Money Talks
Money Talks is a podcast from the Irish Independent hosted by Katie Byrne, focusing on our relationship with money. Each week, guests share anecdotes, advice, and admissions about their finances, covering the good, bad, and ugly. New episodes are released on Wednesdays.
Episodes
Nine life-changing financial decisions hiding in plain sight
We make financial decisions day in, day out. The items we buy, the money we save, the goals we set... It can be easy to forget, however, that some of the biggest life-changing money decisions might be hiding in plain sight. But what are they? And how do you make clear-eyed choices while listening to your head and your heart? Kel Galavan joins host Katie Byrne to unpack all this and more. Host:
Financial abuse - how to spot the red flags
Over the last few years, awareness of financial abuse has grown, particularly when it concerns a romantic partner. But are you aware of the red flags that might indicate you or someone you know are being abused? And do you know who to speak to if things go awry? Katie Byrne is joined by expert Melissa Boyle for a discussion about the various forms financial abuse can take – and the sometimes sub
How the Puglia Paddys swapped a €3000 a month mortgage for an €86k home in Italy
With every summer holiday, there’s an almost inevitable routine of boarding a plane to a sun-drenched destination and then wondering: could I just stay? This week’s Money Talks guest has done just that. As one-half of the Puglia Paddys, John Nolan and his partner have swapped life in Nurney, Co Kildare, for Osteria in Italy. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: John Nolan (Puglia Paddys) The content of
How to build wealth on an average salary
In today’s economy, it can sometimes feel like the gap between those earning enough to save and invest for the future and those who are just earning enough to get by is growing ever bigger. But the key to building wealth isn’t just earning more. Katie Byrne chats to investment adviser Sjoerd Bak to uncover the money habits that can help you build wealth on an average salary. Host: Katie Byrne | Gu
I made AI my financial therapist. Is it saving me any money?
In a short time, more and more people have become very comfortable handing over the (various) reins of their lives to AI. Perhaps they use it for a work pitch, a fitness regime or even a wedding speech. But what about their money? Indo Money journalist Saoirse Hanley tells host Katie Byrne about using AI as a financial therapist. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Saoirse Hanley The content of th
Tax tips that could save you thousands, with Alan Purcell of CloudAccount
Recent figures from Revenue show that the average refund issued this year was €1,000, yet thousands of workers still aren’t claiming the money that they’re owed. Katie Byrne is joined by Alan Purcell of CloudAccounts to give you a sense of what you might be entitled to, just how easy it is to claim, and what you might have missed. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Alan Purcell (CloudAccounts) See omn
The secret habits of financially successful couples
Being in a relationship has many financial advantages, but only if a couple are on the same page. Some quietly build wealth together while others hide spending from one another. Leah McMahon, senior financial planner with Fairstone Limerick, joins Katie Byrne to explore the habits that set some couples apart while keeping them together. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Leah McMahon (senior finan
How Rosemary MacCabe and her husband are tackling $80k debt
How many of us have said “we really need to look at the household budget” or are guilty of claiming they’ll get to it “some day”? It’s a scenario that has played out countless times for journalist and podcaster Rosemary MacCabe. But when she and her husband Brandon finally sat down to look through the household accounts in their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, they were in for a rude awakening. So ho
How to pay off your mortgage ahead of schedule with personal finance blogger Ellie Kistnen
Ellie Kistnen's story is one many listeners would likely aspire to. Realising some years ago that her debt was no longer feasible, she set out to get on top of it. She has since turned her situation around – and offers great advice to others on paying off a mortgage early, switching providers, or even just managing the day-to-day budgeting that makes a big difference overall. Host: Katie Byrne |
Robert Whelan on the seven silent wealth killers
If you’re hoping to improve your finances, but aren’t having any luck, might you be focusing on the wrong things? Are there certain expenses or habits that subtly cripple your efforts? Robert Whelan of Rockwell Financial argues that, sometimes, small incremental changes yield the biggest results. In this episode, he lays out the seven behaviours that might be holding you back, from drift and finan
Are Irish dodgy-box users about to get hit with fines? Plus, how to get better value from streaming services
Last week, the High Court issued a landmark judgement in favour of Sky, allowing them to pursue end users of ‘dodgy boxes’ instead of just the providers. So what does this mean for the approximately 400,000 users of this illegal service, what are the legitimate offerings favoured by the rest of us and where can you find the best value for digital entertainment subscriptions? Host: Katie Byrne | Gu
Securing your child’s financial future: Money expert Cian Carolan shares his playbook
For most parents, securing their child’s future isn’t just emotional, it’s financial. From childcare and education to saving, investing and long-term planning, the decisions made when they’re small can shape the opportunities open to them decades down the line. But with rising living costs and ongoing economic uncertainty, how do you balance providing for today with preparing for tomorrow? Which f
