Better With Money

Should you try and overpay your mortgage or invest instead? 02.06.2026 23min

What are the fastest and least painful ways of paying off your mortgage? Should you overpay, if you can? Or should you use any extra money to invest instead? What about switching - how much can it save you, really? These are the types of questions we're putting to Cian Carolan, financial planner and managing director of DNG Financial Services. In this episode we discuss affordability and why it's crucial to consider motivations and wider financial planning before calling your lender. Cian also explains fixed and variable mortgage rates, how much they are expected to increase this year and options like split rates where you you fix on a portion of the loan but pay variable on the other. This episode is more relevant to current mortgage-holders. Those looking to get a home loan for the first time should check out this earlier episode of Better with Money.This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve helped people clear debt for 30 years. Here’s how to tackle it. 26.05.2026 31min

Whether it's a few hundred euro on a credit card that you just can't manage to clear, or if you have fallen behind on your mortgage repayments due to an unforeseen life event - if debt is keeping you awake at night, this is the podcast you need to hear. This conversation with Gwen Harris, regional manager with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service explores practical, step-by-step ways to regain control of your finances - from creating a realistic budget to understanding options like loan consolidation and personal insolvency. Gwen also breaks down popular repayment strategies such as the “snowball” and “avalanche” methods, and highlights how people can maximise their income by claiming entitlements they may not realise they’re eligible for. She also shares advice for families, including why it’s important for parents to have honest conversations about contributions from adult children still living at home, especially during times of financial strain. Plus, Gwen offers simple, practical saving tips that can make a real difference over time. Presented by Aideen FinneganYou can contact MABS in confidence via their web site, call in person to one of their 60 regional offices or phone their helpline on 0818 07 2000.Previous episodes of Better with Money which deal with debt can be found here:‘How we saved €100k in four years’‘I went from €17,000 in debt and jobless to paying off my mortgage early’'I cleared six figures’ worth of debt in Ireland. These are the low-risk ways to invest'Better with Money is for information purposes only and does constitute financial advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'My pension fund has grown by 69% in three and a half years' - here's how to maximise yours 19.05.2026 26min

If you have pension anxiety - either because you don't have one yet or because the one you do have won't cut it - this is the episode for you. Sjoerd Bak, a qualified financial adviser and founder of Become a Millionaire explains why pensions should come before any other investing, especially for those worried their retirement fund won’t be enough. Bak shares how a stroke in 2020 prompted him to reassess his finances, simplify his approach, and retrain as an adviser after running workplace “Become a Millionaire” sessions. He explains Ireland’s pension tax relief and argues the tax benefits can’t be beaten by ETFs or stock picking. He urges listeners to track income and spending, log into their pension portal to review fees and asset allocation (especially equity exposure), and focus on consistent, long-term investing. Plus, find out how Freud's pleasure pain theory can help reframe your money mindset.Presented by Aideen Finnegan.This episode is for information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice.Check out our previous episode on pensions with assistant business editor Dominic Coyle can be found here.You can find Sjoerd's guide to pension relief here and his finance tracker here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flights, car hire and the airport 'golden hour': Conor Pope's guide to holiday spending traps 12.05.2026 31min

Wondering how you'll stretch your holiday budget amid uncertainty over rising energy costs and jet fuel supplies? Pricewatch editor Conor Pope has the latest on what the conflict in the Middle East might mean for airline cost-cutting, and why you should take out travel insurance as soon as you book. He also shares the airport spending traps you need to avoid to keep more money in your pocket. (Did you know they try and keep you in the shopping hall for longer by waiting ages to reveal your departure gate?!) There's also advice on navigating the world of car hire (fuel policies, collection windows and filming the car). And Conor recommends looking into the free local activities available in your destination location ahead of time, why you should always pay in local currency and make sure you decline ATM conversions. Staycations may offer better value due to sluggish demand, though Irish weather and costs can result in a Father Ted caravan situation.Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Never open that app again' - Investing platforms, ETFs, and the deemed disposal headache 05.05.2026 20min

