind should one of you pass away unexpectedly.

 

When you take out a joint policy, or two single policies on each other’s lives, you are making sure that the policy pays out on not just the first death, but also the second, ensuring your surviving dependents are also taking into consideration.

 

Buying a new home:

If you are responsible for your mortgage repayments and you pass away before your mortgage is fully paid off, the burden then falls to your partner or loved ones. Life Insurance, or in this case, Mortgage Protection Insurance (otherwise known as Decreasing Life Cover), will ensure that your loved ones will meet this financial commitment after you are gone. It is also compulsory cover that you need to take out to cover the mortgage.

 

Having a baby:

Here, Life Insurance is one of the more important considerations. This is because there are many costs involved when raising children, such as, crèche, private education, university or college, food, healthcare, clothing and baby essentials, etc. Its important to note that should you pass away unexpectedly, Whole of Life or Term Insurance policies can be used to provide continued support by paying out a lump sum towards your children’s needs going forward.

 

Inheritance Tax: The next generation

When you intend to leave money or assets behind for your children and/or financial dependents, such as a property, its not as easy as simply handing over the keys to them. Depending on the value of the inheritance, they could be paying a sizable amount of Inheritance Tax on the transfer of ownership. A Whole of Life or Section 72 Insurance policy is a very useful Revenue approved policy that is specifically designed to cover the inheritance tax to ensure that your beneficiaries are not short-changed on the amount you intended for them to receive.

 

Planning for a funeral:

According to a 2018 review by Royal London,  basic Irish funeral can cost anywhere from €2,950 to €7,500 and potentially more. Therefore, when discussing a Life Insurance policy with your Financial Advisor, its worthwhile discussing how much additional cover or a Funeral Insurance Policy needed to payout upon your death. This will prevent your loved ones from paying out of their own pocket.

 

 

Level Term Cover

Convertible Term Cover

 

Whole of Life CoverPension Term Assurance

 

 

 

Executive Pension Term Assurance

 

 

 

 

 

 


Serious Illness CoverDublin Financial Advisor | Serious Illness Dublin

 

Serious illness cover is a long-term insurance policy that pays you a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific illnesses or disabilities that the policy covers. The money that is paid out to you can be used to cover essential bills when going through a challenging time.

 

A few of the many serious illnesses covered are:

  1. Cancer of specified severity
  2. Heart Attack
  3. Stroke
  4. Kidney Failure
  5. Major Organ Transplant
  6. Parkinson’s Disease
  7. Multiple Sclerosis
  8. Loss of Limbs.

 

Why should I consider Serious Illness Cover? 

 

Cancer mortality in Ireland shows that 1 in 4 deaths in Ireland is caused by cancer.

  1. Cancer is the biggest killer in Ireland.
  2. It accounts for approximately 30% of deaths every year.
  3. One person dies from cancer every hour in Ireland. (Source: Irish Cancer Society)

 

Serious Illness Cover can be purchased as a standalone or it can be combined with Life Cover or Mortgage Protection under one policy.

 

Serious Illness Cover

 

 

 

 

 


 

Business Assurance

Dublin Financial Advisor | Business Assurance

 

Business Assurance is essential as it can help put in place monetary arrangements to protect your business financially should you or one of the key persons in the company pass away. Business Assurance can be taken out by a company of any size, where there is a need to protect against the loss of an extremely valued employee, owner, or partner of high financial or strategic importance to the business.

 

With a Business Assurance policy, you pay a regular premium based on the cover required. If the unexpected happens and a person dies, or becomes seriously ill, the policy will provide a lump sum to compensate for this event. This can then be used to offset any financial losses incurred to ensure continuity of the business.

 

Why should I consider Business Assurance for my company?

 

  1. Protection: If a key employee dies, a cash sum is paid to help maintain the business.
  2. Unaffected Profits: Avoid a reduction in company profits.
  3. Continuity: Can help minimize interruption to business activity.
  4. Financial Assistance: Paying your company bills, or paying outstanding bank loans.
  5. Staffing: Can help provide resources to find a suitable replacement for the employee.
  6. Stability: Purchasing a deceased Partners or Directors share of the business, & ensuring their estate receives the shareholding’s market value.

