Ask About Wealth

Are you interested in securing a mortgage for an investment property with a premium broker? Ask About Wealth has partnered with several of Ireland's top brokers. If you'd like to be introduced to one, you can submit a request here: https://xep6a7it4qk.typeform.com/to/M04SxRkt In this episode, we explore how property investment has historically been a major wealth creator in Ireland and its potenti...

Are you about to overpay your taxes… again? Every year, Irish taxpayers leave €400 million in unclaimed reliefs behind them. And no, it’s not because they’re lazy. It’s because their accountants aren’t telling them about the biggest legal tax breaks available. Not because accountants are bad people, but because their job is to look backwards and file your taxes, not to look forwards and minimise t...

Most property investors in Ireland are leaving thousands of euros on the table. In this episode of Ask About Wealth, Paul sits down with Philip O’Connor, Managing Director of CA Partners, a specialist in capital allowances for property investors and businesses. Philip reveals how Irish taxpayers, individuals, landlords, and business owners are missing out on legitimate tax relief simply because th...

Should You Repay Your Mortgage Early? The Pros & Cons Explained. In this episode, we delve into the question of whether you should repay your mortgage early. With recent statistics showing substantial mortgage debt in Ireland, we examine the pros and cons of early repayment versus investing the money. Utilising real-life examples and detailed calculations, we compare the financial and emotiona...

In this episode of  Ask About Wealth , Paul tackles one of the most misunderstood yet life-changing ideas in finance: the FIRE movement, Financial Independence, Retire Early. With just 3% of Irish people believing they can retire by 55, Paul explores why the majority are stuck in the rat race and how you can break free. Learn how to calculate your financial freedom number, avoid the traps set...

In this episode of  Ask About Wealth , Paul sits down with Andrea McNamara, Director, Private Client Law at EY Ireland, to dissect the real-life pitfalls of inheritance planning in Ireland. From outdated wills to misunderstood tax implications. When and how wills can be legally challenged  Common clauses that sound good but can cause major problems later How trusts and family partnership...

Using a cautionary tale from the Celtic Tiger days and hard-earned experience, Paul exposes how biased information leads to poor decisions, and why impartial guidance is rarer (and more valuable) than most people realise. Key Takeaways: The costly Budapest property story every investor should hear How to tell if your financial advice is truly independent Why even factually correct information can...

In this episode, Paul sits down once again with Aidan McLoughlin, Group Managing Director of ITC, to discuss how pensions can be used far beyond traditional retirement saving, as powerful tools for long-term wealth accumulation, tax sheltering, property investment, and legacy planning. They also dig into Malta-based retirement structures, why more Irish clients are using them, and how they can leg...

In this episode, Paul talks with private equity expert Kevin MacSweeny about how entrepreneurs can release equity, unlock value, and scale their businesses. Without losing control. Key takeaways: Why equity release can help founders de-risk and still double or triple their business The difference between working in the business vs. on the business, and why it matters Why minority equity stakes don...

Sole Trader vs. Partnership vs. Limited Company: Which is Best for Your Business in Ireland? In this video, we delve into the three primary business structures in Ireland. Sole tradership, partnership, and limited companies. We explore the tax implications, risks, and wealth creation potential associated with each structure. Learn why limited companies often offer superior tax benefits and greater...

Markets are down, headlines are panicking, but should you be? In this episode, Paul explains why most investors worry at exactly the wrong time and how to stay calm, rational, and profitable when markets drop. 💡 You’ll learn: - Why "you haven’t lost money" unless you sell - How pensions = stock market exposure (whether you realise it or not) - The truth about lifestyle funds and automatic sell si...

This Week on the Ask About Wealth Podcast Not all investments are created equal, and not all of them should do the same job. In this episode, Paul breaks down the  real reason  most people mess up their investment strategy, and how to avoid it with the  core and satellite approach . 💡 You’ll learn: Why  your investment objectives  matter more than your attitude to risk Ho...

