Better With Money

0.0 (0)
Investing
Updated Weekly

If you find managing your money a struggle, this is the podcast for you. From The Irish Times, Better With Money is a crash-course in how to spend responsibly, save effectively and make big financial decisions wisely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18h ago

Revealed: Ireland's new personal investment account - so how will it work?

Aideen Finnegan is joined by Dan Malone of Honest.ie for a debrief on the new personal investment account scheme unveiled by Finance Minister Simon Harris in Budget 2027. Dan explains it's a tax-advantaged “home” for investing in assets like stocks, funds, bonds and ETFs, with a €12,000 annual contribution cap and a €50,000 tax-free threshold. Once you go above that, a flat 1% tax rate kicks in on the portion above €50k. The bad news is that will happen even in years when markets fall and you lose money, with Dan warning that could meaningfully "drag on long-term returns." They discuss uncertainty around provider fees, whether accounts will be self-directed or offer pre-packaged options, and if it will be easy to move existing investments into the new account. Dan urges people not to wait until the planned July 1st 2027 launch to start investing, citing how long it took to get pension auto-enrolment off the ground. This episode is brought to you in association with Standard Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 29

"Most people are overpaying for their health insurance": here's how to save on yours

Not everyone can afford or even wants health insurance. But for those who do - or those who worry affordability will force them to drop theirs - this episode of Better with Money is your ultimate guide to saving at a time of stringent price hikes. Dermot Goode has been working in the area of health insurance for over 35 years and what he doesn't know about the industry isn't worth knowing. He explains how many people are on outdated, overly expensive plans and could save by switching within the same insurer. Families can split cover for different members to reduce their bills. There are key phrases you can use when on the phone to insurers to get the best deals. Dermot explains community rating, waiting periods, age loadings from 35, how pre-existing conditions are assessed from medical evidence, and the two-year “upgrade rule” for extra benefits. He warns against low-value entry-level plans and high-excess products, outlines what mid-level and corporate plans cover, and highlights children’s deals, young adult rates, and add-ons like dental plans and HSF cash plans for outpatient costs. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. This episode is brought to you in association with Standard Life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22

Wills, windfalls and inheritance tax: Here’s how to understand them in Ireland

Irish Times deputy business editor, Dominic Coyle, and trust and estate practitioner,Trea McGuinness, discuss what’s set to be the biggest transfer of generational wealth ever in Ireland. That’s because the over 65s own the lion’s share of the country’s private wealth and they’re set to pass on billions of euro – much of it tied up in property – over the coming decades. But McGuinness, who’s a partner with BHSM, emphasises it’s important for younger people to draw up a will and not to fall into the trap of thinking they don’t have an estate to pass on. In this conversation with host Aideen Finnegan, they discuss whether it’s better to gift assets while alive, the risk of people impoverishing themselves to leave money behind, and how inheritance can trigger bitter family disputes. The episode also covers intestacy rules, rights of residence complications, divorce and capital gains issues, blended families, cohabiting couples being taxed like “strangers.” This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 15

'I get asked this almost by every client I have': ETFs with Kevin Elliott

Investment expert Kevin Elliott returns to the podcast to answer the most commonly asked questions about Exchange Traded Funds, including the one he gets asked by almost every client: "Should I start investing in ETFs now, or wait for the personal investment account set to be announced by the government on budget day?" In this conversation with host Aideen Finnegan, he also gives his take on whether the scheme will help "middle Ireland" on the basis of what we know so far (annual contribution cap, tax-free gains up to a threshold, and providers handling Revenue reporting). Kevin uses the equivalent UK and Swedish schemes as a reference point to compare the likely structure, the tax applied, and why he expects fees to be high relative to what broker apps currently charge. Kevin spoke to Better with Money back in July and you can listen to that episode here. For absolute beginners, we have ETF explainer episodes with Dan Malone here and here. Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 8

Thinking of buying a derelict property to create your dream home? Here’s what you need to know

