Master My Balance

In the second half of the conversation, Sarah and Melissashift from the personal stories to the systemic solutions. They explore the remarkable resilience of lone‑parent families, the glaring gaps in Ireland’s homelessness strategy, and concreterecommendations, from ring‑fencing social housing to trauma‑informed court practices, that could break the cycle of chronic homelessness.

In this episode of Master My Balance host, Melissa, is joined by Dr Sarah Sheridan, an independent researcher, to discuss her recent Focus Ireland report; Lone Parents and Homelessness in Ireland . Lone parents make up the majority of homeless families in Ireland, but the reasons go far beyond individual choices. Together, Melissa and Sarah unpack the scale of lone parenthomelessness, how it is me...

In **Part 2** we continue the conversation with Áine, focusingon the emotional side of money, the impact of losing work identity, and how the **Work & Access Scheme** can fund workplace assessments and neuro‑inclusion training.   ✅ What you’ll learn * When work identity falls away, financial stress spikes –recognise the emotional cues.  * Low self‑esteem often triggers impulse‑spending as a s...

In this episode of Master My Balance, Occupational Therapist & coach Áine O’Dea (Radiance Consulting) explains how everyday “occupations” – from cooking a meal to topping‑up a Leap Card, are fundamentally linked to brain‑based executive‑function skills and our money habits.✅ What you’ll learn: * Money management is an **occupational skill** just like dressing or caring for a child. * Executiv...

In  Part 2  of my discussion with Muriel Walls, we continue the deep‑dive into the  financial aftermath of divorce , this time focusing on  new relationships, co‑habitation, tax, and succession . Key take‑aways: •  Cohabitation  – who is legally liable after two years together with a child, or after five years without a child •  Cohabitation agreements  – how a simple written contract can protect...

In  Part 1 of a two part episode,  host  Melissa Boyle  sits downwith Dublin‑based family‑law specialist  Muriel Walls  to unpack the financial steps you  should take after a divorce .   What you’ll learn •  Full financial disclosure  – the Affidavit of Means and why you need payslips, income summaries, mortgage statement and pension snapshot on the table. •  What to do with the family home  – kee...

In this final part of our three part episode with Tom Murray, Tom shines a light on the  dark side of equity‑release  and “life‑loan” schemes that are heavily marketed but can  destroy Fair Deal eligibility . Tom explains the hidden costs, real‑world case studies, and the steps you should take now to protect yourself and your family.   Takeaway  – If you (or a loved one) have taken out an equity‑r...

This is the second, of a three part episode with Tom Murray from Fair Deal Advice. Tom dives into the  Nursing Home Loan  – the HSE’s tool for deferring the 7.5 %/3.75 % asset charge – and explains when and how it can turn a seemingly unaffordable Fair Deal contribution into a manageable weekly payment. Key points covered: Takeaway  – If you’re near the asset‑contribution threshold, applying for t...

In the first of three episodes with Tom Murray, Tom lays thefoundations for anyone who’s ever wondered how Ireland’s  Fair Deal scheme  can make long‑term care affordable. Why it matters  – Understanding these basics protects your savings, lets you plan ahead, and reduces the stress on familymembers when a care decision becomes urgent. Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & intro 1:45 – What is the Fair ...

In this episode of Master My Balance, host Melissa Boyle sits down with Johann Callaghan, the "Sleep Success Coach”. Johann shares why a good night’s sleep is the foundation of health, wealth and overall success. Key take‑aways: • The science of the circadian rhythm and why our bodies are wired to sleep when it’s dark. • How financial stress spikes anxiety at bedtime and sabotages sleep. • Pr...

In this episode we sit down with Peter Shanley, SeniorCounsel and Founder of Barristers Direct, to explore how the brand‑new “direct‑access” model is reshaping legal services in Ireland. 👉  What you’ll learn: The difference between barristers and solicitors in the Irish legal system. How recent legislation (Legal Services Regulation Act) nowlet’s individuals and companies consult a barrister dire...