This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It's the second part of our chat with Dan Malone from honest.ie who is demystifying the various online trading platforms available to Irish people. Dan walks through how a beginner (like “Sarah,” a 30-something on an average salary) can start long-term investing, stressing that the first step is maximising pension contributions and having an emergency fund. He recommends choosing a user-friendly, low-fee broker app such as Trading 212, Trade Republic, Degiro or Lightyear etc, and trying them out with small deposits, before committing to a long-term mindset. He explains ETF selection, how some are structured and why buying euro-denominated listings will avoid foreign exchange costs. The conversation also covers realistic amounts of money, euro cost averaging vs lump sums, and Ireland’s deemed disposal rules which are essential to being tax compliant.Presented by Aideen Finnegan.Listen back to part one here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“99.9% of people shouldn’t be picking stocks’ - A beginner’s guide to investment apps in Ireland 28.04.2026 32min

If you've never opened an online trading app in your life (or you have but felt immediately overwhelmed) this is the episode for you. Dan Malone from honest.ie is a chartered accountant, chartered tax advisor and qualified financial advisor. He's analysed the most popular trading platforms in Ireland like Trading 212, Trade Republic, Lightyear, Interactive Brokers, Revolut and N26. Malone explains which ones might suit the novice investor, what hidden fees and sneaky charges you should look out for, and the tax implications come the pay-and-file deadline. This episode also explores how safe your money is, why most people shouldn’t be picking individual stocks at all, and Dan makes the case for long‑term, passive investing using low‑cost ETFs (exchange‑traded funds) instead. While there's plenty of jargon to get your head around, Dan explains it in plain English. Crucially, he explains why time in the market matters more than timing the market, why women are better investors, and makes the case for starting in your twenties.If you want to go back and listen to our earlier episodes about investing, including this one for absolute beginners, you can find them on irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New savings and investment scheme: What's in Simon Harris' plan? 21.04.2026 33min

Today we are unpacking Simon Harris’s proposed savings and investment scheme, due to be unveiled in October, and what questions remain about how it will work. Qualified Financial Advisor and long-time investor Kel Galavan says it won't mirror the Celtic Tiger era SSIA scheme. It's more likely to be styled on the Swedish or UK system; where savers put their money in accounts specially designed for novice investors. The known unknowns include access rules, fees and term length - we will have to wait until the Budget to get the full picture. Kel outlines what we know, what we don't, and how you can start investing now, without waiting for the announcement in October. She explains the basics of investment taxation, including capital gains tax versus exit tax and deemed disposal. While waiting for the Minister For Finance to reveal the details, she recommends getting your money foundations right, (rainy day and emergency funds, pension etc), seeking better savings rates via regulated European banks, and using “no spend days” to create extra money to save or invest.This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“My salary was in my wardrobe” - How a former shopaholic overcame her overspending 14.04.2026 33min

Even at a time of spiralling fuel prices and huge increases in the cost of living, it's possible for people to overspend on clothes, holidays or even just the “little treats” when they can least afford it. Why? Because an abundance of credit, influencer culture, ease of online shopping and a desire to feel control are all working in consort to part you with your money. The terms "retail therapy" and "shopaholic" do a disservice to the seriousness of it. In psychology it's called oniomania. Paige Pritchard is a reformed compulsive spender who cleared $40,000 of debt and now helps others to break the cycle of harmful impulsive shopping. The founder of OvercomingOverspending.com believes that when it comes to spending - as opposed to "money" - it's hardly ever about the maths and the numbers. It's always about the mindset and the emotions. In this episode she shares her story of overspending, the ways companies get us to splurge and how she helps people resist the temptation.You can listen to the Emma Edwards interview referenced in this episode here, where she shares her thoughts and research on the psychology of our money habits.Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sinking Funds: How the viral trend can transform your finances 07.04.2026 24min

Better with Money is on a break for Easter so we are revisiting our favourite episode from last year, all about the "sinking fund." It's a fancy way of saying you have separate of pots of savings for specific expenses. There's a legion of advocates who swear by the practice. One such enthusiast is Anita Collins, a maths teacher from Limerick who runs the Instagram page @efficientfamilylife. She joins the podcast to explain in detail how sinking funds can help people manage their finances more effectively, help create a buffer for those hefty energy bills and make spending on yourself a guilt-free experience.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sort your finances out over a few drinks with friends: The ‘admin party’ that saved €1,169 31.03.2026 32min

