Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast

When it comes to leaving a PAYE job or winding-up your own company, there are various types of payments you might receive, or give yourself!   But what about the tax implications of these payments? In Ireland, the tax treatment of payments on cessation of employment can seem like pie in the sky for many people – I'm here to clear the air for you!   I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, we talk about how taxation of ARF and your Tax works in Ireland. We will put to bed the question of how much tax you pay when you reach retirement and draw State and Private pension incomes. We'll talk about how tax of ARFs works when you make withdrawals and for inheritance and how PRSI works when it comes to an ARF. Hope you find it helpful.

Today we have a very interesting and unique chat with Ravi Koka, CEO and found of StockSnips. Paddy talks with Ravi about how AI is affecting our world and also how it affects the investing and wealth management world. Hope you find it helpful and would love to hear your thoughts!     The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution by Gregory Zuckerman | Goodreads Stock...

Only last week I talked about Money Market Funds in Ireland and how they should and should not be used by businesses to generate some returns on their liquid cash. But I want to explore whether Money Market Funds in Ireland are a real and valuable investment vehicle that everyone should consider, or if they are purely a sales tool used by financial advice firms to get money in the door!?  I hope i...

In this week's podcast, we embark on an oceanic exploration of a topic of paramount significance to every discerning business owner, whether or not to use Money Market Funds for Company cash! Indeed, this topic can and will apply to business owners and non-business owners alike, it's just that business owners are usually more concerned about having large amount of money sitting in cash!   I hope i...

In this week's podcast, we talk to Glenn Gaughran, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Independent Trustee Company (ITC), about PRSAs and Pension Property.   With big changes in 2023 to PRSAs, Glenn tells us some great nuggets about what opportunities are available to those who have or wish to set up a PRSA. Key points: What are Trustees PRSA 2023 changes Who can benefit from PRSA changes...

I was fortunate to attend FutureProof last week, the world's biggest Wealth Management and Financial Advice conference, attended by c3,000 Financial Advisors. It was held in L.A, California and so was attended mostly by US and Canadian advisors and institutions. And given US/Canada are probably 15 years ahead of us in progressive advice in clients' interests, it is a great place to get ideas and i...

In the ever-evolving ocean of investments, where trends and fads can shift like the currents of the oceans beneath us, it's essential to keep a steady hand on the wheel. Amid the chorus of voices clamoring for the latest high-flying assets, one must pause and reconsider the tried-and-true: bonds. As financial advisors, it's our duty to ensure our clients make informed decisions. That's why we'll d...

This week I share some lessons we can learn from Johnny Sexton's reported pension planning in recent weeks! I've not even met the man (yet!) but he is a sporting legend, and I admire everything that he's done (even balling the referees for some of their Cup Final decisions!). And he has set yet another fine leadership example in terms of his pension planning. Let's learn from the boss!   I hope yo...

In this week's podcast, Paddy has a fantastic chat with Brad Barret the MD of a $5Bn planning firm. Brad is a Managing Director with One Capital Management. He advises private individuals and families on their personal investment and advanced planning needs. In addition, he oversees the firm's Retirement and Corporate Services practice. His firm manages nearly $5 Billion dollars for thousands of f...

Today I share some thoughts on holding cash, some saucy Central Bank of Ireland research on Irish households, and a warning about going all-in! Irish Household Wealth Aside from their regulatory role over financial services, Central Bank of Ireland share some really interesting research and reports. One such recent report was their ' Quarterly Financial Accounts ' for Ireland. For me, one of the g...

Independent investment advice in Ireland is a rare thing, at least under current Central Bank of Ireland regulations. Currently, only an investment advice firm in Ireland that does not receive any form of commission can call themselves 'Independent'. So does that mean getting independent investment advice in Ireland is deeply flawed, not at all! This week I'll help you learn about; Key considerati...