Money is only part of the story when it comes to family finances. In this opening episode of Season 2, Melissa sets the scene for a series that explores the real-life factors shaping financial well-being — from relationships and separation to health, care responsibilities, legal systems, and everyday pressures. Season 2 of Master My Balance looks beyond budgets to understand how family life, syste...

In this final episode of Season 1, I take a moment to reflecton the powerful conversations we've had throughout the Master My Balance podcast. This season focused on the often hidden but deeply damaging reality of financial abuse. From forensic accountants and legal experts to taxconsultants, mortgage specialists, MABS advisors, domestic abuse organisations, and more — each guest brought their own...

In this episode we delve into the complex world of family law and insolvency with our expert guest, Eugene McDarby. Navigating the financial aftermath of marital breakdowns, separations, and divorces can be daunting, especially when disagreements arise over finances and property. Eugene sheds light on how insolvency legislation can offer solutions, even when one party is uncooperative. We explore...

In the first of a two part episode, we delve into the world of personal insolvency with expert Eugene McDarby, a seasoned personal insolvency practitioner. Eugene shares his extensive experience in debt negotiation and management, offering insights into the intricacies of personal insolvency legislation in Ireland. He explains the role of a personal insolvency practitioner, distinguishing it from...

I’m joined by Executive and Emotional Intelligence Coach, Natasha Hughes, to explore how emotional intelligence can help us better navigate financial stress and even financial abuse. With decades of leadership and coaching experience, Natasha shares powerful insights on how developing emotional intelligence can improve our responses to financialpressure, strengthen our relationships, and support l...

In this episode, we delve into the often-unspoken challenges of financial difficulty and debt with insights from Gwen Harris of MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. We explore the emotional toll of financial struggles, including feelings of shame and isolation, and discuss the various solutions available to those in debt, from voluntary arrangements to statutory insolvency options like de...

In this episode we delve into the world of financial well-being with our special guest, Gwen Harris, the North Dublin Regional Manager for MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. With over 30 years of experience, Gwen shares her insights into how MABS supports individualsfacing financial difficulties and empowers them to regain control of their finances. We explore the proactive approaches M...

In today's episode, we delve into the intricate world of mortgages with our expert guest, Mark Atkins, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Mark, who works with Irish mortgage brokers, shares his insights on simplifying the mortgage application process, making it jargon-free and accessible for everyone. We explore the basics of mortgages, including the...

In the latest episode of Master My Balance , I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrea from Men's Aid , who shared invaluable insights into the often-overlooked issue of financial abuse experienced by men. With over 16 years of experience in the field, Andrea highlighted the unique challenges faced by male victims and the crucial support Men's Aid provides. Here are three key takeaways fr...

In this episode, I review what we've covered so far in season one of the Master My Balance podcast and discuss what interviews we have in the upcoming episodes.

Our expert guest shares invaluable insights on the importance of communication with educational institutions, the various funding options like the Student Assistance Fund, HEAR, and DARE schemes, and the critical role of access offices in providing tailored support. We discuss the unique experiences of both full-time and part-time students, the impact of financial control at home, and the necessit...

In the first of a two part interview, I talk with Ruth Killeen, a student budget advisor. Ruth shares invaluable insights on the financial challenges students face today. From understanding the complexities of the SUSI grant system to recognizing the impact of financial abuse, Ruth emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for students. I've included some important links below for variou...

In Part 2 of my interview with Louise O'Sullivan, we examine the impact separation and divorce has on your tax and the options you have. We chat through the single parent child carer tax credits and the eligibility requirements to obtaining this credit. Louise O'Sullivan is a Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant and University Lecturer. Louise has written a few articles to help with managing your...

If you want to learn more about your tax and what credits you may be entitled too, then tune in to my chat with Louise. Louise O'Sullivan is a Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant and University Lecturer. This is Part 1 of a two part interview with Louise who walks us through the various tax credits and how to avail of them. Louise has written a few articles to help with managing your taxes, the l...