Informed Decisions Financial Planning & Money Podcast

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 explore the significant regulatory changes impacting Irish pensions, including the closure of executive and single-member schemes under the IORP II directive. Glen explains how the government's temporary relaxation of funding rules for PRSAs in 2023 and 2024 offered a window of opportunity; allowing employers to contribute well beyond traditional limits, and how that door has since closed in January 2025, when contributions became capped at an individual's salary level.   We also compare PRSAs and Master Trusts from a planning and tax perspective, highlighting the trade-offs between contribution limits, inheritance outcomes, and drawdown flexibility. It's an essential discussion for business owners trying to optimise their pension funding while avoiding tax traps and regulatory missteps.   Key Insights Regulatory changes have ended executive one-member schemes, pushing attention toward PRSAs and Master Trusts. In 2023–2024, PRSAs allowed virtually unlimited employer contributions, making them highly attractive for late-stage funding. As of January 2025, employer contributions to PRSAs are capped at 100% of salary, significantly reducing flexibility. Master Trusts still allow actuarial-based contribution limits based on salary and years of service, offering an alternative path. PRSAs allow the full pension value to be inherited on death, while Master Trusts may require most of the fund to be used to purchase an annuity. Strategic planning around salary levels, timing, and long-term drawdown goals is now essential for maximising pension efficiency. Hope it helps.

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 importance of planning for a fulfilling "third age" of life. He offers valuable perspectives for those in Ireland contemplating retirement or a career pivot, highlighting strategies to navigate this significant life change beyond mere financial considerations.   Key Takeaways Retirement is a transition, not a destination Gregg emphasises that retirement today is less about stopping work and more about reshaping purpose and lifestyle in your later years. Identity and purpose need planning too Many retirees struggle not financially, but psychologically. Planning for how you'll stay engaged, socially connected, and purposeful is just as crucial as financial readiness. Partial retirement is rising Gregg discusses the growing trend of phased retirement and encore careers, where individuals continue to contribute professionally in more flexible, meaningful ways. Ireland's demographic shift mirrors global trends The Irish workforce is aging, and like in the US, people are living longer and working differently. Gregg's insights help contextualise these changes locally. Retirement success is holistic True retirement readiness includes emotional well-being, social networks, mental stimulation, and health - not just a pension fund or lump sum I hope it helps!   Gregg's book - EXIT FROM WORK: What Will The New You Look Like? eBook : Lunceford, Gregg: Amazon.co.uk: Books Gregg's book recommendation - Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind  Disclaimer

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 based Discretionary fund manager, for an undisclosed sum. As these things always do; it piqued interest in terms of the consolidation of yet another firm, but also in Gillen Markets own Gillen Market Fund (GM Fund). So we are sharing a few thoughts on; - Market consolidation going on in Ireland - Analysis of the GM Fund itself (performance, allocation and fees) I hope it helps. Paddy     Disclaimer

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 worry your little head about the markets - we'll be fine'. As advisors, our intent in saying such things is generally always positive, however we don't generally always get that across effectively!    Most investors are well-educated and know what is going on in the world, so rather than talk down, perhaps we should express more empathy and less condescension?? Maybe something to the effect of, 'This is bloody terrible' or 'I'm an advisor and I hate market declines'!?   Disclaimer

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 Investment Officer of EMQQ Global, including EMQQ, FMQQ, and INQQ. While he considers himself an active “value” investor first and foremost, he has collaborated with Princeton economist and indexing legend, Dr. Burton Malkiel, for more than 20 years.   EMQQ Global is a San Francisco-based investment management and research firm focused on the Emerging and Frontier Markets Technology Sector.   Disclaimer

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 2024 hardcore data that confirms the long-term underperformance of most active managers Why much spoken-about market concentration isn't a reason to abandon passive investing Common arguments against indexing, and why they don't stack up How this applies to you if you're approaching retirement and looking for a smart, stress-free investment approach If you're a successful professional in your 50s, maybe eyeing the exit door at your company, or looking for an exit from your business, you're now facing a different kind of pressure: how to make sure your hard-earned wealth works for you over the (hopefully) several decades of your retirement! You're not alone, and the good news is, the data keeps making the case for a simpler, smarter approach. Let's dive off the top ropes and explore shall we!? Oh, as a 'big treat' I took my lads to a WWE event in Belfast at the weekend - it was such an over-the-top show that it's imprinted on my brain, so you'll have to pardon the many wrestling references here :) I hope it helps. Disclaimer

