Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast

Michael Houghton returns to the Informed Decisions Podcast seven years after his first appearance to share how his thinking on money, work and property has evolved.   Michael is a personal finance writer, former software developer, FIRE advocate, Irish Independent columnist, and now an active property investor building income and wealth through rental property in Ireland.   In this conversation, Michael explains why financial independence is really about choice, not simply giving up work. He shares how he and his family went from extreme saving and FIRE to a more flexible life built around purposeful work, property income, and long term planning.   Key talking points • Michael's journey from New Zealand visitor to living in Ireland for 15 years • How he and his family pursued FIRE by saving aggressively and working towards financial independence • Why hitting your number does not always mean you want to stop working • How he thinks about retirement, purpose, and the value of meaningful work • Why he sees property as a strong long term wealth building tool • The role of rental yield, leverage, refinancing, and bank appetite in building a portfolio • The risks of property investing, including concentration, leverage, insurance, and tenant issues • How property fits alongside pensions and other investments in an overall financial plan   I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, Paddy is joined by specialist solicitor Elaine Byrne to demystify trusts and explain why they're one of the most powerful — and underused — tools in Irish estate planning. From discretionary trusts for young children to protecting a family member with additional needs, Elaine covers the types of trusts, the tax implications, how to update your will, and what it actually costs to get it done right. If you've been putting off your will or wondering whether a trust is relevant to your family — this one's for you. I hope it helps.

We can spend decades building our wealth, protecting our families, and planning for retirement. But there's one question most people avoid until it's too late: what happens if you can't make decisions for yourself? In this week's podcast I look at Enduring Power of Attorney. I hope it helps

In this week's podcast, Paddy sits down with guest Brendan Allen to unpack the rental market right now, and it is messy. They get into why so many landlords feel stuck between shifting government rules and real world supply shortages, and how that tension can push rents higher even when the aim is tenant security. Brendan also breaks down the practical business case for staying invested long term, why commercial property can suit some investors better than residential, and what you need to check before you jump in. If you have ever thought, surely it cannot be this complicated, bad news: it can. Good news: you can still make smart calls if you do the work. Key talking points • Why landlord confusion is rising as regulations change and market rent keeps moving • Supply shortages as the core issue, especially outside big cities, and how that affects rents • Commercial vs residential property: returns, maintenance, and what type of investor each suits

If you're saving for retirement or nearing the end of your career, or eyeing retirement or a 'handier' role :) a significant change is on the horizon that could meaningfully affect how much tax you'll pay on your pension. From 2026, the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT), the maximum value you can accumulate across all retirement benefits without triggering additional tax charge, will begin to increase for the first time in over a decade. For many high earners and diligent savers, this represents a genuine opportunity to improve tax efficiency, reduce liabilities, and plan more strategically around when and how to access your retirement benefits. This piece aims to keep it plain English, and I hope you will learn: ‍ • What the Standard Fund Threshold is in 2026 and why it matters • How your pension is valued for SFT • What tax applies if you breach it, and differences between Defined Benefit, and the rest! • Smart planning moves before you retire • When to get help and stop guessing

If you are thinking about retiring in 2026, or even easing back from full time work, this is the year where small decisions start to matter a lot. In this week's episode, I look at how to check if retirement is actually realistic, which pension moves still make sense, and how to think about income rather than just fund size. This is about clarity, not hype. And avoiding expensive mistakes!   Key talking points   • Why the year before retirement is the most valuable planning window • The five numbers you must know before saying "I'm nearly there" • Why income planning beats obsessing over pension fund size • Pension contribution and AVC opportunities that disappear if you delay • Cash buffers and why they reduce stress more than people expect • When investment risk becomes your friend and when it becomes a problem • Sequence risk explained in plain English • Common mistakes we see from people one to two years out from retirement • What you should have ready before speaking to a financial planner   I hope it helps!

If you have an Executive Pension/SSAS or are a member of an Occupational Pension Scheme approaching retirement, you might want to know about these big changes coming your way! Two major pension updates are colliding; - One from European regulation relating to 'Exec Pensions' and 'Small Self Administered' schemes (SSAS) which impacts self employed directors - One from Revenue relating to employees and losing control over their group pension schemes after 'Normal Retirement Age' (NRA) Both can change where your pension sits, how it is invested, and when you can access it. And all of it can happen without your say so, if you do nothing. ‍Key points I'll share today; What the European IORPS2 deadline really means for Executive and SSAS pensions How automatic moves to Master Trusts work The big Revenue change limiting pension transfers from Occupational Pension Schemes Why early retirement plans are most exposed What practical steps make sense now I hope it helps.

Welcome to the very last, and shortest, Informed Decisions Blog of 2025! We've had a very interesting investment year so far, and I want to share some brief investment observations and comparisons of the year. Also, I'll share a few acknowledgements of those that helped me and Informed Decisions during the year. Thanks,  Paddy.

