Ark Life Savings Options

brokebetty

Registered User
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I've been asked by my bank to come in and see an Ark Life person about longterm savings options. Does anybody know anything about these, are they comparatively good value, what questions should I be asking?
 
Is this type of product something that you have been considering? Did you make the initial enquiry or did the bank contact you in the 'off chance' that you might be interested in an investment like this?

I think that the product you will be offered will be the Spectrum Saver underwritten by Hibernian Life. If it is, you will, no doubt, be told about getting 3 months bonus payments 'free' if you stick with it for 5(?) years or more.

It's a unit linked whole of life savings plan. The charges on this product are not that competitive. If I was you I would ask that they send out a disclosure quotation based on a contribution of €250 per month , with no indexation. You will get a good indication of the charges attaching to the product by what is referred to the 'Reduction In Yield'. (Come back here if you get this quote and don't understand it)

This will be expressed as a percentage of what the estimated return will be reduced by. For example, if the growth rate assumed is 6% I would be surprised if the 'RIY' on this particular product was less than 1.7%(more likely to be 1.9%). That means that if the fund grew by 6%, you would end up with 4.3% (or 4.1%).

You should really aim for just a 1% (approx) 'RIY'. If you don't need any advice on product or funds then you can do your own research online and end up with a better deal.

PS: If I am correct about the product that will be offered, then the 3 months 'free' contributions are effectively your own money being dressed up as a product 'feature'.
 
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I've been asked by my bank to come in and see an Ark Life person about longterm savings options. Does anybody know anything about these, are they comparatively good value, what questions should I be asking?

If you want independent, professional advice on your overall financial situation and what savings & investment options might be suitable for you then don't go to a tied agent!
 
I've been asked by my bank to come in and see an Ark Life person about longterm savings options. Does anybody know anything about these, are they comparatively good value, what questions should I be asking?

By all means go along and listen to the sales pitch they will give you about their own products. However, I would not sign up to any product without first comparing it to similar products on the market (non-Ark Life).
As others have said, ask about charges and if returns are reduced by charges.
 
Thanks guys! Yea the bank offered the meeting alright.
I feel all smug now going in having some clue about their "agenda"!

If anyone has any ideas on other agencies worth talking to, fire away too ............
 
There are several existing threads with suggestions about low charges investment options (e.g. unit linked funds) and discount brokers/financial intermediaries to consider.

Also read the key posts, AAM Guide to Savings and Investments and the consumer material on www.itsyourmoney.ie.
 
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