Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast
Take control of your financial future by joining us on Ireland's Independent & award-winning Investment & Retirement Planning Podcast, with Paddy Delaney (QFA RPA APA). Join Paddy & guests as they cut through the noise, nonsense and smoke-n-mirrors of financial services in Ireland. We want you to avoid costly mistakes and to make informed financial decisions in your investments and retirement planning.
Episodes
Pension Drawdown Above €2M: The €243,000 Timing Decision (SFT Ireland)
If your pension is approaching or has passed €2 million, the question is no longer just how to grow it, it's how to generate income without handing a significant portion to Revenue unnecessarily. The Standard Fund Threshold in Ireland rose to €2.2 million in January 2026, and the decisions you make in the next few years will determine how much of that headroom you actually use. In this episode, Pa
Bonds Aren't Broken. What the 1970s Tell Irish Retirees About Bonds Today
A lot of investors have written off bonds after 2022. In this episode, Paddy Delaney explains why that conclusion is based on a misreading of how bonds work — and what the historical data actually shows. The 10-year US Treasury yield went from under 6% to over 11% during the 1970s. Bonds still returned 5.4% per year. The worst single year was a loss of less than 1%. If bonds survived that rate env
Pension When You Change Jobs in Ireland: The 4 Most Important Decisions for Professionals
"There's a pension somewhere in your name that you haven't looked at in five years." That's a sentence Paddy finds himself saying in client meetings more often than you'd expect. Across a 25-year career, the typical Irish professional works for three or four different employers — and the result, by the time someone reaches their mid-fifties, is often €100,000 to €500,000 spread across multiple dor
PRSA vs Company Pension in Ireland: Which Is Right for You?
After the 22 April IORP II deadline, thousands of Irish directors are now in a pension structure they didn't deliberately choose. Most transitioned from an executive pension to a Master Trust or a PRSA under time pressure. Few sat down to ask whether the resulting structure is actually the one that serves them best. In this episode, Paddy walks through the PRSA versus Executive Pension / Master Tr
Risk and Reward in Retirement: What Ben Carlson's Research Means for Irish Investors - Interview
Most people approaching retirement believe their job is to reduce risk. Get out of equities. Move into something safe. Ben Carlson disagrees — and he has the research to back it up. Ben is Director at Ritholtz Wealth Management in the US, author of Risk and Reward (Harriman House, May 2026), and one of the most widely read financial writers working today. He's spent his career studying every major
The Most Consistently Underclaimed Tax Break for Irish High Earners - Pension Tax Relief Explained
Most Irish high earners are claiming roughly half the pension tax relief available to them. Not because the rules are complicated, but because the contribution percentage set years ago has simply never been revised. In this episode, Paddy walks through the age-related contribution limits (15% to 40%) the €115,000 earnings cap and what it actually means in practice and a real worked example of a d
Is your ARF built to last? - Safe Withdrawal Strategies
Most ARF holders know their fund value. Most know Revenue requires a minimum annual drawdown. Very few have stopped to ask whether meeting that minimum is actually a strategy, or simply the path of least resistance. In this episode, Paddy explores safe withdrawal rates in an Irish context: the research on real retiree behaviour, why the 4% rule is both useful and misunderstood, and why the sequenc
€2M ARF in Ireland: What You'll Actually Keep — And How to Keep More
You've built a €2 million pension. Now here's the question nobody asked you: how much of it will you actually keep? In this episode, Paddy runs the real numbers on what a €2 million ARF looks like in Ireland in 2026: mandatory drawdowns, income tax, USC, PRSI, and the phased strategy that could save you tens of thousands every year in the early stages of retirement. What this Episode covers: W
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Ireland?
In this week's episode, Paddy tackles the question he gets asked more than any other: how much do I actually need to retire in Ireland? Well, for an answer to that question, one should make a proper calculation beforehand, and Paddy is here to help you out by covering the key benchmarks from the Pensions Council report, what they mean in practice, and where they fall short. Some of the specific po
Is One Million € Enough to Retire? - Real Income from Savings
In this week's podcast, Paddy talks about what a €1 million pension can actually generate in retirement—and why the headline number doesn't always match the reality of income. The tax-free lump sum explained You can take 25%, but only the first €200,000 is fully tax-free. The rest may be taxed, reducing what you actually receive. ARF income isn't as high as you think A €750,000 ARF might generate
Best Deposit Rates in Ireland What to Know in 2026
In this week's podcast, Paddy talks about why leaving your cash in a current or low-interest account is quietly costing you. Your savings could earn more Demand deposit accounts now offer around 2% and fixed-term options near 3%, so idle cash loses ground to inflation. Use the right tools The CCPC comparison tool helps Irish savers easily compare domestic and international deposit accounts. Ra
Financial Advisor Commissions in Ireland: What Are You Actually Paying?