Mortgage rate spikes, airfare increases and soaring fuel prices – how the Iran war could hit your pocket
Have you been noticing price hikes at the petrol pump? Or perhaps you’re second guessing your travel plans? No matter what your lifestyle is, it seems likely that the ongoing conflict in Iran will impact your household budget. In this episode of Money Talks, Katie Byrne chats with Saoirse Hanley about the many ways – some obvious, others surprising – that events in the Middle East will have a fi
Escaping burnout: ‘I threw up on my way to work out of sheer stress and panic’
A lot of people dream of packing in their corporate job and starting an off-the-grid business adventure, but Rosanna Irwin actually did it, trading in an ultra-demanding tech gig for Samsú, a cabin-based digital detox space in the heart of Irish nature. On this episode of Money Talks, Ms Irwin explains how burnout led to her carving out her own path, how she managed to bootstrap the project, and w
Andrew Lynch on Homely, the rent-to-buy startup designed to help ‘quirky’ mortgage cases
When Andrew Lynch moved back to Ireland after a number of years living abroad, coming home and buying a home should have been relatively straightforward. Instead, he found himself among those whose personal circumstances mean they have little hope of buying a home in Ireland today. So began Homely, a company geared towards people who find themselves locked out of buying. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest:
Heir Hunting: Maeve Mullin of Finders International Ireland on her unique and rewarding career
Have you ever needed to track down a long-lost relative for inheritance purposes? If you have, you’ll know that it’s not the easiest job in the world. Thankfully, for people like you, it’s one that Maeve Mullin, Director of Finders International Ireland, has mastered. In this episode of Money Talks, Katie Byrne chats with Mullin about her unusual line of work and asks: how does one become an heir
‘The art of the possible’ – Martina Hennessy on getting a mortgage over 40
With people embarking on major life events that little bit later, the idea of taking out a mortgage in your 40s is becoming increasingly common. In fact, Martina Hennessy of Doddl.ie has worked with clients who are a decade older than that. But what are the potential pitfalls, long-term implications and difficulties involved in securing a mortgage in your 40s and beyond? Host: Katie Byrne | Gues
“The forehead doesn’t age on its own”: Liz Dwyer on a holistic approach to Botox budgeting
Liz Dwyer is a familiar face to those interested in Ireland’s aesthetic economy, and hers is also a face that’s no stranger to a needle, a nip or tweakment. It’s all in pursuit of knowledge for the Future Beauty Show, an annual event co-founded by Dwyer and her sister Nikki. Their goal? To educate Irish consumers on the cost and effectiveness of treatments offered by Ireland’s ever-growing cosmet
‘The day we got back to zero was one of the best days of my life’ – Kel Galavan on climbing out of negative equity and learning to invest
Today, Kel Galavan is a popular money coach and author, but 10 years ago, her financial situation was far from perfect. Having climbed out of negative equity and saved over €27,000 during a no-spend year, Ms Galavan is living proof we can overcome even the most trying financial situations. She also knows a thing or two about investing and the rookie mistakes that beginner investors tend to make. B
“ Nothing grows in the comfort zone”: Dan Malone on making your savings work for you
Interest rates in Irish legacy banks aren't particularly enticing for savers, so are there other avenues that will get you more bang for your buck? Dan Malone is a regular contributor to Indo Money, a qualified financial adviser and accountant and he has just launched Honest.ie. He’s here to tell us how and why we need to pay attention to financial literacy. His goal is to offer unbiased advice on
‘I start saving in February for next Christmas’: Irish Budgeting Mammy on her savings journey
We’re into the January crunch now, and chances are you’re counting the days, hours and minutes until payday. It’s a familiar problem, but does it always have to be like this? When it comes to hard times, Ann-Marie Gaynor walked the walk before she talked the talk. You may recognise her by her online “Irish Budgeting Mammy” handle, where she teaches others how to take control of their finances. On
“Forget loyalty”: How you could save thousands by switching your service providers
We often hear that switching to a different service provider can save you hundreds, if not thousands. And yet, many people are reluctant to make the move. Is it the effort? The research required? The mere thought of it? Or are we just stubbornly set in our ways? On this episode of Money Talks, we look at how to go about making the big switch. Host: Katie Byrne. Guests: Charlie Weston and S
‘If you can’t afford to buy it twice, you can’t afford to buy it’: Getting to grips with debt in 2026
As the new year gets underway, how do we get our heads together and manage our money, particularly if we find ourselves in a state of difficult debt? Not to mention all the natural anxieties that accompany it. On this episode, we look at one person’s tricky experience with debt and examine how it speaks to universal issues, learning curves and the argument that if you can’t afford to buy it twice,
“Get uncomfortable with it”: How to conquer your new year money resolutions
It’s that time of year again, in that it’s time for a brand-new year and all the guaranteed positive life changes that will definitely come with it. Even if you don’t believe in the concept of calendar-bound resolutions, it’s human nature to try and get our house in order. So, what does that mean for your bank balance? When is the best time to start properly looking at your finances? And are fewer
‘Fairytale of New York’ and the commerce of Christmas songs – how much money do they make?
