PRSA or Personal Pension?

Hi,

Can anyone advise as to whether a personal pension or PRSA is a better option? Personal pensions seem to deduct a large part of your first year's allocation (approx. 50% in the pension I was quoted) as a fee for setting up the policy - is this offset by better performance over time? Also, is there much difference between the two in terms of flexibility?

Any help appreciated.

Stay away from pensions that charge 50% upfront. This has got nothing to do with potential performance and all to do with taking excessive charges. There are personal pensions available at 1% pa and no other charges.

Limited difference between PRSA and personal pension in terms of flexibility. Make your decision based on low charges and funds.

You should be able to set them up for the same fee - i.e. a once off set-up fee and a 1% fund management fee.

The PRSA is more flexible in that you can bring it from employment to employment and transfer it to company pension scheme if you join a company that has a pension scheme.

The only reason to go for Personal Pension would be if you want to invest 100% in Property Funds.

what generally would be the upfront fee charged for setting up a prsa?

You mean for a 0%/1% (i.e. 0% on each contribution and 1% annual management fee)? A few hundred €s as far as I know. Say €200-€400.