Money Talks

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 B...

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:...

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...

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 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...

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 ma...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Keane See omnystudio.com/...

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...