 

Availing of this kind of life insurance can give additional security to your business. As an employer, it can bring you peace of mind in the knowledge that you are protected from the financial fall-out due from the death or incapacity of a very important member of your staff.

 

 

Key Person InsurancePartnership Insurance

Corporate Co-Director Insurance

Co-Director Insurance

 

 

 

 


 

 

Unique benefits of using a Broker

 

Financial Advisor Consultation Booking

 

 

 

 

Reviewing your Plans & Policies

Dublin Financial Advisor | Financial Review

 

 

Annual financial reviews gives you an opportunity to evaluate your financial situation and circumstances.

 

If your personal circumstances have changed, you may need to update your Financial Advisor to ensure that your policies and plans are still suitable to meeting your financial objectives.

 

 

Protection Policies

 

When we receive that annual renewal notice for our Home & Car Insurance, we no doubt make haste to compare different policies and see where where we can save on our annual premiums or find better value. Similar consideration needs to be given to your protection policies. 

 

This is important because as your personal circumstances change, so do your Life Insurance needs.   

 

Why Review?

 

  1. Suitable Cover: Your cover is still suitable compared to when first taking out your policy – has your debt increased or decreased?
  2. Accurate Cover: You are not under-insured OR paying for cover you don’t need.
  3. Financial Responsibilities: You are aware of your financial responsibilities. Consider income you will need to supplement for the future if you’re no longer around, such as, childcare costs, college or school fees, the mortgage, inheritances, large debts).

 

Life Stage Considerations:

 

  1. Marriage: You may want to ensure that your partner is named as a beneficiary on your Life Insurance policy, not to mention the addition of a new baby.
  2. New Job:A promotion often times means an increase in income – ensure that the level of income on your Income Protection policy is adjusted to meet these needs.
  3. New Debts: Have you borrowed capital to start your own business, or have taken out a mortgage? This is a perfect time to assess your cover.

 

 

Mortgage Protection Policies

 

Usually, because consumers are so excited to obtain their loan when buying a new home, they sign their mortgage protection policy with the bank at the moment of mortgage approval. However, the banks are in many cases tied with only one provider. So the premiums obtained at the time are not very competitive.

 

If you feel you could benefit from more affordable cover on your Mortgage Protection policy, a broker can help search the market and compare a number of policies from different product providers for the most competitive price and cover available. Here’s something to consider:

 

Can I switch my current policy?

 

Of Course you can! You can apply for new insurance at any point during your mortgage. Most of the time, clients who request a quote from an impartial broker save a significant amount of money by switching from their previous policy obtained from the bank.

 

If its the case that you decide to switch your mortgage to a new lender, you can simply assign your policy to your new lender. You will usually have a greater choice of optional benefits that you can take out on the new policy such as Serious Illness cover. 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Why should you consider reviewing your Pension?

 

  1. Save on annual charges
  2. Fund options better suited to your needs & Attitude to Risk.
  3. Calculating projected benefits
  4. Ensuring pension contributions are tax-efficient.
  5. Maximize income potential and options for/at Retirement

 

Reviewing your Pension & Protection policies regularly is VITAL to ensure that your plans are still suitable to your current circumstances, and that you are getting the best possible value on them – giving you peace of mind.

 

Letter of Authority:

 

In order for our Financial Advisors to review your financial plans & policies and provide recommendations, complete the below form (using the “download” link) and send this to info@smartfinancial.ie.

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, make sure to submit your enquiry in the field below…

 

 


 

Outcomes of working with a Financial Advisor

 

1. Wealth: Advised clients build more wealth and have greater net worth over time.

2. Reduce Complexity: An Advisor manages complex financial information on your behalf and highlights what matters most to you.

3. Achieve your Goals: An Advisor can help you take decisive action, and in turn, making you more successful at achieving meaningful goals.

4. Encouragement: A Financial Advisor can provide emotional support during difficult financial challenges, much like a Councillor.

5. Retirement Savings: Clients who work with Advisors are far more likely to have sufficient savings at retirement.

6. Confidence: Financial plans and advice will keep you better informed when making financial decisions and will leave you more confident in your financial future.