In this week's podcast - Your Essential Pre-Retirement Checklist Retirement starts long before you hand back the laptop or walk out of the office for the last time! The real work happens in the final decade, when you bring everything together; pensions, savings, tax, debts, lifestyle, and the practical bits that make life run smoothly. This pre-retirement checklist Ireland will hopefully give you a clear, practical path that helps you can step into the next stage with clarity and confidence (not a big ask is it!?). What we'll explore in this week: • How to calculate your retirement number • How to review pensions and income sources in an Irish context • How to tidy up investments without derailing long-term returns or compounding • The key tax and admin tasks to complete before leaving work • When professional planning adds value   I hope it helps

In this week's podcast - The Income Investor's Dilemma in Ireland Many investors in their 50's and 60's want dependable and sustainable incomes from their investment assets, fair enough! You may be wondering should you invest in Dividend Stocks or Distributing Funds in order to generate income - and it is a fair question. The choice often falls between 'Dividend Stocks' and 'Distributing Funds' (both pay dividend income) or 'Total Return Stocks' and 'Accumulating Funds' (don't pay dividends, instead accumulate profits in the business or fund). Key points (I hope!) you'll take away: • Why dividends feel attractive • How Irish tax rules affect dividend income • When bonds can support more stable withdrawals • How total-return investing can offer control and flexibility • Practical ways to build retirement income without chasing dividends purely for the sake of it! I aim to walk through how dividends really work, how Irish tax treatment impacts, and the key differences between it and a total-return approach for your income plan. And while we won't be going hugely deep into the weeds here today - it will hopefully help clarify a few things for you.

This episode looks at practical ways to pull income from pensions without handing more to Revenue than you need to. You hear how rental income fits into the picture, how a non-earning partner's tax band can save you money, and why timing matters when you've no salary coming in. The chat keeps circling back to one point. Your own setup dictates the smartest drawdown plan. Takeaways • You can pull income from pensions in a planned, tax-efficient way. • Your personal position drives every decision. No two households look the same. • Rental income changes the order in which you tap different pots. • A partner with no taxable income can unlock unused standard-rate band. • Taking modest amounts early can help you avoid chunky tax later. • A quick yearly review keeps you from drifting into higher tax. • State pensions may give you room to delay pension withdrawals. • Mixing income sources often gives you steadier and cleaner results. • Avoiding forced withdrawals in later life protects long-term value. • You worked for it. You should enjoy it.

Is now the right time to move a chunk of your investment or pension assets out of equities, and into Bonds, Money Market Funds or Cash? It's a question that you may be asking because of a headline you read, an online commentator with a scary statistic, or someone you chatted with spoke of impending doom! I'll not tell you here whether you should or you should not, but I will briefly share actual potential outcomes for you to consider, before you give it another seconds' thought! I hope it helps! This podcast is guidance only. Always seek qualified financial advice for your own situation

Many Irish parents in their fifties are still financially supporting adult children—and it's quietly delaying their retirement goals. Key takeaways: • Each adult child can cost around €15k–€20k per year in ongoing support—rent, car, health cover, and general expenses. • Those costs directly reduce pension contributions and long-term savings, sometimes delaying retirement by years. • Using tools like the McClements Scale shows how each extra person in the home adds significant cost pressure. • Setting clear timelines, gradually stepping back support, and redirecting funds into pensions can rebuild financial freedom fast. When kids finally stand on their own two feet, your savings—and sanity—get a big lift! I hope it helps!

You've probably wondered: what does financial advice actually cost in Ireland, and is it worth it? Indeed, many people are also probably wondering if they are actually paying for advice, who may or may not be getting any!? ‍ Many professionals in their 50s ask that question when they start thinking about retiring, reducing hours, or simply getting their finances in order. They may have accumulated assets through their careers, may or may not have had an advisor during that time, but are now considering the need as they plan their next chapter. At Informed Decisions, we believe clarity beats guesswork. So let's break down what you pay, what you get, and how to know if you're getting real value. What you'll learn: • Typical fees Irish advisors and providers charge • What clients (should) get for those fees • Whether advice adds measurable value to clients • How to tell if advice is independent and worth paying for • How to find a professional and transparent advisor  

If you're retiring in Ireland with around €1 million in pension savings, one of the biggest questions you'll face is whether to take income from an ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) or to buy an annuity. In this episode, I break down both options in plain English — what they mean, how they work under Irish tax rules, and which might suit your lifestyle and risk appetite. Key Points: What's an ARF? What's an Annuity? Typical Income from a €1m Pension Taxation Pros and Cons   I hope it helps  