Most people with significant pension assets have no real idea what their financial advisor earns from their money. Not because the information is illegal to share — it isn't — but because the system is designed in a way that makes it genuinely difficult to see. In this episode, Paddy looks at how commission structures work in Irish financial advice, why the difference between a percentage and a
The Silent Thief: What Inflation Is Doing to Your Cash Savings in Ireland
In this week's episode, I welcome Aaron to the podcast before diving into a timely topic for Irish savers and investors: how inflation quietly erodes cash savings over time. I look at why holding too much cash can damage long term purchasing power, why fear often keeps people on the sidelines, and why a diversified, low cost investment approach has historically offered a stronger path for long ter
Financial Independence, Property, and the Reality of Retirement with Michael Houghton
Michael Houghton returns to the Informed Decisions Podcast seven years after his first appearance to share how his thinking on money, work and property has evolved. Michael is a personal finance writer, former software developer, FIRE advocate, Irish Independent columnist, and now an active property investor building income and wealth through rental property in Ireland. In this conversation, M
Who Looks After Them When You Can't? Trusts & Wills with Elaine Byrne
In this week's podcast, Paddy is joined by specialist solicitor Elaine Byrne to demystify trusts and explain why they're one of the most powerful — and underused — tools in Irish estate planning. From discretionary trusts for young children to protecting a family member with additional needs, Elaine covers the types of trusts, the tax implications, how to update your will, and what it actually cos
Do I need an Enduring Power of Attorney in Ireland?
We can spend decades building our wealth, protecting our families, and planning for retirement. But there's one question most people avoid until it's too late: what happens if you can't make decisions for yourself? In this week's podcast I look at Enduring Power of Attorney. I hope it helps
Irish Landlord Tax & Tenancy Changes 2026: Expert Guide for Property Investors
In this week's podcast, Paddy sits down with guest Brendan Allen to unpack the rental market right now, and it is messy. They get into why so many landlords feel stuck between shifting government rules and real world supply shortages, and how that tension can push rents higher even when the aim is tenant security. Brendan also breaks down the practical business case for staying invested long term,
What The New Standard Fund Threshold Means for Your Retirement
If you're saving for retirement or nearing the end of your career, or eyeing retirement or a 'handier' role :) a significant change is on the horizon that could meaningfully affect how much tax you'll pay on your pension. From 2026, the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT), the maximum value you can accumulate across all retirement benefits without triggering additional tax charge, will begin to increase
Retirement Planning Ireland: Get Ready for 2026!
If you are thinking about retiring in 2026, or even easing back from full time work, this is the year where small decisions start to matter a lot. In this week's episode, I look at how to check if retirement is actually realistic, which pension moves still make sense, and how to think about income rather than just fund size. This is about clarity, not hype. And avoiding expensive mistakes! Key
Two Big Pension Changes You Need To Know About For 2026
If you have an Executive Pension/SSAS or are a member of an Occupational Pension Scheme approaching retirement, you might want to know about these big changes coming your way! Two major pension updates are colliding; - One from European regulation relating to 'Exec Pensions' and 'Small Self Administered' schemes (SSAS) which impacts self employed directors - One from Revenue relating to employees
Investments in 2025 & 'It Takes A Village'
Welcome to the very last, and shortest, Informed Decisions Blog of 2025! We've had a very interesting investment year so far, and I want to share some brief investment observations and comparisons of the year. Also, I'll share a few acknowledgements of those that helped me and Informed Decisions during the year. Thanks, Paddy.
Pre Retirement Checklist Christmas Edition
In this week's podcast - Your Essential Pre-Retirement Checklist Retirement starts long before you hand back the laptop or walk out of the office for the last time! The real work happens in the final decade, when you bring everything together; pensions, savings, tax, debts, lifestyle, and the practical bits that make life run smoothly. This pre-retirement checklist Ireland will hopefully give you
Should I Invest In Dividend Stocks To Generate Income?