 

 

Conclusion

 

We know that clients not only value advice, they also appreciate added value. This is something Financial Advisors & Brokers can offer, with a holistic approach, when identifying and meeting client financial needs. If you need advice or have any queries, feel free to leave your details below, or pop into us for a coffee and a chat.

 

Financial Advisor Consultation Booking

 

 

 

 

Where to find us

 

Locally:

If you are looking for a Financial Advisor near you, you can locate us at the famous Walkinstown Roundabout in Dublin 12.

Address: Greenhills Centre, Units 1 & 2, Greenhills Rd, Walkinstown, Dublin 12, D12 YH22.

 

Nationally:

If you are based outside of Dublin, we have Financial Advisors located in Co. Wicklow and Co. Cork (Munster), who would be happy to commute to you.

 

Click on the map below for directions to our offices…

 

 

Financial Advisor near me

 

Need to speak to a Financial Advisor?

Fill out your details and enquiry below, and one of our Qualified Financial Advisors will get back to you shortly.

 

Income Protection Insurance

 

What is Income Protection Insurance?

 

Income protection insurance is an insurance policy that pays out a regular cash payment (each month) that replaces part of your lost income if you are unable to work due to a medium to long-term illness or disability (It does not cover redundancy). It must also not be confused with private health insurance.

 

To qualify for this insurance, you must be in full-time paid work or be self employed. Cover can be obtained between age 18 and 59, and can reach age 70 with certain insurers. 

Would you be able to replace your income if you were unable to work due to an accident or serious illness

Deferred Period:

Not everyone needs their income to start paying as soon as they are out of work. You can choose when your replacement income starts paying out. So if your employer pays you sick pay, you may only want your money to kick in after that.

 

The period in between your work ceasing and when the insurer starts paying you in known as the ‘deferred period’. You can choose how long you wish to delay the payment. It can be 1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 months (or 4, 8, 13, 26 or 52 weeks). The longer you wait, the lower your premiums will be.

 

Financial Advisor Consultation Booking

 

 

 

 

Do I need Income Protection?

 

Consider this… You are put into a situation where an illness or injury stops you from working for a couple months or even years. You are trying to recover and get better, and in so doing you ask yourself, “where am I going to get the money to pay for my monthly expenses and commitments??”

 

Now sure, you may get some sick pay from your employer, or have some savings in the bank, however, that probably won’t nearly be enough to pay for expenses for medical treatments or pay off monthly bills such as your mortgage repayments, car insurance, utilities, weekly groceries, and children expenses & education (well let’s not go down that road…). Considering the weight of the above, you would indeed need sufficient income to support yourself and your family financially. Here, Income Protection has you covered!

 

You may also need income protection if you:

 

  1. Are self-employed and would have no source of income if you couldn’t work due to illness or disability.
  2. Have little or no sick pay from your employer.
  3. Have no ill-health pension protection.
  4. Have dependents who rely on your income.
  5. Have no other source of income.
  6. Do not have sufficient benefits to replace your lost income and/or cover your expenses.

 

When do people usually claim?

 

Aviva Claims Statistics: The main causes of Income Protection claims that were submitted in 2021 (by 2,000 claimants) were:

 

  1. Psychological – 25%
  2. Orthopedic – 25%
  3. Cancer – 20%
  4. Neurological – 7%
  5. Cardiac – 7%
  6. Other – 17%

People usually claim when certain medical conditions negatively affect their ability to perform their role at work. These can include the development of psychological (depression & anxiety), orthopedic, and cancer-related conditions. The above can cause serious distress for a person experiencing any of these and so time off work is needed to focus on healing, recovery, and/or rehabilitation. 

 

 

How much cover can I get?

 

An Income Protection policy provides you with a replacement income of up to 75% of your annual salary before tax if you cannot work due to an illness or injury. Take into account that you would have to minus the state illness benefit that you are entitled to.

 

All insurers have a maximum annual limit on the amount you can claim, and is set at €250,000, with the exception of Aviva to which the maximum benefit is €262,500.