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 for directors that need to know, I'll share the following; -The main pension planning options for directors in 2025 -The best pension option for self employed directors in different situations -What to keep an eye-out for if you are moving or switching pension scheme in Ireland I hope it helps! Disclaimer

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 helps!   The Mysterious Affair at Styles The World According to Garp       Link to our Blog in 2017 and our Podcast here Is It Profitable Being A Landlord??........The Maths! Blog 33 Link to Rental Income Stress Test Calculator Property Stress Test Calculator - Landlord Tax Returns - Landlord Accounts Landlord Tax Returns Brendan Allen LinkedIn   Disclaimer

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's first sprint gold medal in 76 years when winning the European Indoor 400m championships in 2005. He went on to retained his title in 2009 and became an Olympian in 2008.   David currently works in a number of areas, mainly corporate wellness and performance. Consulting and supporting organisations, teams and individuals in realising their potential and operating efficiently and effectively to achieve their respective goals.   I hope it helps.   The Racket By Conor Niland Simon Sinek Start with Why Robin Sharma The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Andre Agassi OPEN   David Gillick website   David Gillick LinkedIn   @davidgillick On Instagram     Disclaimer

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 years, these companies, and the US is now over-priced and make up larger proportions of Globally Market than they ‘should'.  The future expected returns from S&P500 as a whole, so people ‘should' now re-allocate to Europe, Emerging Markets and other locations, for future returns  I hope it helps. Disclaimer

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 you enjoy this interesting conversation.   Key Topics   What Quintas does EIIS Innovation Fund How private investing works       Kevin Canning - Quintas Capital Kevin LinkedIn The Psychology of Money   Disclaimer

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 2025 changes to tax planning Business Structure planning Holding companies Non Business Assets Family Partnerships   To learn more about OmiPro's services and contact John head to their website here: OmniPro Tax and Legal Limited  

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

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 and mentally :), in this week's podcast I explore the impact of the stock market having an illustrative 30% decline in 2025. This is not a prediction of market mayhem this year, it's a premortem to allow us consider what it might mean for us, how we might or might not react, in order to deliver better outcomes for you. I hope it helps. Disclaimer

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, singles and couples can benefit from expanded tax bands and additional credits from 2024, which can and will positively affect their take-home income I hope it helps Disclaimer

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 mean there is a massive correction coming? Should I move to cash or some other low volatility asset class to protect my pot from a correction? Natural questions to ask. You probably know what my answer will be, but maybe don't know why it will be so. I hope it helps. Disclaimer

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 ways to achieve long-term financial success and security. Disclaimer

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 dedicated to teaching investors how to more than double the income produced by their portfolios. Steve is the creator and instructor for the unique "Working Capital Model" portfolio operating system and the "Market Cycle Investment Management" methodology, both of which he developed back in the 1970s. Additionally, He introduced several proprietary concepts, including the QDI + PT, Smart Cash, The Investor's Creed, and Base Income. Steve also developed the Investment Grade Value Stock (IGVSI) identification system. Key topics: Steve's 4 basic principles What's it is like in Ireland Profit taking Comparing Ireland & US investing systems Distribution income Sustainable income I hope it helps!   Disclaimer  Interviewee refers to Closed End Funds which have a very particular set of Pros and Cons.  As always, due your own due diligence, and anything discussed is not a recommendation or endorsement. Closed-End Funds: Definition, Pros & Cons | Seeking Alpha   Steve Selengut The Income Coach   Retirement Money Secrets by Steve Selengut   Jack Reacher Novels