In this week's podcast, I talk about investing your pension at 50. Turning 50 is a wake-up call for your pension. It's not about panic - it's about planning smart. Here's what matters most: Key Points: • At 50, your goals shift — you're closer to retirement, but growth still counts. • Review your pension funds now: what's in equities, bonds, or cash? • Rebalance gradually.  • Diversify — global funds, low costs, and no guesswork. • Check old company pensions. Consolidate only if it saves on fees or boosts control. • Understand your tax position — up to 25% tax-free lump sum (max €200k). • Know your retirement routes: ARF for flexibility, annuity for certainty. • Independent financial planning helps avoid big mistakes — and stress! I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, I unpack the growing issue of unregulated investments in Ireland — from headline-grabbing collapses to the hidden risks facing everyday investors. Discover why so many well-intentioned savers were caught out, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself from high-risk "opportunities" that promise too much. Key points: The rise and fall of high-profile unregulated firms like Arena Capital, BlackBee, and Custom House Capital Why ordinary savers — not just speculators — were drawn into risky investments How commissions and incentives can cloud financial advice The lack of Central Bank protection and investor compensation for unregulated products Common fee structures and hidden costs investors often overlook Practical steps to verify if an investment is regulated Simple rules to stay safe and avoid losing hard-earned savings Disclaimer The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody's financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you.

In this week's podcast, we dive into why so many investors underperform the very funds they invest in. Drawing on Morningstar's Mind the Gap 2025 research, we explore how "magpie behaviour" — chasing shiny new investments, panicking in downturns, or tinkering too much — quietly erodes long-term wealth. The evidence is clear: bad behaviour can cost over 1% per year, compounding into massive losses over time. But the gap isn't inevitable. This episode shares practical steps to help you capture more of the returns you deserve — and avoid being the magpie. Key Points Morningstar "Mind the Gap 2025" shows investors lose ~1.2% per year due to poor timing and bad behaviour. Chasing shiny investments (like tech, AI, or thematic funds) often backfires. ETFs and bond funds show wider performance gaps due to frequent trading. Behaviour matters more than markets or fees — discipline drives long-term returns. Five ways to close the gap: Automate contributions, rebalancing, and withdrawals Work with an advisor to stay disciplined Focus on low-cost, globally diversified core holdings Keep "fun money" small if dabbling in niche funds Build a margin of safety into your financial plan Disclaimer

Would you rather build a financial future lined with velvet cushions, or one pieced together with spud bags??   Too many households in Ireland—and globally—are entering retirement without the savings needed to sustain their lifestyle. In this episode, I explore the uncomfortable truth behind retirement readiness, from the dominance of State Pensions to the worrying lack of planning, and why delayed gratification and early saving matter more than ever. Key Points: State Pension reliance: In Ireland, over half of workers without private pensions expect to rely mainly on the State Pension (€15,100 p.a. in 2025). Research insights: CCPC data shows 26% of adults are completely unprepared for retirement; many regret starting pensions too late or don't understand how they work. Spending reality: Retirement spending often follows a U-shaped "smile"—high early, lower mid-life, higher again with health costs. But reductions are often enforced, not chosen. Global parallels: US data mirrors the same challenge—most middle-aged households have modest pension balances, and Social Security dominates retirement income. Cultural habits: Rising instant-spending patterns today may make cutting back tomorrow feel like deprivation. Solutions: Start saving early, define retirement goals, regularly review pension performance, seek professional advice, and prepare for Auto Enrolment (2026). The takeaway: Financial freedom in retirement won't just happen—it must be planned for deliberately, and the time to act is now.

In this week's episode, I chat with Dan Haylett, Director of TFP Financial Planning in the UK, author of The Retirement You Didn't See Coming, and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast. Dan has built his career around helping people prepare for retirement in a way that goes far beyond the numbers, focusing on the human side of life after work.   Together, we explore: Why retirement is less a maths problem and more a human challenge. The dangers of the "blank canvas" problem and why day 182 of retirement can be the most difficult. Dan's five pillars of a thriving retirement: purpose, identity, relationships, structure, and wellbeing. The concept of memory planning—turning money into meaningful experiences rather than just numbers on a page. Why modern retirees are "first-generation retirement rebels" and how to overcome the fear of spending after decades of saving. I hope you find this episode, full of insights for anyone thinking about how to make the most of their second half of life—financially, emotionally, and personally.   Paddy   What Will I Do All Day? by Patrice Jenkins — a short, self-published book full of stories and insights from retirees, which Dan describes as a "wonderful punchy read"   TFP Financial Planning   Dan's LinkedIn   Disclaimer The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody's financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you.  The articles, blogs and podcasts are not investment advice. They do not take account of your individual circumstances, including your knowledge and experience and attitude to risk. Informed Decisions can't be held responsible for the consequences if you pursue a course of action based on the information we share