One of the first consumer-friendly guides in Ireland, Pensions Made Simple, has been revised by Ark Life to include important changes introduced in the 1999 Finance Act. The second edition includes three new sections covering personal pension plans, retirement choices and taxation arrangements. As before, the guide uses simple language to cut through the jargon found in many other financial-product brochures.

Laid out in an easy-to-follow question-and-answer format, the guide provides answers from "Why are pensions so important?" to "How are your interests protected?"

Three new sections have been added to outline the changes in pension options following the 1999 Finance Act. The first, "How do personal pension plans work?" provides information on: the new plans for the self-employed; sole traders; employees not included in company pension schemes; or partners in a partnership. In simple language, the chapter outlines how much these workers can expect to pay and on what basis. Tax relief on the contributions are shown in pie charts broken down by age bracket.

The two other new sections cover choices at retirement and taxation arrangements. The guide still includes: a short but extremely helpful glossary to understanding pensions jargon; special considerations for women; and information on additional voluntary contribution pension arrangements.

More than 30,000 people asked for copies of the first edition of Pensions Made Simple. The revised edition of Pensions Made Simple is available free, through AIB branch offices or by calling Ark Life on 1 800 780 780.