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 when one is choosing their next car to buy! Show me someone's car, and I'll tell you what kind of investments they have! So much so, I'll go on record as saying; "The type of car you drive is a lead indicator of the type of investments options you choose" -Paddy Delaney :) And to jump right-in, here is how I see the investment routes comparing to cars on the Irish roads!!..... Discretionary Investment Manager = BMW Life Insurance Investment Product = Volkswagen Advised Investment Platform = Honda Civic This week, having had time to do so, I share: The main investment options in Ireland (via personal & corporate investment and/or pensions) How they compare to the car you might (or might not) drive, and why.... I hope it helps! Disclaimer

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 offers advise to all but specialise in helping those with health issues get protection at the lowest cost.   Key topics:   Should we keep life insurance cover Is there a financial need Section 72 policies Death in Service Benefits while employed Income protection   I hope it helps.   The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson   Lion.ie  

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 corporate role at the ripe young age of 55! Key points: Buying an Annuity to generate income Using an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) instead Pension drawdown considerations How much income will a €1 million pension pot generate? How do you make it last? I hope it helps!

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." He twenty years' experience in tax, accountancy and business development. We have a great chat about owning investment via a company or in our personal names and the tax considerations around that. Key topics Investing in property Air B & B taxation Pensions and the fact that he's not a fan I hope it helps. Box Clever Tax Atomic Habits by James Clear Paul on LinkedIn

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 example to give you a practical sense of what your retirement might look like financially, based on prudent and best-available assumptions. I hope it helps.

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 split the pension benefits following a PAO? I hope it helps.

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 helps!

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 portions of the year in Portugal/Spain/Non-Eu Tax domicile Non property assets I hope it helps. Expat Taxes No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention

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 are a few different ways we can go about it. Take what Revenue tells you to! OR Take a dynamic approach each year, to try optimise your income and legacy I hope it helps!

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 Inheritance changes Pension pot size changes I hope it helps.

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 rollercoaster, to put it mildly.  I hope it helps.

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 are a huge number of people here in Ireland, c20,000 in the top 5 US companies alone, who are receiving US stock options and who therefore own US assets. I hope this helps.

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!

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 they work What do they 'cost' What the commissions are like Specific scenario testing I hope it helps. Paddy Delaney QFA RPA

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 to find a good accountant, what to look for Business owners, limited companies, sole traders Pension contributions vs not Taxes - Personal tax credits, tax bands, capital gains tax, and exit tax   Harry Potter

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 forward to having Chet join us again later in the year.   A little more about Chet and the American College of Financial Services   Ender's book series  

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!

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.

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's not gone away - particularly for us long term investors! I hope it helps

In this week's podcast I take a look at Bonds If you've got a slice of your pension or investment pie in bonds—be it individual or a fund, government or corporate—you're in good company. Many savvy investors do, and have always done. It's always been seen as a smart move, a bit of "financial wisdom" passed down through generations! But lately, thanks in no small part that Bonds haven't been doing great, some are second-guessing this wisdom.  I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, I take another look at Lifestyle and Default Investment strategies for pension funds in Ireland. Something I've discussed before. For the past 7 years, I have been making the case for avoiding Lifestyling for most investors (those that can handle volatility). And it's been a lonely place! While I had nothing but positive feedback from investors regarding these pieces - there was been little if any coverage of it from anyone else. Was I mad, or missing something? It appears not. I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, I talk about Larry Fink, Warren Buffet, and my granny's kitchen. Larry Fink is renowned for his role as the CEO of BlackRock, one of the world's largest investment management firms. Much like Warren Buffett, Fink has earned a reputation as a visionary in the world of finance, leveraging his expertise to advocate for long-term investment strategies and the power of capital markets to drive economic growth.  While it might be considered by some as a 'poor cousin' of the Berskshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting, Fink publishes an annual letter that gets little coverage but does contain some interesting ideas and reflections on markets, investing and life. Hope you find it interesting.

In this week's podcast, I talk about the Wealth of Health.  Something slightly off-topic this week, and something far more concise that usual. I hope it helps you. A definition of wealth is 'a plentiful supply of a particular desirable thing'. Money is a desirable thing - and we put a lot of focus here on accumulating and protecting that in an efficient, stress-free and proven way. What else is desirable to most of us? I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast I take a look at Fisher Investments Ireland. Fisher Investments have been around the USA a long time apparently, and recently set-up shop in Ireland, but are Fisher Investments Ireland any good, I hear some ask? Are they a fish out of water, or are they a saviour landed on our shores! Lets find out! I hope it helps.

