Kildare women's business group hold retirement planning event

The Kildare Branch of Network Ireland hosted an event in Newbridge this week (24 June) aimed at breaking down the barriers around retirement planning for women.

Held at The Keadeen Hotel, the event brought together a diverse group of women, from long-time business owners to those just starting out, to explore financial planning in a straightforward and approachable way in an evening called ‘Taking the Scare out of Pensions’.

The event coincided with new AIB research highlighting that many female business owners in Ireland feel financially vulnerable.

Fewer than one in three are confident their business could withstand a financial shock, while more than half (52 per cent) say they don’t feel financially secure.

Alarmingly, nearly 30 per cent believe their business would have to shut down if they, as the owner, were unable to work.

The study was conducted among members of Network Ireland and AwakenHub, both of which support female entrepreneurs nationwide.

Network Ireland Kildare, a non-profit, voluntary organisation, dedicated to supporting the professional and personal development of women business leaders, partnered with AIB for the event.

Guest speakers Ethel Colgan and Stephanie Dillon from AIB’s Financial Planning team led a lively panel discussion, encouraging open conversation about financial planning topics including retirement planning, business protection and wealth management.

“Most of the women I speak to know retirement planning matters, but it often feels too complicated, especially when you’re juggling the demands of running a business,” said Ms Colgan.

Our aim was to show that it’s not only manageable but empowering.” 

Attendees also discussed how financial planning can support staff attraction.