The 'admin party' is the latest social media trend promising to save you money. The idea is it's a social, accountability-based way to tackle money-draining life admin. But does it work? Host Aideen Finnegan is joined by Irish Times journalists Niamh Browne, Conor Pope and Órla Ryan to see if they can fix their finances in real time. From gas bill hikes to health insurance, to claiming your expenses from work; the procrastination ends here.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'You can holiday in Vietnam for the price of a week in Greece' - budget travel strategies that work 24.03.2026 26min

No one knows more about organising an unforgettable holiday on a tight budget than Cork woman Stephanie Barry Woods. She and her husband Tim have been travelling the world for the past decade, having every type of experience imaginable. From road tripping around Spain to luxury stays in the Maldives to Bankok hostels and full moon parties in Thailand. (You can hear how they made that happen in an earlier episode of Better with Money) In today’s episode Steph shares the best tips and tricks she’s learned over the years; from getting the best price on flights and accommodation to alternative family breaks to organising a holiday in south east Asia for the same price as a week on a Greek island. You'll be submitting your annual leave request by the time you get to the end of this episode.Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pot o' gold or Fool's Gold? What beginner investors need to know 17.03.2026 23min

On this St. Patrick's Day, we are discussing gold as an investment choice; why it has soared in value, whether novice investors should get involved, and the approaches they could take. We're joined by MD of DNG Financial Services Cian Carolan and jewellery entrepreneur Chupi Sweetman who share their insights in dealing with fluctuating gold prices. Cian advises beginners to build an emergency fund first and clear high-interest debt, then consider gold only as a small diversifier within a broader portfolio, warning against market timing and knee-jerk selling. He compares buying physical gold (storage/insurance costs and risks) versus indirect exposure via funds or ETFs that track gold’s price, which can be bought in small amounts via investing apps. Chupi speaks about gold through the lens of the jewellery industry, which accounts for up to half of global gold demand. She joins the podcast as her company gets ready to announce its B Corp certification - which recognises high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Start off with an amount that you're comfortable with losing': a beginner's guide to the stock market 10.03.2026 33min

We've spoken about investing before on Better with Money but today we're honing in specifically on how to invest in the stock market. If you've been wondering how you can generate a passive income from your smartphone but wouldn't know an investment fund if it jumped up and bit you in the face, don't worry because neither does our host Aideen.Today she speaks to The Irish Times' Fiona Reddan and CEO of the Trinity Student Managed Fund Senan Delargy about how to get started today with as little as €1 (you can do it via apps like Revolut or Davy Select) or take on less of the work by choosing life-wrapped funds where providers handle the taxes but charge higher fees.Fiona breaks down the jargon and tax implications in plain English (33% capital gains tax on shares with a €1,270 annual allowance, 38% exit tax on funds, deemed disposal every eight years, and possible dividend withholding tax, alongside advisor allocation rates.) There are practical tips from Trinity undergrad Senan - who's investing journey began during Fresher's Week - like starting with products you know and basic stock analysis ideas.This podcast is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sure, tis a minefield, how could it!?Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.The first of Fiona Reddan's eight week series on how to invest begins today in The Irish Times. Go to irishtimes.com/subscribe so you don't miss any.You can listen back to our introduction to investing with @MrsSmartMoneyHQ Kel Galavan and our pensions deep dive with Irish Times deputy business editor Dominic Coyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Tell them you want €40k' Pay negotiations, investing, and how to take financial control 03.03.2026 26min

Financial literacy isn’t just about understanding jargon. It’s about security and independence, says Leah McMahon - a financial planner with Castle Capital of Limerick. Women are among those being targeted in the government's National Financial Literacy Strategy 2025-2029. So ahead of International Women's Day on Sunday we are looking at the ways you can boost your financial literacy, tackle money obstacles like pay negotiations and come up with a strategy for investing. (Don't worry fellas, you might learn something too)If you have any questions, suggestions or issues you'd like covered on the show, you can email aideen.finnegan@irishtimes.comPresented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘That is the secret sauce’: How to set your children up for financial success in Ireland 24.02.2026 25min