In this week's podcast - The Income Investor's Dilemma in Ireland Many investors in their 50's and 60's want dependable and sustainable incomes from their investment assets, fair enough! You may be wondering should you invest in Dividend Stocks or Distributing Funds in order to generate income - and it is a fair question. The choice often falls between 'Dividend Stocks' and 'Distributing Funds' (b
Drawing Tax Efficient Income From PRSA or ARF In Your 50's
This episode looks at practical ways to pull income from pensions without handing more to Revenue than you need to. You hear how rental income fits into the picture, how a non-earning partner's tax band can save you money, and why timing matters when you've no salary coming in. The chat keeps circling back to one point. Your own setup dictates the smartest drawdown plan. Takeaways • You can pull i
Markets Are High...Should I Jump To Cash, Out Of Equities?
Is now the right time to move a chunk of your investment or pension assets out of equities, and into Bonds, Money Market Funds or Cash? It's a question that you may be asking because of a headline you read, an online commentator with a scary statistic, or someone you chatted with spoke of impending doom! I'll not tell you here whether you should or you should not, but I will briefly share actual p
The Financial Freedom of Getting Kids Off The Books!
Many Irish parents in their fifties are still financially supporting adult children—and it's quietly delaying their retirement goals. Key takeaways: • Each adult child can cost around €15k–€20k per year in ongoing support—rent, car, health cover, and general expenses. • Those costs directly reduce pension contributions and long-term savings, sometimes delaying retirement by years. • Using tools li
The Real Cost & Value of Financial Advice in Ireland
You've probably wondered: what does financial advice actually cost in Ireland, and is it worth it? Indeed, many people are also probably wondering if they are actually paying for advice, who may or may not be getting any!? Many professionals in their 50s ask that question when they start thinking about retiring, reducing hours, or simply getting their finances in order. They may have accumulated
Annuity vs ARF: What's Best for a €1 Million Pension Pot in Ireland?
If you're retiring in Ireland with around €1 million in pension savings, one of the biggest questions you'll face is whether to take income from an ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) or to buy an annuity. In this episode, I break down both options in plain English — what they mean, how they work under Irish tax rules, and which might suit your lifestyle and risk appetite. Key Points: What's an ARF? Wh
How To Invest Your Pension at 50 (Make €1m extra in 10 years!?)
In this week's podcast, I talk about investing your pension at 50. Turning 50 is a wake-up call for your pension. It's not about panic - it's about planning smart. Here's what matters most: Key Points: • At 50, your goals shift — you're closer to retirement, but growth still counts. • Review your pension funds now: what's in equities, bonds, or cash? • Rebalance gradually. • Diversify — global fu
Unregulated Investments in Ireland: Fees, Lessons & What to Avoid
In this week's podcast, I unpack the growing issue of unregulated investments in Ireland — from headline-grabbing collapses to the hidden risks facing everyday investors. Discover why so many well-intentioned savers were caught out, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself from high-risk "opportunities" that promise too much. Key points: The rise and fall of high-profile unregulated firms
Don't Be The Magpie, And Achieve Better Investment Returns
In this week's podcast, we dive into why so many investors underperform the very funds they invest in. Drawing on Morningstar's Mind the Gap 2025 research, we explore how "magpie behaviour" — chasing shiny new investments, panicking in downturns, or tinkering too much — quietly erodes long-term wealth. The evidence is clear: bad behaviour can cost over 1% per year, compounding into massive losses
Why Retirement Costs More Than We Think or Hope!
Would you rather build a financial future lined with velvet cushions, or one pieced together with spud bags?? Too many households in Ireland—and globally—are entering retirement without the savings needed to sustain their lifestyle. In this episode, I explore the uncomfortable truth behind retirement readiness, from the dominance of State Pensions to the worrying lack of planning, and why delaye
The Most Dangerous Day in Retirement with Dan Haylett
In this week's episode, I chat with Dan Haylett, Director of TFP Financial Planning in the UK, author of The Retirement You Didn't See Coming, and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast. Dan has built his career around helping people prepare for retirement in a way that goes far beyond the numbers, focusing on the human side of life after work. Together, we explore: Why retirement is less a
Irish Pension Calculator: Do You Really Need €2M to Retire Comfortably??
