With a fund of €200,000 your options are:
- take 25% as a tax free lump sum
- with the remaining €150,000 you can either:
- buy an Annuity (guaranteed income for life), or
- invest the €150,000 into an Approved Retirement Fund
If you go the Annuity route you give the money to an Insurance Co. and you might get an annual pension of circa €6,400 pa (assuming age 65 and based on current rates). This income is payable as long as you live.
If you go the ARF route, you invest the €150,000 into (perhaps) one or more funds. And then you can draw down an income as you choose, subject to drawing down a minimum of 4% pa. Obviously any such income may be liable to tax.
The advantage of the Annuity is that you have a guaranteed income for life. The disadvantage is that you give away the €150,000.
The advantage of the ARF is that you retain control/ownership of the €150,000 and on your death your spouse (if any) can take over the ARF or if no spouse any capital remaining can form part of your estate. The disadvantage of the ARF is that you have to invest the cash and that involves investment risk. If your fund does not perform as well as your drawdown rate (say 4%pa) then the fund will gradually diminish over time and so potentially will your income.
It can be a difficult decision. If your health is poor on retirement then an ARF is probably the way to go. But if you want security of income over the long term and your family history is one of longevity, then perhaps an Annuity might be better.
Also remember, that the average life expectancy for a male retiring at 65 is now circa 20years (and about 24 for females).
Perhaps seek professional advice.