Informed Decisions Financial Planning & Money Podcast

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 an

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 thei

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 articl

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, blog

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

In this week's podcast I chat with Dr. Daniel Crosby. He discusses the evolution of behavioral finance over the past eight years, reflecting on the growing acceptance and understanding of the field. He shares insights from his latest book, 'The Soul of Wealth,' emphasising the importance of health, happiness, and meaningful spending. The discussion also covers the role of community in financial behavior, the impact of delayed gratification, and the future of wealth management in an AI-driven world. Crosby highlights the necessity of practical applications in financial education and the importance of understanding one's relationship with money. Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist, author, behavioral finance expert and asset manager who applies his study of market psychology to everything from financial product design to security selection. Key takeaways Behavioral finance has gained significant traction in the last eight years. Investors today are better educated and more disciplined than in the past. The foc

In this week's podcast #334 I take a look ARFs If you google 'best ARF Fund in Ireland' today, you will get many results. The first few are of course paid-for, sponsored adverts from firms who want your clicks (and are paying handsomely for them!). There are then quite a few other firms who have written about this 'best ARF fund in Ireland' topic. This week I share a very short piece which shows the actual outcomes of a scenario where one invested in different funds, portfolios and companies over the past decade or more, and what we can learn from it. And if anyone needs a reminder, an ARF is an Approved Retirement Fund. It is what happens to most of our personal pensions when we start drawing income from them, if we have not chosen an annuity pension. More on all this here if you want a refresh! Disclaimer

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 trans

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 outc

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 purposef

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

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

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

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 deca

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

In this week's podcast, I chat with Brendan Allen a specialist in property tax. He is a Chartered Tax Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, and is the owner of Allen & Co Tax Accountants and Landlord Tax Returns and is passionate about tax talk.   Key topics Intricacies of tax of landlords Landlord tax credit Rent pressure zones Pros & Cons Pensions Private landlord current situation   I hope it helps!   The Mysterious Affair at Styles The World According to Garp       Link to our Blog in 2017 and our Podcast here Is It Profitable Being A Landlord??........The Maths! Blog 33 Link to Rental Income Stress Test Calculator Property Stress Test Calculator - Landlord Tax Returns - Landlord Accounts Landlord Tax Returns Brendan Allen LinkedIn   Disclaimer

On this week's podcast, episode 324, I chat with Olympian, David Gillick about resilience and his journey and how he got through some really dark days. Something we will experience as investors. David shares some fun and interesting stories   David is one of Ireland most successful sprint athletes. He stepped off the track in 2013 after a successful athletics career which included winning Ireland’s first sprint gold medal in 76 years when winning the European Indoor 400m championships in 2005. He went on to retained his title in 2009 and became an Olympian in 2008.   David currently works in a number of areas, mainly corporate wellness and performance. Consulting and supporting organisations, teams and individuals in realising their potential and operating efficiently and effectively to achieve their respective goals.   I hope it helps.   The Racket By Conor Niland Simon Sinek Start with Why Robin Sharma The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Andre Agassi OPEN   David Gillick website   David Gillick LinkedIn   @

There is more and more commentators shouting from the roof-tops about the massive growth of North American stock values and earnings over the past few years (since Covid really). I’ll explore what is and isn’t really happening, and what one’s practical options are.  Specifically, the following are the claims/alarms being flagged;  US Tech stocks have gone so incredibly well for several years, these companies, and the US is now over-priced and make up larger proportions of Globally Market than they ‘should’.  The future expected returns from S&P500 as a whole, so people ‘should’ now re-allocate to Europe, Emerging Markets and other locations, for future returns  I hope it helps. Disclaimer

In this week's podcast I talk with Kevin Canning, Managing Director of Quintas Capital. Kevin specialises in private markets and is the Investment Director of The EIIS Innovation Fund managed by Quintas. He is a Chartered Accountant (ACA), a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), and a respected member of the Irish Tax Institute, underscoring his comprehensive understanding of finance and taxation.   I hope you enjoy this interesting conversation.   Key Topics   What Quintas does EIIS Innovation Fund How private investing works       Kevin Canning - Quintas Capital Kevin LinkedIn The Psychology of Money   Disclaimer

In this week's podcast I chat to John Murphy a Director of OmniPro Tax and Legal Limited John is a Chartered Tax Adviser, who works with clients on income tax, tax planning, restructuring to exit planning as well as advising on company law in relation to these and many other matters.   We talk about holding companies and family partnerships for smart tax planning.   Key topics   Who are OmniPro 2025 changes to tax planning Business Structure planning Holding companies Non Business Assets Family Partnerships   To learn more about OmiPro's services and contact John head to their website here: OmniPro Tax and Legal Limited