Tax benefits on contributions

 

For example:

If you earn €80,000 per year (gross annual income) and you would like to protect 75% of your income, this would reduce the amount to €60,000.

 

€60,000 minus the state illness benefit of €10,816* (€208 per week X 52 weeks) = €49,184.

 

So the amount of income you will be able to insure every year is €49,184, or €4,099 per month.

 

If you are self employed and earn €80,000, you would be able to claim the full 75% (€60,000) as you are not entitled to the state illness benefit, giving you €5,000 per month.

 

*The amount you can qualify for depends on your average weekly earnings for the relevant tax year (in this case, 2022).

 

 

How much does it cost?

 

The cost of your Income Protection premiums are determined by the below factors:

 

Age:

The older you get, the higher the premium. They also increase as you get older on the Reviewable plan. If you want to keep your premium the same (level) throughout your policy then it may be worthwhile considering the Guaranteed Protection plan. This is a more expensive premium at first but usually cheaper over the long run.

 

Job Status:

Some jobs a higher risk than others. Class 1 jobs are lower risk and so allow for lower premiums. With jobs that fall within Classes 2, 3 and 4 usually pay a higher premium given that there would be more factors on the job.

Examples:

  1. Class 1: Accountant, Solicitor, Computer Programmer
  2. Class 2: Hairdresser, Dentist, Bookmaker
  3. Class 3: Driving Instructor, Social Worker, Locksmith
  4. Class 4: Plumber, Garage Mechanic

 

Smoking Status:

If you smoke, your premiums will be higher than if  you are a non-smoker. If you have smoked tobacco products in the last 12 months, you are considered a smoker. 

 

Medical History / Pre-existing Conditions:

When applying for protection, you will be asked questions about your health. If you have a condition that carries a level of risk, you may need to pay a higher premium or have an exclusion added to your policy. 

 

Indexation:

If you would like your cover to increase annually alongside inflation, this will also increase your premiums each year (usually by 3.5%).

 

Amount of Cover:

Simply put, the higher the cover, the more you pay. Your income and the percentage of cover will have an affect on the cost.

 

Deferred Period:

When you claim, the longer you delay/defer your payment the less you will pay (as mentioned above).

 

When applying for cover it is important that you answer the above questions honestly and as accurate as possible. If you should happen to claim from your policy and there is information that you did not disclose when applying, you may not receive any payout.

 

 

Additional Benefits of Income Protection

Income Protection

 

Many of the following benefits that come standard with one provider may have an extra charge with another provider – so its important to always use a broker to compare quotes across the market. The following can be included:

 

Specified Illness Benefit:

If this benefit is included in your plan it allows you to claim a once off lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified illness listed in the policy.

 

Life Cover Benefit:

Certain plans can provide you with a lump sum payment in the event of your death. This would be an additional benefit for family members who would need to continue paying bills, mortgage repayments, or funeral costs, and so providing relief through a challenging time.

 

Terminal Illness Benefit:

If you are diagnosed with a Terminal Illness and you have less than 12 months to live, your payments will start immediately.

 

Continuation Option / Job Change:

If you move jobs or become self-employed within the term of the plan you will have the option to continue your policy without any underwriting (showing new medical evidence).

 

Guaranteed Premium:

Insurers offer guaranteed premiums on the plan. Once the policy is accepted, your premium remains at the same level throughout the plan.

 

Guaranteed Increase Option: 

This provides the opportunity to increase (top up) your cover at specific intervals without additional underwriting (further questions about your health, job, etc). The increase applies to the original cover amount each time.

 

Waiver of Premium:

This benefit allows you to pause your monthly premiums while making a claim on your policy. You would thereafter continue paying your premiums when you return to work.

 

Back to work Benefit:

This benefit provides extra support after a set period when you return full time after being off for a qualifying period, e.g., over 12 months.

 

Partial Payment:

This provides you with a partial benefit if you return to work part time or on a lower income due to a disability or illness, thereby bridging the gap in your earnings. 

 

Hospital Cash Benefit:

This provides a daily replacement income if your are hospitalized during the deferred period.