It's tough making ends meet in 2026, let alone setting aside money for our children's future. But Robert Whelan of Rockwell Financial says it's worth putting away any amount, even to just to get started. In his professional opinion though, an investment strategy is needed to inflation-proof your savings. In this episode of Better with Money we explain some of the most accessible ways you can start that investment journey, like directly purchasing EFTs (Exchange Traded Funds) yourself, or consulting a fund manager to do it for you. We also discuss the most tax efficient ways of passing money to your children, without incurring the whopping 33% Captial Acquisitions Tax. And Robert shares the financial advice he wish he could have given his 18 year-old self. Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.If you have a topic you want Better with Money to consider, email aideen.finnegan@irishtimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From side hustle to startup: how to set up a small business 14.10.2025 26min

Not everyone was brought up in an entrepreneurial environment, and most of us didn't study business beyond the Junior Cert. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a go. Whether you're simply selling crafts on Etsy or giving school grinds on the side, the bureaucratic side of setting up a business can be a barrier for those who don't move in corporate circles. In this episode of Better with Money, we're joined by PwC partner Colm O'Callaghan to give us a crash course in setting up a small business. From testing out your idea to what tax reliefs are available for micro-businesses, Colm spells it out in plain English. Is today the day you decide to go for it?Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.Brought to you in association with PwC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘One couple had €1,500 waiting for them’: The tax refunds Irish workers aren’t claiming 08.10.2025 34min

The average Irish PAYE worker overpays €900 euro a year in tax. That's because many of us don't know we can claim money back on things like routine GP visits or pharmacy prescriptions. There are also tax reliefs that people mistakenly believe they're not entitled to, like the Home Carer Credit. The name might imply it's only available to carers of the elderly or a child with a disability. In fact, it's available to any married couple where one person works and the other is a stay-at-home parent. In this episode, we're looking at ways to put money back in your pocket particularly in light of a disappointing budget for middle-income workers on Tuesday this week. In this episode Alan Purcell of CloudAccounts.ie takes us through the most common tax refunds we fail to claim, and how you could log on to Revenue.ie today to find an overpayment waiting to be returned to you.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.Brought to you in association with PwC.Alan Purcell can be found on Instagram @cloudaccounts Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The biggest asset apart from the family home is the pension': How to talk about money in relationships 30.09.2025 24min

If you were moving in with someone and they earned more than you, would you ask them to pay more of the rent? Or in the case of a divorce, how would you divide assets like a pension? The thorny issue of money in relationships is not one that’s generally thrashed out early on in a romance but has huge consequences for couples. That’s before you even get to the stage of trying to understand married tax bands and credits or Pension Adjustment Orders. In this episode of Better With Money, financial planner Kelly Anne Quinn from LifePlanning.ie, outlines the importance of sharing expectations and goals early on in a relationship. She demystifies the tax system for couples and outlines some of the financial scenarios that may arise in a divorce.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan. Brought to you in association with PWC Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘That’s what makes EVs so shockingly affordable’: Navigating the complex world of car buying 23.09.2025 41min

When it comes to buying a new car, financing options can vary widely. You have to factor in the total running cost (tax, fuel, insurance etc) and then watch out for the hidden ones. Throw in jargon like ‘PCP finance’ and ‘guaranteed future value’ and now you’re completely bamboozled. Irish Times motoring journalist Neil Briscoe joins the podcast to simplify and demystify the whole process of buying a new or used car, with practical tips for potential buyers. He explains the various financing options and which one actually works out cheaper in the long run. The conversation also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of leasing, the importance of trade-ins, and the “shockingly enormous" savings you can make from going electric. Don’t buy a car until you’ve heard this episode!Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.Brought to you in association with PWC Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'It completely freed me from stress': The transformative power of sinking funds 16.09.2025 33min

The sinking fund trend is a fancy way of saying you have separate of pots of savings for specific expenses. There's a legion of advocates who swear by the practice. One such enthusiast is Anita Collins, a maths teacher from Limerick who runs the Instagram page @efficientfamilylife. She joins the podcast to explain in detail how sinking funds can help people manage their finances more effectively, help create a buffer for those hefty winter bills and make spending on yourself a guilt-free experience. We also get an update from consumer affairs correspondent and Pricewatch editor Conor Pope who tells us what measures are likely to be - and probably more pertinently - out of Budget 2026.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.Brought to you in association with PWC Ireland.PwC Ireland’s tax experts are here to help you prepare for Budget 2026, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Visit pwc.ie/budget to learn more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.