This week on the Ask About Wealth Podcast we sit down with international tax strategist Peter Ferrigno to unpack the misunderstood world of tax residency and citizenship by investment and how the right move at the right time could legally save you millions. In this episode: 🔹 Why residency planning matters long before a liquidity event 🔹 The truth about “Golden Visas” and how they really work 🔹...

This week on the Ask About Wealth Podcast we’re joined by property investor and educator Gavin J. Gallagher, who went from a €60M fortune to -€16M debt, and rebuilt. This is a rare look inside the mindset, mistakes, and learnings of someone who has truly been through it all. In this episode: 🔹The mindset traps that lead investors to over-leverage and under-think 🔹The 4 key forces that impact eve...

In this episode of Ask About Wealth, we delve into the much-asked question: Should you borrow to create wealth? The straightforward answer depends on a thorough analysis of the costs involved, which are far more than just the interest rate. The video explores various costs including APR (Annual Percentage Rate), application fees, insurance, tax implications, and the time value of money. It emphasi...

This episode features Ken O'Malley shares his journey from a long career in aviation to entrepreneurship. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Ken's background at Shannon Aerospace • His motivation for leaving a well-paid job to seek more control over his time. • Early entrepreneurial steps with a crèche and a takeaway business, highlighting the importance of understanding profit and loss. • Infl...

This week on the Ask About Wealth Podcast we're joined by Brian Keane. Personal trainer, business coach, digital entrepreneur, bestselling author, podcast host, extreme endurance athlete, and founder of Brian Keane Fitness From walking out of a teaching career to going broke twice to success in business, Brian shares th story behind his entrepreneurial journey. Brian talks openly about mindset blo...

In this episode of Ask About Wealth Pauls discusses the importance of tax planning for business owners and provides legitimate methods to minimise tax liabilities. The strategies are divided into three categories: short-term, long-term, and complex tax savings. 00:00 Introduction to Tax Avoidance for Business Owners 01:04 Short Term Tax Savings Strategies 05:48 Long Term Tax Savings Strategies 11:...

In this episode of the Ask About Wealth podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur John Larkin, founder of The Black Stuff. John shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, from professional poker to scaling a handmade soap business into a global brand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering starting a business, making a career pivot, or looking to understand what it really...

In this episode of  Ask About Wealth , we dive into the reality of Ireland’s high-tax environment and how you can legally minimise your tax burden. From income tax to capital gains, levies, and excise duties, we explore the hidden costs that eat away at your earnings. More importantly, we uncover the powerful tax reliefs and incentives that allow you to control where your money goes rather th...

In this episode of the Ask About Wealth podcast we deep dive into the mortgage market. With interest rates shifting, supply still a major issue, and new mortgage products on the market, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, release equity, or simply make smarter financial moves, this discussion will help you navigate the property landscape...

In this episode of the  Ask About Wealth  podcast, we dive into how you can fund your business. Whether you're dreaming of launching your business or already on your entrepreneurial journey, understanding how to leverage grants, tax reliefs, and support programs can make all the difference. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why using other people’s money is the smartest way to fund your startup. 🔹 Reve...

In this episode of the Ask About Wealth podcast, we discuss Ireland’s biggest financial taboo, planning for death and inheritance tax. Learn how forward planning can minimise tax liabilities, avoid family conflicts, and ensure your wealth passes smoothly to the next generation. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why open discussions about inheritance planning are essential. 🔹 Ireland’s inheritance tax thresholds...

In this episode of  Ask About Wealth , we break down the essentials of mortgages to help you maximize savings and build long-term wealth. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, experienced homeowner, or exploring equity release, we’ve got you covered. Unlocking Savings:  How shopping around can save you thousands on interest. Smart Borrowing:  Using competition to negotiate better mortg...

In this episode, we sit down with Philly McMahon, eight-time All-Ireland winner, entrepreneur, journalist, and business owner, to uncover the mindset, discipline, and strategy that fuelled his transition from elite sport to business success. 🔹 The Power of Structure in Business & Life Philly shares how a  default diary  helped him balance sport, business, and fam...