 

Rehabilitation & Guidance:

 

Insurers like Zurich and Aviva are really stepping up their game in an effort to ensure that clients who are covered under their plans are well looked after and are in need of medical advice, assistance, and counselling.

 

Zurich:

Under Zurich protection plans, clients have access to a team of rehabilitation nurses who will go to meet you in your home and help put a plan in place to get you back to work. They also fund the costs of treatment with local physiotherapists or psychologists/counsellors which they can arrange in conjunction with your own GP, or pay for a specialist doctors visit to help you to avoid a long waiting list and get better quicker.

 

Aviva:

Aviva include a number of different benefits under their plans at no extra cost including the following:

 

  1. Best Doctors Second Medical Opinion – If you are faced with a medical problem, and you need guidance on your diagnosis or treatment, this service provides a second medical opinion from a panel of 50,000 world-renowned experts to ensure that you are diagnosis is in fact accurate. This can certainly offer peace of mind given the stress of going through a medical challenge.
  2. Aviva Family Care Mental Health Support – This is their counselling and psychotherapy service for people who are struggling with a bereavement, overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, feeling down, depressed or lonely, and are in need of help managing the emotional impact of life events, etc. Their Mental Health Support service offers quick access to tailored mental health advice from qualified psychologists.

 

Financial Advisor Consultation Booking

 

 

 

 

Income Protection for the Self Employed

 

Personal Income Protection is for the self employed or those who are in a job that doesn’t provide an income protection plan and want to set up a policy independently of their employer.

 

This will pay out a regular cash payment that replaces part of your lost income if you cannot work due to a medium to long-term illness or disability.

 

Tax Relief:

With Personal Income Protection you can get tax relief at your marginal rate on the premiums you pay. 

 

Claiming tax relief is really important as it reduces the cost to you by the rate you pay tax at – so either 20% or 40%. For example, if you are a higher rate tax payer, a monthly premium of €50 would effectively only cost you €30 as you would claim tax relief at 40%.

 

 

Income Protection for Company Directors

 

Executive Income Protection is a cost-effective solution that allows employers to provide income security for company directors in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury in their business.

 

This plan works similarly to an ordinary income protection policy offering a replacement income, only difference being, the executive income protection is taken out and paid for by the business on behalf of the Director or employee. In the event of a claim, the benefit is paid directly to the company who continues to pay the employee or director through PAYE whilst they are unable to work.

 

Protected Pension Contributions:

In addition, the Income Protection plan can also allow for the cost of pension contributions to be covered. Contributions can be protected up to 33% of salary to a maximum of €50,000. The policy will also ensure employer pension contributions are maintained whilst claiming on the policy. 

 

In the event of an insurance claim, the insurance company will pay your benefit directly to you, after tax, USC and any other relevant deductions.

 

Tax Relief:

The premiums that are paid for by the employer qualify as an allowable business expense that can be offset against corporation tax.

 

If you need to claim, the insurer will pay the income benefit to the employer, who passes it onto the employee through salary, making any relevant tax and USC deductions. With a tax deductible premiums, you will continue to be paid while you’re unable to work. 

 

 

Why do I need a Financial Advisor?

Contact us for Financial Advice

 

Compare the Market:

Save time and the stress of guessing who the best insurer is. We quote all providers across the market to ensure you have a plan that is best suited to your particular needs.

 

Policy Review:

If you have a current plan, we can review your benefits to see if you are getting the most out of your plan.

 

Save you Money:

We could help you to reduce the cost of your premium. For example, if you have stopped smoking for the last 12 months you could get a premium discount of up to 50% off your current premium.

 

 

Letter of Authority:

 

In order for our Financial Advisors to review your current Income Protection plan or policy and provide recommendations, complete the below form (using the “download” link) and send this to info@smartfinancial.ie.

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, make sure to submit your enquiry in the field below…

 

 

Need a Quote, or speak with a Financial Advisor?

Fill out your details and inquiry below, and one of our Qualified Financial Advisors will get back to you shortly.

 

DD/MM/YYYY
e.g. €40,000
Select 'Smoker' if you have smoked tobacco products in the last 12 months.
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