In our last podcast, we celebrated Fran's incredible achievement of amassing a €2 million pension pot through decades of disciplined saving and investing. Some who read it were inspired, some were envious, and others said "I don't bloody need €2m pension pot"! Today, we're asking a different question entirely: Do I actually need a €2 million pension pot to retire comfortably? And you'll see why I
Build & Spend a 2m Pension Pot
Today, we're diving into the real-life(ish) story of Fran – a regular guy who built a €2 million+ pension pot and retired at 55. No big lotto win. No magic investment hacks. Just smart use of Ireland's pension system, discipline, and a few skipped car upgrades! Fran started young, contributed consistently, and maximised every bit of tax relief and employer matching he could get his hands on. He
Take 5%, not 4% from my ARF - with Bill Bengen (creator of the 4% rule!)
Welcome to Informed Decisions Podcast, where we bring you expert insights for Irish investors and retirees. Today, we have a rip-roaring guest joining us - Bill Bengen, the financial planner who literally wrote the book on retirement withdrawals. Back in 1994, Bill's groundbreaking research established what became known worldwide as the "4% rule". This was the cornerstone of retirement planning, t
Venture Capital and Private Market Investing with Rob and Scott
In this episode of the Informed Decisions podcast, I chat with Rob Halligan and Scott Ashmore, co-founders of Shuttle, a platform aiming to democratise access to private equity and venture capital investments. The conversation dives into the fundamentals of private markets, how they differ from public equity investing, and why early-stage companies often turn to private capital over traditional
Understanding Your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
If you've ever looked at your pension statement and thought, "What does this actually mean?" You're not alone. In this episode, #338, we're cutting through the jargon and making sense of Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, especially for Irish employees and retirees. These schemes can offer incredible long-term value, but many people don't fully understand how they work, what they're worth, or w
Flashback to episode 296 - Risk of Ruin...Lifestyle & Default Investment Pension Strategies
For the past 8 years, I've been making the case that most investors, particularly those who can tolerate volatility, should avoid Lifestyle investment strategies in pensions. It's been a lonely stance, with little to no mainstream coverage, even though investor feedback on my analysis was consistently positive. Back in early 2024, I shared updated research on Lifestyle and Default Investment stra
How Big Should My Pension Be?
This week I flashback to a podcast from 2021! While it is a few years old its a common and important question. Key takeaways How big your pension should be when you start drawing down income How big your pension should be at various stages of your life What you can do if it's not as big as you would like it to be! How to live 14.9% longer! I hope it helps! Disclaimer
8 Years Later! The Soul of Wealth with Dr. Daniel Crosby
In this week's podcast I chat with Dr. Daniel Crosby. He discusses the evolution of behavioral finance over the past eight years, reflecting on the growing acceptance and understanding of the field. He shares insights from his latest book, 'The Soul of Wealth,' emphasising the importance of health, happiness, and meaningful spending. The discussion also covers the role of community in financial be
What's the best ARF Fund for my pension?
In this week's podcast #334 I take a look ARFs If you google 'best ARF Fund in Ireland' today, you will get many results. The first few are of course paid-for, sponsored adverts from firms who want your clicks (and are paying handsomely for them!). There are then quite a few other firms who have written about this 'best ARF fund in Ireland' topic. This week I share a very short piece which shows t
Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax
In this week's episode, I explore crucial financial planning lessons for Irish families, highlighting examples where small oversights led to significant tax bills. Discover how one family's misunderstanding of Ireland's Dwelling House Exemption resulted in an unexpected €77,000 tax liability, and how another family's mismanagement of the Small Gift Exemption cost them over €65,000. Learn essentia
'Your Best PRSA & Master Trust Options' - with Glenn Gaughran
In episode 332 of the Informed Decisions Podcast, Paddy speaks with Glen Gaughran, Director and Head of Business Development at Independent Trustee Company (ITC). With nearly two decades of experience overseeing thousands of self-administered pension schemes, Glen offers insight into how the pension environment in Ireland is evolving and what individuals and business owners need to know. We exp
Exit from Work: Redefining Retirement with Dr. Gregg Lunceford
Informed Decisions Podcast | Episode 331 In this insightful episode, Paddy engages with Dr. Gregg Lunceford - retirement researcher, Certified Financial Planner®, and author of Exit from Work: What Will the New You Look Like? -to explore the evolving concept of retirement. Gregg discusses the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning from traditional employment, emphasising the importan
Gillen Markets GM Fund Analysis & Review
In this week's podcast, 330, I take a look at Gillen Markets. Gillen Markets have built a solid reputation as investment managers and advisors over the past decade and a half, led by founder Rory Gillen. They reportedly manage and advise on over €600m for c.500 families. They made the headlines last week, having announced that they were selling their business to Quilter Cheviot, a UK and Irish bas
Markets Fall, I Hate It Too, But It's Always Temporarily!
