• State Pension reliance: In Ireland, over half of workers without private pensions expect to rely mainly on the State Pension (€15,100 p.a. in 2025).
• Research insights: CCPC data shows 26% of adults are completely unprepared for retirement; many regret starting pensions too late or don’t understand how they work.
• Spending reality: Retirement spending often follows a U-shaped “smile”—high early, lower mid-life, higher again with health costs. But reductions are often enforced, not chosen.
• Global parallels: US data mirrors the same challenge—most middle-aged households have modest pension balances, and Social Security dominates retirement income.
• Cultural habits: Rising instant-spending patterns today may make cutting back tomorrow feel like deprivation.
• Solutions: Start saving early, define retirement goals, regularly review pension performance, seek professional advice, and prepare for Auto Enrolment (2026).
• The takeaway: Financial freedom in retirement won’t just happen—it must be planned for deliberately, and the time to act is now.

• Why retirement is less a maths problem and more a human challenge.
• The dangers of the “blank canvas” problem and why day 182 of retirement can be the most difficult.
• Dan’s five pillars of a thriving retirement: purpose, identity, relationships, structure, and wellbeing.
• The concept of memory planning—turning money into meaningful experiences rather than just numbers on a page.
• Why modern retirees are “first-generation retirement rebels” and how to overcome the fear of spending after decades of saving.

Disclaimer

The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody’s financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you.

The articles, blogs and podcasts are not investment advice. They do not take account of your individual circumstances, including your knowledge and experience and attitude to risk. Informed Decisions can’t be held responsible for the consequences if you pursue a course of action based on the information we share

In our last podcast, we celebrated Fran's incredible achievement of amassing a €2 million pension pot through decades of disciplined saving and investing.

Some who read it were inspired, some were envious, and others said "I don't bloody need €2m pension pot"!

Today, we're asking a different question entirely: Do I actually need a €2 million pension pot to retire comfortably?

And you'll see why I suggest the following are appropriate pension pots to fund a 'comfortable' retirement lifestyle;

• c€500k if you plan to retire in your mid 60's
• c€1m if you would like to retire in your mid 50's

‍These may seem like a luxury questions, but are the most important aspects in our retirement planning in Ireland.

Because here's the truth: knowing how much you need to spend in retirement is key to knowing how much you need to save for your pension pot Ireland.

Disclaimer: Seek professional advice before taking any course of action.