Merry Xmas Everybody, Fairytale of New York, and of course Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You - genuinely iconic Christmas songs, all, but how much cash do they rake in, who gets the money and why have we not had any newly profitable festive smashes in recent years? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: John Meagher The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute in
“There is a grief there”: Eoin McGee on how winning the Lotto changes lives forever
Congratulations, you've won the Lotto. Now, what exactly do you do next? One of the most important things a new winner will do is sit down and speak with a financial planner to guide them through the process – after all, the life they knew is forever changed. One such planner is Eoin McGee, founder of Prosperous Financial Services, who visits the Money Talks studio this week to pull back the curta
The biggest financial fights of Christmas - and how to avoid them
’Tis the season for giving, goodwill and some gruelling financial headaches that can lead to heated arguments. There is rarely a good time for a row, but surely we all want Christmas to be full of joy and free of stress. So what are the biggest money-related fights of the festive season? And how can you avoid them altogether? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Maxine Walsh The content of this podcast is for
Fly In, Fly Out: ‘I made $141,000 in nine months - and had two months off at Christmas’
Fly In, Fly Out – or ‘FIFO’ for short – is all about taking up temporary employment in a remote location where the demands are extremely intense, but the rewards are hugely lucrative. It’s not for everyone and valid questions have been raised about safety. For Irishman occasionally abroad Cal McIlwaine, FIFO has become a way of life. On this episode of Money Talks, he breaks down his FIFO journey,
Crime World’s Nicola Tallant: ‘There’s no insurance policy – if a criminal is shot dead, their family is left with nothing'
SundayWorld.com is getting a new look by rebranding to CrimeWorld.com - your inside track on Ireland’s criminal underworld. To mark the occasion, acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Nicola Tallant visits the Money Talks studio to talk through her relationship with money while also shining the spotlight on the high-wire finances of crime – from lavish spends to deep regrets to incredible danger. H
Are you wealthy or affluent? How to spot the difference
Do you consider yourself wealthy or affluent? Do you know the differences between the two? Does it all come down to human nature? On this episode of Money Talks, host Katie Byrne is joined by Irish Independent personal finance columnist Sinéad Ryan to examine the financial divide between the people who look like they have it and those who actually do. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Sinéad Ryan The c
‘Money makes money’ – how to invest your child benefit with Sinead Ryan
Child benefit is one of Ireland’s few universal payments, but how you use that €140 a month could change your child’s future. Financial expert Sinead Ryan joins Katie Byrne to break down the smartest approaches to saving or investing it, from deposit accounts to managed funds and compound growth. Whether you’re starting on day one or your child’s already in secondary school, it’s not too late to b
Helen Steele: ‘In 2014, when my investors pulled out, I was broke... I had also started going down the route of separation, so I was extremely broke’
Warned at a young age that the art world was unlikely to yield much fortune, Helen Steele nonetheless committed to her dream and adopted a fearless approach that led to success and acclaim. On this episode of Money Talks, she paints a picture of a most vivid life; from dazzling career highs to personal and professional lows, including her struggles with ADHD and marriage separation. Host: Katie
‘My own renovation will cost about €250k’ – quantity surveyor Shay Lally on finding his forever home, and the real cost of renovating
Renovating a house can be a massive undertaking when it comes to your time, your energy and, of course, your money. So, how do you keep costs down and get things done in an efficient and enjoyable manner? Quantity surveyor Shay Lally of Houses to Restore joins us for a quickfire guide to home renovation, with red flags, hidden costs, available grants, the DIY approach and plenty more on the to-do
Rory’s Travel Club: How do you get 250,000 people to pay you €12 per year?