In this week's podcast I talk about what's on a lot of people's minds - the markets. As many expected, the media ran amock with the 'Liberation Day' announcements, and the resultant panicked actions of some investors led to the markets falling (as they do, a lot, temporarily!). Last Friday it seemed that every post I saw on Linkedin was by an advisor saying something to the effect of 'Don't
Investing in Emerging Market Sectors with Kevin Carter EMQQ Global
In this week's podcast I chat with Kevin Carter, founder and CIO of EMQQ, investors in the emerging market technology sector. A really interesting conversation, which I hope you find helpful Key topics: What EMQQ does Kevin's approach Future of Emerging Markets Non Traditional Way to Invest in Emerging Markets China and India Kevin T. Carter is the Founder & Chief Investmen
Why Indexing Still Wins for Long-Term Investors and Pension Holders
Back in 2020, I wrote a piece outlining the uncomfortable truth that active fund managers find it hard to wrestle with....that most of them consistently fail to outperform 'the market'. Fast forward to 2025, and guess what? Nothing appears to have changed. In this podcast, I'll share the following: Why low-cost index funds continue to outperform the majority of actively managed funds The latest 2
Best Pension Option For Self-Employed Directors in Ireland (in 2025!)
In this week's podcast I talk about pension options for self-employed directors. Over the past 3 years, the actual best pension option for self-employed directors has changed 3 times! Not because Financial Advisors and Planners were flip-flopping on their options (or trying to churn new business!), but because Revenue rules kept changing! So to help clear any confusion, and to light the way fo
Rental Income Tax Planning with Brendan Allen
In this week's podcast, I chat with Brendan Allen a specialist in property tax. He is a Chartered Tax Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, and is the owner of Allen & Co Tax Accountants and Landlord Tax Returns and is passionate about tax talk. Key topics Intricacies of tax of landlords Landlord tax credit Rent pressure zones Pros & Cons Pensions Private landlord current situation I hope it h
Building Olympic Resilience with David Gillick
On this week's podcast, episode 324, I chat with Olympian, David Gillick about resilience and his journey and how he got through some really dark days. Something we will experience as investors. David shares some fun and interesting stories David is one of Ireland most successful sprint athletes. He stepped off the track in 2013 after a successful athletics career which included winning Ireland'
US Market Warnings – And What We Can Do About It
There is more and more commentators shouting from the roof-tops about the massive growth of North American stock values and earnings over the past few years (since Covid really). I'll explore what is and isn't really happening, and what one's practical options are. Specifically, the following are the claims/alarms being flagged; US Tech stocks have gone so incredibly well for several yea
EIIS Investing in Ireland with Kevin Canning
In this week's podcast I talk with Kevin Canning, Managing Director of Quintas Capital. Kevin specialises in private markets and is the Investment Director of The EIIS Innovation Fund managed by Quintas. He is a Chartered Accountant (ACA), a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), and a respected member of the Irish Tax Institute, underscoring his comprehensive understanding of finance and taxation. I hope
Holding Companies and Family Partnerships For Smart Tax Planning
In this week's podcast I chat to John Murphy a Director of OmniPro Tax and Legal Limited John is a Chartered Tax Adviser, who works with clients on income tax, tax planning, restructuring to exit planning as well as advising on company law in relation to these and many other matters. We talk about holding companies and family partnerships for smart tax planning. Key topics Who are OmniPro
Jordan Grumet Interview - Longevity, Health & Happiness
In this week's podcast I talk to Dr. Jordan Grumet, about the topics he covers in his new book The Purpose Code. Bringing together the topics of longevity, health, purpose and money. The Purpose Code hopes to help you what purpose really is and the role it plays in our lives. Jordan's podcast – Earn & Invest Jordan Grumet.com Disclaimer
What to Expect If Markets fall by 30% in 2025: A Retirement Asset Comparison
Planning for, and subsequently living (!) a dignified and choice-filled retirement is the biggest financial goal many of us have, or will have. It's also a journey of uncertainties, and one of the biggest uncertanties is market volatility, both positive and negative. We have experienced such positive market growth in the past 2 years in particular. So, in the interest of being prepared financially
Tax Rates for Retirees in Ireland (2025)
In this week's podcast, the last for 2024 I talk about Tax Rates for Retirees in Ireland (2025). We spend a lot of time planning, analysing and accumulating retirement assets, often without clarity on the tax rates for retirees in Ireland! Time to start fixing that dear listener. Planning take-home retirement income requires careful consideration of tax bands, credits, and income sources. In 2025,
Should I Stay Invested When Markets Are At All-Time Highs?
