By Caroline Hartigan BFS CFP® QFA
If you’re in your 30s or early 40s and building wealth at pace – growing a business, scaling your career, investing smart – chances are you’ve had that creeping thought: Should I be doing more to prepare for retirement?
You wouldn’t be alone. For many financially focused individuals, retirement planning is one of those important things that stays on the mental to-do list – not because it’s unimportant, but because it’s buried under a pile of more immediate priorities.
At O’Leary Financial Planning, we speak to clients like you every day – driven, strategic, and serious about creating options for the future – who still feel stuck when it comes to taking proper action on retirement.
And here’s why: retirement isn’t a goal – it’s a transition. And that’s where things get cloudy
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What Wealth Accumulators Are Really Thinking
We’re not here to talk down to you with textbook advice or jargon. Let’s talk honestly about what gets in the way – emotionally and logistically – when you know you should be thinking long-term, but something just keeps you from locking in a plan.
Three common mindset blocks we hear:
- “I’m behind.” You’re doing well financially, but it still feels like others are further along – like you’ve missed the boat.
- “I don’t have enough yet.” You’ve savings, sure. Maybe some pension contributions. But is it enough? No idea.
- “What if I make the wrong move?” You don’t want to screw it up. So instead, you do… nothing.
You might be hesitant to talk to a financial planner because you think it’s only for people already sitting on ‘millions’. Or because you’re afraid of being told to overhaul everything. We get it.
The truth is that planning doesn’t mean giving up control. It’s about taking more of it – and directing it where it counts most.
What You’re Really After
Underneath the financial strategies and investment structures, most wealth accumulators we work with are looking for something deeper:
- Clarity. They want to know where they stand – and what it’s actually going to take.
- Control. They don’t want to just react to markets, taxes, or timelines.
- Confidence. They want the power to say yes (or no) on their own terms – not someone else’s.
And yes, they want to know their future family, kids, or partner will be looked after, without having to rely on anyone else.
That’s the emotional weight retirement carries – even for people who still feel young.
What’s Holding You Back – Logically Speaking
Let’s take the emotional piece off the table for a second. Even the most organised, spreadsheet-loving professionals face real-world obstacles that make it hard to get momentum.
Here’s what usually slows them down:
- They haven’t decided what retirement actually looks like for them – so they’re not sure what they’re planning for.
- Their savings are spread across accounts, platforms, or pensions – with no joined-up strategy.
- Tax decisions are made year-to-year, not as part of a longer-term plan.
- They’re not using pensions to full effect – especially in years of high income.
- No one’s ever shown them how to balance investing now with still living well today.
And if they run a business? Add another layer of complexity. Business wealth doesn’t automatically translate into retirement income – and without a clear plan for extraction, succession, or sale, that “future payday” might stay stuck on paper.
Why We Focus on This Stage of Life
At O’Leary Financial Planning, we work with professionals and business owners across Ireland who are in their strongest financial years – but want to turn that momentum into real options. Not guesses. Not vague hopes.
We help you:
- Build a clear, strategic retirement plan that works with your current life – not against it
- Use tax-efficient strategies that align with Irish Revenue guidance
- Get a proper structure around your pensions, investments, and income planning
- Make confident moves – without second-guessing everything
This stage of life matters. You’ve got time on your side – but only if you use it.
Let’s Be Honest
You don’t need 50 different financial products. You don’t need to overhaul your whole life. You just need a better plan for the wealth you’re already building.
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Let’s map out a smarter strategy while you’re still in your strongest years.
For personalised advice on pension and retirement planning or any other financial advice question, book a Quick Chat at O’Leary Financial Planning.
Alternatively email us at advice@olearys.ie for more information.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always seek professional guidance before making decisions.