One of my favourite podcasts is The Compound & Friends featuring hosts Josh Brown and Michael Batnick of 'Ritholtz Wealth' in the US. They are irreverent, funny, informative and between them and their varied guests (they call them 'friends'!) share some great insights and information. In recent weeks they have touched on a wide variety of topics, but two in particular caught my attention most, and I felt might be worth sharing with you in this weeks' podcast. I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast I talk about the scandal of UK investment firm Saint James' Place. It is a monstrous financial advice and investment firm regulated by the FCA in the UK. It has been marred by scandals over the past few years. They've been accused of it all; from 'rogue' investment managers (whose clients are still trying to get their money back), to recent over-charging claims. Is there a lesson for us to learn here about it? Lets take a quick look.   I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast we talk about Retirement Investment: The Case for Equity Over Bonds. Research published in October 2023 suggests a significant shift in retirement investment strategies is merited. The research indicates that retirees often benefit more from an equity-focused portfolio rather than the traditional equity/bond split.  In Ireland, embracing an all-equity portfolio comes with its distinct advantages and challenges for retirees. I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast I talk about S&P500 and if it's a good idea or not to go All-In. Should you bet all your investment or pension assets on the good 'ol S&P500? Or would you be considered 'bananas' to do so?!? As with a lot of my podcasts, this is inspired by a recent conversation. Conversations that I love to have and to explore with clients. Could one say that a financial advisor is not doing right by their clients if they are NOT advising all their clients to go all-in on S&P500 or the Nasdaq??! It's important to make an informed decision. I hope this helps!

Pension Lifestyling in Ireland is rampant. By my reckoning, the vast majority of people with pensions are invested in insurance company pension schemes using 'Pension Lifestyling'. This week I explore if that is a prudent approach for you as a pension holder on the cusp of retirement, or a useless sales tool that you should avoid like the plague.   I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast Paddy has a fantastic chat with Anne Lester.   Anne Lester is a retirement expert, author, media commentator, top-rated speaker and former Head of Retirement Solutions for JPMorgan Asset Management, where she worked almost 30 years. In 2020, Anne was recognized for her extraordinary lifetime contributions to Americans' economic security with the prestigious Ray Lillywhite Award.     Anne, like Paddy is on a mission, her mission is to help rising leaders to retire on their time and target.     Key topics Financial planning Anne's journey How and why she wrote a book How and why she didn't lead by example all her life Key things she recommends people can do to rewire and rethink how they go about their own money management     Anne's book: Your Best Financial Life is set to be released on 12 March, 2024.   Money Doesn't Grow On Trees: A Parent's Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children     https://annelester.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/savesmartwanne/ @savesmartwanne on Instagram  https://www.youtube.com/@savesmartwanne     Hope it helps.

Something a little different, and a lot shorter this week. Far too often, when a prospective client asks me to run the rule over their financial affairs, I see complexity and sophistication, and resultant negative outcomes. It is not their fault, it is the fault of 'experts' plying their 'sophisticated' trade. I hope it helps.

On this week's podcast, Paddy talks about which investments of the past few years in Ireland were the best. He will analyse two very different investment approaches; one a middle of the road insurance company approach, the other an aggressive multi-national fund manager approach. And before delving in, consider what you believe the meaning of 'best investment' is!?   Depending on your perspective it could be any of the following; Least volatile Lowest cost Most transparent Highest returns Most diversified Most volatile Hope you find this helpful  

In this week's podcast, we talk about retirement planning strategies for business owners in Ireland. Retirement marks a significant milestone in life. And I believe it fair to say that it is especially so for many business owners, who have often spent years nurturing their beloved businesses! In Ireland, effective retirement planning is crucial, not just for ensuring a comfortable retirement but also for optimising tax liabilities. The main reason I am choosing this short topic this week is because when one hears the words 'retirement planning' one may automatically think of 'pensions'. However, in any effective strategy, a pension is only one of several tools at your disposal to maximise your financial life.  I hope it helps.