In 2019, Rory King started a Facebook page to inspire people to travel more often and save money in the process. It was never meant to explode into a substantial business with 250,000 customers, but here we are. Mr King doesn’t intend to stop there. So, how does he convince so many people to sign up? And what do they get for their money? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Rory King The content of this podca
Mortgage overpayment: ‘By overpaying €200 per month, you're repaying your mortgage five years earlier and saving €44,736 in interest’
Have you ever thought about overpaying your mortgage? It’s not for everyone, but it could rapidly shave years off your mortgage term and ultimately boost your bank balance. Martina Hennessy, CEO of online mortgage broker Doddl.ie, takes us through the dos, the don’ts, and the staggering amount of money you could save on interest. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Martina Hennessy The content of this podcas
Financial Independence, Retire Early: ‘It took us three years to save €100,000’
The ‘FIRE’ movement - ‘Financial Independence, Retire Early’ - dates back to the 1990s and is very much in fashion today among people who want to build a nest egg that allows them to walk away from their career in their 50s, 40s, or even their 30s. Michael Houghton, a major proponent of the movement, explains his journey so far, the key ways to save, and how he built a family portfolio of €700,000
Budget 2026: What your payslip will look like in January
It’s that time of year again – the budget has landed. What does it mean for you and your bank balance? With last year’s ‘giveaway’ budget firmly consigned to the history books, it’s time to tighten our belts. On this episode of Money Talks, the Irish Independent business team breaks down the winners, the losers and the main headlines from this year’s balance sheet. Host: Katie Byrn
'I went to New York first class. I spent it with the faith that there'd be more money' artist Kevin Sharkey on making almost €5m and losing it all
At the height of the Celtic Tiger, artist Kevin Sharkey was living a champagne lifestyle, having made almost €5 million from selling his art. When the 2008 economic crash hit Ireland, his fortunes took a sudden turn for the worse. On this episode he talks about his harrowing upbringing, his creative comeback and why he’s still determined to live every day like his last. Host: Katie Byrne. Guest:
Matchmaker Mairead Loughman: ‘I don't split the bill with friends or with family. Never have. So why would you do it on a first date?’
As a former financial adviser turned professional matchmaker, Mairead Loughman has the inside track on how money matters can impact romantic relationships. On this episode, she talks about financial red flags, how she manages her clients’ money expectations, and why she thinks the biggest financial decision you will ever make is who you decide to have a relationship with. Host: Katie Byrne. Gues
Chef JP McMahon: ‘I’ve spent between €1,500 and €2,000 on meals for two people in the past... Was it the best meal of my life? Probably not’
Having opened his first restaurant during the 2008 global economic crash, JP McMahon knows a thing or two about resilience. Very much a staple of the west of Ireland’s food scene, he also knows both the taste and the cost of fine dining. On this episode, he lifts the lid on his career to date, the demands of the industry, tipping culture, expensive meals and his creative exploits away from the kit
Caz Mooney: ‘ We sat down with our kids and said, look, we're going to do a low-spend year and hopefully buy our own home’
Caz Mooney didn’t set out to become a budgeting guru with a huge following on social media, but life is funny sometimes. Having embarked on a strict and strategic “low-spend year” with her family, she cleared her debt and saved €15,000. On this episode of Money Talks, she takes us through the challenges, the successes and how to go about it. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Caz Mooney The content of this
‘Our date nights are usually at the kitchen table... two laptops and a takeaway’ – Dublin skincare entrepreneur Sara Stokes on bootstrapping her beauty brand and touring with U2
Dublin-born but London-based Sara Stokes switched out a rock star lifestyle, touring with the likes of U2, to become an entrepreneur with a unique focus. She heads up Skn To Skn - a purpose-built beauty brand aimed at pregnant women. On this episode of Money Talks, she discusses when she spotted a gap in the market, how she bootstrapped the venture, and what the music industry taught her about man
The secret millionaire: Dublin game developer Dáire Bohan (23) on why he hid his wealth from friends, family and even his girlfriend
What’s it like to become a millionaire in your early 20s? For Dublin-based games developer Dáire Bohan, the aim was to keep life as normal as possible. And so, he chose to keep his wealth quiet for as long as he could. Now, the secret is out. “It still feels a bit surreal to say the ‘M’ word,” he says, but he’s getting used to it. On this episode, he explains how his love of video games paid off,
'I’ve got the best in the biz’: TikTok star Lauren Whelan on hiring a financial adviser and starting a pension at 23