In this week's podcast, I talk about should I stay invested when markets are at all time highs, is something many will rightly ask. And here is the data to show it; S&P 500 is at 6,090 right now (all-time high) Eurostoxx at 4,980 now (whisker under all-time high) Nasdaq at 19,859 now (all-time high) Large sections of the global equity universe are at or just below all-time highs. Does this m
The 5 Benefits of Passive Index Investing in Ireland
In this week's podcast, I talk about Index Investing in Ireland – A topic that will be of interest to all As you know at Informed Decisions, we believe in helping build a secure financial future through strategies grounded in research, not speculation. Today, I'd like to share why evidence-based investing, a disciplined approach driven by decades of data, stands out as one of the most reliable way
Investing for Income Independence with Steve Selengut
In this week's podcast, Paddy chats with Steve Selengut, a.k.a The Income Coach about income generation strategies. An interesting and different approach. Steve has accumulated over 40 years of experience as a private investment manager, with a strong focus on increasing the spendable income generated by client portfolios. Today, his role has transitioned into that of an Income Coach, where he ded
Investment Options in Ireland & What It Says About You!
In this week's podcast, I talk about investment options in Ireland. There are a bucket-load of investment options in Ireland. It is one of the biggest questions we see and hear from people. Yet, the landscape is fairly straight-forward once we get your head around it. Plus, the route someone will take with their investments is often not led by logic, but by their internal biases. The same occurs
Protection Questions When Approaching Retirement With Nick McGowan
In this week's podcast I speak with Nick McGowan from Lion.ie about protection from all angles. Particularly chatting about questions that often come up from those that are approaching or just starting retirement. Lion.ie is a bespoke protection advisor based in Tullamore that advises on all areas of protection - mortgage, life insurance, income protection, serious illness cover, etc. Lion offe
How Much Income Will €1 Million Generate in Retirement?
In this week's podcast, I talk about how much income will €1 million generate in retirement. Planning for retirement in Ireland involves making important decisions about how to generate reliable income from your pension savings (assuming you use pensions as part of your strategy!). We're going to take the case of our illustrative friend, Harry Houdini, who managed to escape from high-strain corpor
Property Investing Tax Considerations with Paul Molloy
In this week's podcast, I chat with Paul Molloy from Box Clever Tax. His motto is "to help clients pay the correct and lowest amount of tax possible." #Please do check some comments made around tax rates & rules, and what is and is not allowable for tax relief, as these are important considerations# We have a chat about owning investment via a company or in our personal names and the tax consider
How Much Do I Need To Retire Comfortably in Ireland? Craggy Island Style...