As "Cheap Irish Homes" returns to TV screens, Better with Money explores whether vacant and derelict properties could actually offer a route to home ownership for first-time buyers, or would it be a rookie mistake to take on a "fixer-upper" that big? Rachael Uí Bhaoill – aka @the.renovation.strategist - believes it’s “absolutely doable” adding her own first home was “a dump” she bought in recession. Now she flips properties and advises clients on renovations through her company Spreag.ie. The former corporate banker shares how she does it with "financials first" approach, warning she won't even let her clients browse Pinterest before they've had a reality check with their mortgage lender. Also on the podcast, SEAI programme manager Stephen Farrell outlines the grants available for energy upgrades, including retrofit supports worth up to €35,000 through the One-Stop Shop scheme. These can be availed of before works begin, making the move more accessible to those on smaller budgets. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 1

New investment scheme: Here's what we now know - and what we still don't

For months there's been a maddening drip feeding of information about the Minister for Finance's proposed state-backed investment scheme for ordinary Irish savers. Yesterday the government finally nailed some colours to the mast revealing it will be tax free up to a certain threshold, financial institutions will report your tax liability to Revenue, and there'll be no fixed term where your money is "locked away." But key details are being held back for budget day on October 6th. The biggest unknowns are what that maximum threshold will be and what is the flat rate tax that will be applied by the government. The Irish Times' Cliff Taylor, who writes about economics and finance, breaks down the details. If you'\re brand new to the idea of investing, you can check out earlier episodes aimed at demystifying the process here, here and here. Oh and also here. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. These episodes are for information purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 25

Back to School: Conor Pope's guide to surviving the September squeeze

Yes schoolbooks are now free and non-crested uniforms are more widely available, but there remains an unavoidable financial burden for parents every September. Digital devices, app fees, voluntary contributions, new shoes, extra-curricular activities… It all adds up to a very tight September. And it comes right after an expensive few months of summer camps, Gaeltacht stays and perhaps unpaid parental leave to cover gaps in childcare. Not to mention the fact that the September squeeze on parents of school-aged children comes just three pay cheques before the festive season and its associated outlays. In this episode of Better with Money, Pricewatch editor Conor Pope breaks down the biggest cost pressures of the Back to School period and how to mitigate against their impact. From auditing what you already have to buying refurbished tech with consumer protection, Conor has suggestions for how to shave a few hundred euro off the total bill and perhaps save your sanity in the process. He also recommends checking your eligibility for the Back to School Allowance on citizensinforamtion.ie and squirrelling away small amounts of money from January onwards. He’s thought of everything, including buying a label maker. The last thing you want to do is have to replace a school jumper that’s gone missing before you even reach mid-term. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 18

Paul Merriman on pensions: ‘I’d rather see clients mortgage-free by 66 even if that means delaying contributions’

If you think €40,000 a year would give you a comfortable life in retirement, the maths might give you a land. A 30 year old on just over €60k per annum would need to start saving 22% of their monthly income (€1,135) to secure that figure by the time they’re 66. And that’s assuming they have the PRSI contributions to qualify for the full State pension; currently a maximum of €15k a year. Who has that amount of money to squirrel away every month, we hear you cry! Precisely Paul Merriman’s reaction. The financial adviser and founder of AskPaul.ie is here reassure you there’s no need to panic. ”The spreadsheet doesn't know your life, your goals, your ambitions. I'd rather one of my kids set up a business and even fail in the next six or seven years in their 20s than have money set aside in a pension.” In this episode of Better with Money, Merriman emphasises the need for a realistic financial plan that looks at income, family costs and housing “because a good financial plan will tackle the pension eventually.” The 44 year old Fairstone Ireland CEO recommends prioritising being mortgage free by 66 even if that delays pension saving. He explains the tax relief in a nutshell, how pension plan tweaks (like upping your risk level) might be more prudent than increasing your contributions and urges listeners to set clear financial goals. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All (50)

If you find managing your money a struggle, this is the podcast for you. From The Irish Times, Better With Money is a crash-course in how to spend responsibly, save effectively and make big financial decisions wisely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.