At just 23 years old, Lauren Whelan is one of the biggest Irish names on TikTok, boasting a following of almost two million. The social media influencing space is big business, and Whelan has the long term in mind, with a pension and a financial adviser as important to her portfolio as tapping into the latest online trends. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Lauren Whelan The content of this podcast is
‘I built a tiny house for €30k to escape the rat race – now I can live on €50 a week, easy’
Tired of the Dublin rat race, Paul Lawford quit his job, sold his material goods, and set about downsizing – literally. Having built himself a tiny house, Paul now runs Small Change, “a radical, sustainable and affordable approach to traditional housing”. Does it work? How much does it cost? And how much money could you save? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Paul Lawford See omnystudio.com/listener for pr
‘I made €247,000 in tennis... so not a lot': Conor Niland on the true cost of competitive sport
At the peak of his tennis career, Conor Niland was ranked 129th in the world. Today, he’s an award-winning author and works in commercial property. On this episode of Money Talks, he brings us behind the scenes of the extremely competitive – and lucrative – sport of tennis, and the challenges that came with adapting to a more conventional nine-to-five. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Conor Niland See
Sonya Lennon: ‘I stood in a pharmacy and cried because I didn’t have €7.99 to pay for a foot exfoliator’
Fashion icon, business leader and social entrepreneur Sonya Lennon is the latest guest to grace the Money Talks studio. On this episode, she discusses the difficulties of making it in business, the cultural awkwardness of talking about money with friends, and her love of the simple things in life. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Sonya Lennon The content of this podcast is for information purposes and doe
'When Dad left, there was no money' - Chupi Sweetman on the impact of her dad's affair with her mum's sister
Chupi Sweetman, founder of bespoke jewellery brand Chupi, sits down in the Money Talks studio to discuss how childhood shaped her view of wealth, the importance of promoting women in business, how her entrepreneurial streak kicked in at a young age, and why success isn’t always what it seems. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Chupi Sweetman The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does n
Fionnuala Jones: “I really don't panic about things that I probably should be panicking about”
Broadcaster, podcaster, journalist, and all-round online content creator – Fionnuala Jones is regularly booked and busy in today’s media landscape. On this episode of Money Talks, she takes us through her off-the-cuff guide to second-hand shopping, the precarious nature of the influencer industry, and the joys – and challenges – of getting on the property market at a young age. Host: Katie Byrne
Colm O’Regan: “I worked as a human scarecrow for six weeks”
Celebrated writer, broadcaster and stand-up comedian Colm O’Regan goes under the monetary microscope as he discusses the strangest job he’s ever had, some of the unique payments he’s received in comedy over the years, and what it’s really like out there for a best-selling author. Host: Katie Byrne. Guest: Colm O’Regan The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute
Jenny Claffey: “Affording something doesn’t mean you have the money in your bank account”
Formerly of runaway success It Galz, Jenny Claffey now hosts Red Room, a true crime podcast that digs deep into strange, unsolved mysteries. On this episode, Claffey explains how redundancy led her to become a self-made entrepreneur in the digital space, the highs and lows of podcasting revenue, her spending obsessions and apprehensions, how to build an online community, and the financial ad
Rob Lipsett: ‘You can spend €20,000 on a bottle of champagne but it’s also easy to live the normal Spanish life’
Known for his intense approach to fitness, Rob Lipsett has been building not just his body, but also a dedicated personal and professional brand. On this episode of Money Talks, he discusses early jobs, committing to YouTube, the business benefits of appearing on Love Island, and the cost of “Villa Lipsett” in Marbella. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Rob Lipsett The content of this podcast is for inform
My daughter is 22, I can’t see her buying in Ireland anytime soon: Lorraine Keane on buying a house at 20
Welcome to the debut episode of Money Talks, a new lifestyle show from the Irish Independent where our relationship with money goes under the spotlight. First up, broadcaster and entrepreneur Lorraine Keane joins host Katie Byrne to talk about buying her first home in Foxrock at 20 and why she’s happy to be a spender rather than a saver. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Lorraine KeaneSee omnystudio.com/l
Money Talks: Introduction
This is Money Talks - a podcast from the Irish Independent hosted by Katie Byrne, focused on our relationship with money - from the first time we discovered it right up to how we spend it today. Each week, you’ll hear anecdotes, advice, and eyebrow-raising admissions from Katie's guests as they delve into their finances and how it impacts their lives – the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, if that