If you're like most people we work with, as you approach retirement , you've probably found yourself asking the question: 'How much do I need to retire comfortably?' It's one of the most common questions we get here at Informed Decisions, and it's a crucial one to address, especially with the financial landscape constantly shifting! In this podcast, we'll break it down step by step, using an examp
Pension Adjustment Orders
This week I take a look at Pension Adjustment Orders. Pension Adjustment Orders are things that none of us probably anticipate we need to know about, until we do. This week I will share the following, in the hope that it might help you or a loved-one; What is a Pension Adjustment Order? What type of pension benefits does it apply to? What is a Contingent Benefits Order? How do you divide or s
Lump Sum Investing vs Dollar Cost Averaging €1m in Ireland
In this week's podcast, I take a look at lump sum invested vs dollar cost averages €1m in Ireland. Key topic points: Pros and cons of Lump Sum Investing and Dollar Cost Averaging A 'look-back' to see which has been most profitable for €1m invested in Ireland A look-forward to see which might be most profitable in future Investing when markets are deemed to be 'High' My conclusion I hope it he
Expat Taxes with Stephanie Wickham
In this week's podcast we have a fantastic, informative chat with awarding winning, international expat tax advisor, KPMG chartered accountant, and tax specialist, Stephanie Wickham. Key topics include: Responsibilities for US Citizens living in Ireland (annual returns/pension income management/how to be compliant) Considerations for people who are retiring and thinking of spending time/large
Guardrails for Irish Retirees #308
In this week's podcast I talk about Guardrails for Irish retirees. One of the big questions I hear from clients heading into their 'next chapter' (blissful retirement!) is: how much can I actually spend each year without running out of money? It's a great question – and one that deserves a well-thought-out answer. As financial advisors, it's part of our job to help you figure that out, and there
Budget 2025 Don't Look Back In Anger #307
This week I share a short piece with you to help prepare for relevant (potential) changes in the upcoming Budget. What we'll all want to avoid is seeing a change come into effect that we could have seen coming, and that we could regret not having taken action on! We want to avoid regret, so lets not look back in anger - I heard you say! I'll touch on; PRSA changes and limits to contributions I
The Good, The Bad, & The Bonds #306
In this week's podcast we talk about what's happening with bonds and why you should care. Over the past two years, we've seen dramatic shifts in the bond markets. Lots of investors and pension holders in Ireland have often large swathes of Bond Funds within their investment and pension portfolios. But often have never had clarity on what they are or why they move around a bit! It's been a bit of a
Federal Estate Tax in Ireland #305
In this week's podcast, I cover a topic that I did a couple of years ago. FET is still an issue that I believe awareness is still not as wide as it should be. Potential Federal Estate Tax (FET) on US-based assets is critical for for us all to be aware of, and is often unknown. If you have more than $60k worth of assets domiciled in the USA, could this be a lurking menace in your wealth?? There ar
R.O.N.A.N - Lessons I've Learned...About Life & Retirement
This week's podcast was a difficult one to do, and I'm still not sure if it's appropriate or not for this space, but my intent is to look for the positives, and to be reminded of a few key principles, financial and non-financial. I hope it helps, both you and I!
Section 73 Investment Plans - Bear With Me. Podcast#303
For those looking to pass on wealth while trying to simultaneously reduce tax on the proceeds, Section 73 investment plans offer a potential solution. These plans are specifically designed and sold to try manage Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) liabilities on gifts, and to provide a potentially tax-efficient way to transfer assets to loved-ones. But do they work? Lets explore! What are they How do
Get Your Taxes in Order with Alan Purcell #302
In this weeks podcast we have a interesting guest with us - Alan Purcell from Cloud Accounts in Dublin. Alan is unique as he is both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor. We had a quite broad conversation and covered a lot of ground, which I hope that you find helpful. Key topics include: PAYE taxes as an employee and what you should consider Landlord tax planning How t
From The Marines to Professor of Financial Planning #301
For this week's podcast we welcome a fantastic guest, Chet Bennetts. A professor of Financial Planning with a wonderful story about how he got to where he is and shares some interesting ideas with us. Main topics: Chet's journey to financial planning His current role Why he got involved with helping veterans with financial planning His PhD work I hope you enjoy and we look for
Investing vs Inflation, We Are Hiring & I Interview My Kids #300
This week's podcast is the 300th Informed Decisions Personal Finance Podcast, so it is a little bit different than the usual! Key topics are: Inflation vs Investments over the past few years, what has or has not retained your purchasing power Informed Decisions Financial Planning may be hiring! I interview my kids, my most challenging interview to date! Hope you enjoy!
Section 72 Policies - Pros & Cons #299
In this week's podcast I take a look at Section 72 policies. What are they and what's good and bad about them? What would the outcome look like if you saved the premium instead? Section 72 policies are often discussed as a tool to manage inheritance tax liabilities and to maximise the legacy they leave to loved-one. I hope it helps.
Inflation On Your Pension Assets #298
In this week's podcast I tackle a topic that's been heavily addressed already, inflation - but in the context of what it means for your pension assets. You may have noticed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) suggesting that inflation rates are easing off from recent highs. However, if we cast our minds back to the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, history shows us that inflation tends to come in waves. It