If securing a high-quality retirement income is high on your agenda, nailing the answers to the following questions ought to be high on your list of priorities. Whether you are just starting your career or approaching retirement age, 'today' is the next-best time to explore these, if you haven't already done so. With the intention of helping you make informed decisions, here are 9 important retire...

This week we bring back episode one in the popular 'A Listerner's Journey' podcast series with William Lacey.   Throughout this series, William talks about his journey of escaping full-time employment. This is an insightful and helpful series that discusses many of the concerns, thoughts, priorities, and actions that many of us face as we transition to retirement.   If you enjoy episode one, you c...

While Paddy is off enjoying his annual leave we bring you a classic and popular podcast from 2021.  Lars is a former hedge fund manager, author, and entrepreneur from Denmark.  Can we beat the market? If we can't what should we do? Lars and Paddy talk about investments, hedge funds, beating markets, and much more that we hope you will find helpful.

Inheriting a house can be a significant financial event. It carries its own set of implications and considerations.  From taxes to inheritance thresholds, the financial aspects of inherited property can are worth considering if it is on your horizon, or that of your beneficiaries! In this week's podcast, I will explore: The intricacies of inheriting a house in Ireland The implications of taxes and...

Like any individual in any profession, every Financial Advisor will have different strengths and weaknesses. They each have different skill sets. None of them are perfect, and I include myself in that! In this short piece, I will delve into the importance of what financial advisors can do with and for their clients, even though many clients receiving said advice might not immediately recognise wha...

This week we have something a little different. We recently hosted a webinar with Pension and Revenue expert Clive Slattery. If you missed the webinar, here is the audio, which I hope you find helpful. Clive will talk about recent PRSA changes. - The implications for PAYE & Business Owners - How & Why these changes have come about - The significant tax opportunity that exists   PRSAs are relevant...

What happens to my pension benefits if I suffer a death in service? (die while being an employee and a member of the company pension scheme!).   On a regular basis, we help clients to manage their pension planning, so as to avoid potential pitfalls in this area. Reason being, it has the potential to have a hugely negative impact on one's financial future. What you'll learn: How Personal Pension as...

This week we are joined by William Lacey who we followed on his transition to retirement in a series of podcasts. William talks about the lessons he has learned from his journey and the key things he would do if he were to transition to retirement again. The goal is to hopefully, by sharing his experiences help others that are on their retirement journey. I hope it helps

This week I talk about Estate Planning; what to think about and what is important. While it might not be a topic that gets you all revved up, Estate Planning is considered to be a key aspect of managing one's long-term personal finances, regardless of how simple or complex their financial situation.    Key Estate Planning Points Make use of the small gift exemption to the max you can Ensure you ha...

Even subconsciously, the question surely pops into most people's heads; "Why Do I Need A Will?" Given that a large percentage of the human race is reluctant to take action now that will benefit their future self, it is no surprise to hear that the majority of people in Ireland haven't made a Will (which will benefit their heirs and loved ones, and not themselves!). The  Farmer's Journal put that f...

This week we bring you our first-ever Guest-Post, all about Entrepreneur Relief versus Pension Contributions. I will keep the author a surprise until the end of the piece (don't fast forward!), and it might indeed be a fairly big surprise when you do discover who wrote it! Entrepreneur Relief Principles Pension Contribution Watch-Outs Comparison of the two approaches A practical comparison of doin...

This week I share 12 clear signs it's time to retire from your full-time job. Perhaps it is to start some new professional journey, a new personal journey, or a combination of both. I share this piece in the hope that it will give you hope! Give you hope if you are on the cusp of retirement and doubting if you can or you can't. Give you hope if you are wondering if you are alone, mad, or simply wr...

If you have ever heard of Custom House Capital, Dolphin Trust, or Solar 21, you will know that Unregulated Investments in Ireland are commonplace and contentious. I'm certainly not an expert on these types of products, but I know enough to realise that I wouldn't touch unregulated investments with my own money, never-mind someone who trusts me to mind theirs! So this week, I'll share with you: Wha...