GETTING STARTED
Three points to consider
- Savings, investment and protection serve different aims.
- Confirm guarantees expressly and when they apply.
- Compare costs and exit terms before deciding.
Start with the objective and time horizon
Consider what the savings are for and when you expect to need the money. Distinguishing a reserve for near-term needs from a long-term goal helps discuss access and risk appropriate to the situation.
Tell the intermediary whether you want regular contributions, an initial amount or flexibility for top-ups. This discussion guides the information needed for assessment without anticipating a personalised recommendation or a product’s suitability.
Understand guarantees and the risk of loss
Insurance-based savings and investment products do not all have the same guarantees. Do not conclude that capital or returns are secured simply because the product is insurance. Ask who provides the guarantee, what amount it covers and when it applies.
An amount guaranteed at maturity may differ from the amount available on early withdrawal. Where outcomes depend on investments, clarify how changes in those assets can affect what you receive.
Costs are part of the comparison
Assess applicable entry, management, top-up, amendment and exit costs. Confirm whether they are reflected in the figures shown and how they affect outcomes over different periods.
Comparisons should use equivalent assumptions. A projection or illustrative scenario is not a promise of returns. Ask for pre-contractual documents and, where applicable, the Key Information Document, and clarify the risks and scenarios described.
Liquidity, surrender and needing money before the end of the term
Check whether full or partial surrender is possible, when you can request it, when you receive the money and which valuation rule applies. Confirm any penalties, costs or loss of benefits resulting from withdrawal.
For example, if you expect a major expense before maturity, clarify from the outset whether the product permits that use and with what consequences. This example helps prepare the discussion; it is not an investment recommendation.
PPR retirement savings plans and taxation: assess the specific product
A Portuguese retirement savings plan (PPR) can take different forms and does not automatically guarantee capital. For an insurance-based PPR, understand the policy terms, risk and withdrawal rules.
Do not assume a universal tax benefit. Consequences depend on applicable rules, your circumstances and any tax benefits claimed. Withdrawal outside the specified conditions may have tax consequences. Clarify the current framework before deciding, rather than automatically applying exceptional arrangements from previous years.
How to start the assessment with RMACHADO GROUP
The initial contact collects identification and the need for assistance. Assessing a specific arrangement may require further information on objectives, knowledge, experience, financial circumstances and risk, depending on the product and applicable framework.
Do not send bank information or documents through the initial form. The intermediary will explain the next steps and required documents. Submitting a contact request does not constitute taking out a policy or an individual investment recommendation.
A question to clarify before deciding
Exactly which guarantees and costs apply on the intended withdrawal date?
The product examples mentioned in the frequently asked questions illustrate possible differences. They are not an offer from RMACHADO and do not show that a particular cover is included in your policy. Availability, acceptance and terms must be confirmed in the specific quotation.
What to compare in a quotation
Use these questions to clarify differences that could affect your decision.
| Comparison point | Question to clarify |
|---|---|
| Benefits | What is guaranteed, by whom and when? |
| Risk | Could I lose part of the amount invested? |
| Costs | What charges apply during the term and on exit? |
| Liquidity | When and on what terms can I recover the money? |
Frequently asked questions
Does an insurance-based investment always guarantee capital?
No. Guarantees vary between products and may depend on the exit date and other conditions. They must be checked expressly in the documentation.
Do the scenarios shown guarantee returns?
No. An illustrative scenario or past result does not ensure a future result. Understand the product’s assumptions, risks and costs.
Do all PPR plans have the same rules and risks?
No. Legal structure, investment policy, guarantees and costs may differ. Tax and withdrawal conditions must also be assessed under the applicable framework.
Which document helps compare costs and risks?
The Key Information Document presents the product’s nature, risks, costs and potential gains and losses. Read the version for the option being assessed.
Is the recommended holding period the same as when I may need the money?
These are different reference points. Compare the recommended period with your liquidity needs and early withdrawal rules.
Does no surrender penalty mean no risk?
No. Check exit charges, guarantees and the amount you could receive at surrender separately. Being able to exit without a fee does not demonstrate an absence of risk.
THE NEXT STEP
A review starts with your details.
Prepare the request, check the summary and submit it when correct. A record is created only after final submission; the request does not activate insurance.
Prepare a quotation request ↗Further information
Consult institutional sources and reference documents. Insurer pages illustrate specific products; their terms are not necessarily included in any quotation presented by RMACHADO GROUP. Some linked sources are in Portuguese.
General information from RMACHADO GROUP. Examples are illustrative and do not guarantee cover, price or outcome. Terms, acceptance and cover depend on the quotation and policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.