Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast

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

In our last podcast, we celebrated Fran's incredible achievement of amassing a €2 million pension pot through decades of disciplined saving and investing. Some who read it were inspired, some were envious, and others said "I don't bloody need €2m pension pot"! Today, we're asking a different question entirely: Do I actually need a €2 million pension pot to retire comfortably? And you'll see why I suggest the following are appropriate pension pots to fund a 'comfortable' retirement lifestyle; c€500k if you plan to retire in your mid 60's c€1m if you would like to retire in your mid 50's ‍These may seem like a luxury questions, but are the most important aspects in our retirement planning in Ireland. Because here's the truth: knowing how much you need to spend in retirement is key to knowing how much you need to save for your pension pot Ireland. Disclaimer: Seek professional advice before taking any course of action.

  Today, we're diving into the real-life(ish) story of Fran – a regular guy who built a €2 million+ pension pot and retired at 55. No big lotto win. No magic investment hacks. Just smart use of Ireland's pension system, discipline, and a few skipped car upgrades! Fran started young, contributed consistently, and maximised every bit of tax relief and employer matching he could get his hands on. He invested for growth, kept his cool through market crashes, and stuck to the plan. Over 30 years, a €350,000 net contribution turned into a €2 million pension pot. We walk through: • Exactly how Fran built that pot • How he drew income tax-efficiently from 55 onwards • How he used the ARF to stay flexible and keep control • And how he left a legacy worth millions – without giving half of it to Revenue If you're working in Ireland and want financial independence on your own terms, Fran's journey is a blueprint worth paying attention to. No fluff, no jargon – just a straight-talking guide to building your future wealth and freedom. Let's dive in and see what we can learn from Fran's €2M success story. I hope it helps. 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

Welcome to Informed Decisions Podcast, where we bring you expert insights for Irish investors and retirees. Today, we have a rip-roaring guest joining us - Bill Bengen, the financial planner who literally wrote the book on retirement withdrawals. Back in 1994, Bill's groundbreaking research established what became known worldwide as the "4% rule". This was the cornerstone of retirement planning, that suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually without running out of money. But here's where it gets interesting for our Irish listeners: Bill has been revisiting his own work, and his latest research suggests that retirees today might actually be able to take 5% from their Approved Retirement Funds over multiple decades, not the traditional 4% many have been following. For those managing ARFs here in Ireland, this could be game-changing news. We know how crucial it is to balance enjoying your retirement years while ensuring your money lasts - it's that delicate dance between living well today and having security tomorrow. Bill's going to walk us through exactly why he believes this adjustment makes sense in today's market conditions, and how to think about implementing this approach with your own ARF strategy. Whether you're already drawing from your ARF or planning for that transition, this conversation could reshape how you think about your retirement income. Let's dive in with the man who started it all!   I hope it helps.   Paddy Delaney  QFA RPA APA   Disclaimer: Seek professional advice before taking any course of action.  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

In this episode of the Informed Decisions podcast, I chat with Rob Halligan and Scott Ashmore, co-founders of Shuttle, a platform aiming to democratise access to private equity and venture capital investments.   The conversation dives into the fundamentals of private markets, how they differ from public equity investing, and why early-stage companies often turn to private capital over traditional bank loans. Rob and Scott shed light on the risk-reward profile of venture investing, the importance of diversification, and how Shuttle helps everyday investors participate in an asset class typically reserved for institutions and high-net-worth individuals.   The discussion also explores the mechanics of venture funding - from pre-seed to Series D rounds - highlighting how company valuations are set and the expected timeframes for returns. With Central Bank of Ireland authorisation, Shuttle operates a quarterly investment model, allowing users to gain exposure to a portfolio of vetted startups. The duo outline their vision for the platform, its future expansion into VC fund access, and how it aligns incentives by charging only a modest annual fee and a performance-based profit share.   Key Points: Private vs Public Markets: Private equity involves investing in unlisted companies, offering potentially higher returns but greater risk and illiquidity. Venture Capital Basics: VC is a subset of private equity focused on early-stage, high-growth startups, structured around funding rounds (e.g., Seed, Series A-C). High Risk, High Reward: Venture capital returns follow a power law distribution—few winners generate most of the returns. Diversification is Key: Investors should aim for 50+ holdings to reduce risk; Shuttle structures this via quarterly "drops" of 2–3 companies. Accessibility: Shuttle enables retail investors to participate in venture deals from as little as €250 per quarter. Platform Model: Investors pay €250/year plus a 10% fee only on realised profits, aligning platform and investor interests. Liquidity & Exit: Returns typically take 5–10 years; Shuttle is exploring secondary markets to improve interim liquidity. Market Trends: Private companies are staying private longer; institutional data points to retail access as the next frontier. Educational Focus: Shuttle supports investor understanding through simplified UX, content, and risk-appropriate onboarding. I hope it helps   JoinShuttle.com   Grit by Angela Duckworth – recommended by Rob Halligan. A book about the power of passion and perseverance in achieving success.   Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell – recommended by Scott Ashmore. It explores what makes high achievers different, focusing on the factors that contribute to success.   Disclaimer

If you've ever looked at your pension statement and thought, "What does this actually mean?" You're not alone. In this episode, #338, we're cutting through the jargon and making sense of Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, especially for Irish employees and retirees. These schemes can offer incredible long-term value, but many people don't fully understand how they work, what they're worth, or what decisions they might face around them. Whether you're still paying into a DB scheme or left it behind years ago, we'll walk you through the key numbers, why these pensions are so unique, and how to approach big decisions, like whether to transfer out. It's all about helping you understand, appreciate, and protect one of your most valuable financial assets.  I hope it helps. 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    

For the past 8 years, I've been making the case that most investors, particularly those who can tolerate volatility, should avoid Lifestyle investment strategies in pensions. It's been a lonely stance, with little to no mainstream coverage, even though investor feedback on my analysis was consistently positive. Back in early 2024, I shared updated research on Lifestyle and Default Investment strategies used by pension funds in Ireland. The results were clear: even after more than a decade of strong market performance, investors who took the 'Do It For Me' route, defaulting to cautious, de-risking strategies, ended up with significantly poorer outcomes than those who chose a more hands-on, equity-focused approach. Was I mad? Or missing something? It appears not. 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

This week I flashback to a podcast from 2021! While it is a few years old its a common and important question. Key takeaways How big your pension should be when you start drawing down income How big your pension should be at various stages of your life What you can do if it's not as big as you would like it to be! How to live 14.9% longer! I hope it helps! Disclaimer