Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast

Paddy Delaney (Parent, Educator, Qualified Planner & Executive Coach)
  • 4.9 (125)
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Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast

Take control of your financial future by joining us on Ireland's Independent & award-winning Investment & Retirement Planning Podcast, with Paddy Delaney (QFA RPA APA). Join Paddy & guests as they cut through the noise, nonsense and smoke-n-mirrors of financial services in Ireland. We want you to avoid costly mistakes and to make informed financial decisions in your investments and retirement planning. Paddy Delaney QFA RPA APA

  1. Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax

    4 DAYS AGO

    Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax

    In this week's episode, I explore crucial financial planning lessons for Irish families, highlighting examples where small oversights led to significant tax bills.  Discover how one family's misunderstanding of Ireland's Dwelling House Exemption resulted in an unexpected €77,000 tax liability, and how another family's mismanagement of the Small Gift Exemption cost them over €65,000. Learn essential strategies for gifting, saving, and inheritance planning, and understand why precise adherence to tax regulations, supported by expert advice, is key to safeguarding your family's financial legacy. Good intentions aren’t enough - strict compliance with Irish tax law is essential. Document and complete transactions properly - incomplete paperwork can lead to significant taxes. The Small Gift Exemption (€3,000 annually) must involve actual yearly transfers - accumulating gifts without documentation won't satisfy Revenue. Seek professional financial and legal advice early to avoid costly errors in wealth transfer and inheritance planning. Understand clearly defined tax exemptions like the Dwelling House Exemption - missing even one condition can result in major unexpected taxes. Hope it helps! Disclaimer

    23 min

  2. 26 MAY

    'Your Best PRSA & Master Trust Options' - with Glenn Gaughran

    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.

    46 min
  3. Exit from Work: Redefining Retirement with Dr. Gregg Lunceford

    19 MAY

    Exit from Work: Redefining Retirement with Dr. Gregg Lunceford

    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

    54 min
  4. Gillen Markets GM Fund Analysis & Review

    12 MAY

    Gillen Markets GM Fund Analysis & Review

    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

    29 min
  5. Markets Fall, I Hate It Too, But It's Always Temporarily!

    7 APR

    Markets Fall, I Hate It Too, But It's Always Temporarily!

    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

    24 min
  6. Investing in Emerging Market Sectors with Kevin Carter EMQQ Global

    31 MAR

    Investing in Emerging Market Sectors with Kevin Carter EMQQ Global

    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

    1h 32m
  7. Why Indexing Still Wins for Long-Term Investors and Pension Holders

    24 MAR

    Why Indexing Still Wins for Long-Term Investors and Pension Holders

    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

    25 min
  8. Best Pension Option For Self-Employed Directors in Ireland (in 2025!)

    10 MAR

    Best Pension Option For Self-Employed Directors in Ireland (in 2025!)

    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

    32 min
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About

Take control of your financial future by joining us on Ireland's Independent & award-winning Investment & Retirement Planning Podcast, with Paddy Delaney (QFA RPA APA). Join Paddy & guests as they cut through the noise, nonsense and smoke-n-mirrors of financial services in Ireland. We want you to avoid costly mistakes and to make informed financial decisions in your investments and retirement planning. Paddy Delaney QFA RPA APA

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