Better With Money

The Government’s planned personal investment account for ordinary savers was finally revealed on budget day, but it wasn’t long until the questions began arriving by email to The Irish Times business desk.

Questions like “Do you get to choose where your money's invested, or does the government supply guidance via a reliable broker?", “Will I still have to pay income tax on dividends?” and “ what is the interest rate in the new investment scheme?"

It prompted Your Money columnist Cliff Taylor to ask if never-before-investors know they’ll largely be left to their own devices in figuring out the new scheme, what their risk is and assessing if it represents a good deal for them.

He joins Better with Money host Aideen Finnegan to discuss the knowledge gaps and financial landmines for investors and Government alike. Taylor also explains the finer details of the scheme that were revealed yesterday with the publishing of the Finance Bill.

This episode is brought to you in association with Standard Life.

Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

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Parents around the country were left confused last week when the Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said he was reducing the “maximum childcare fees paid by parents from €735 to €550 per month” for children up to senior infants from September of next year. It led to a slew of emails to The Irish Times with parents wondering why they are currently paying well above that figure - from €959 up to €1,400. Irish Times deputy business editor Dominic Coyle explains that "not for the first time, there appears to be a substantial “reality gap” between the Government’s understanding of the “maximum” cost of care and the real maximum under its own core funding rules." In this episode of Better with Money, Coyle and host Aideen Finnegan explain the fee system under the Core Funding scheme, what subsidies are available to parents and how lower-income households can avail of extra supports to help with the cost (such as the income assessed subsidy which will rise €73,000 next year). The episode also examines what's driving costs for the sector and why childcare providers feel they're being under-compensated.

This episode is brought to you in association with Standard Life

Understanding the fee caps and subsidies for parents under the National Childcare Scheme

Dominic Coyle on the gender pension gap

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, SEAIprogramme 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The idea of an “admin party” has gone viral since the term was coined last year. It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise given how we are all drowning in our own quicksand of “I must get around to that” jobs. Whether it’s disputing a charge with your bin company, wading through health insurance or getting your car ready for the NCT, these “small” tasks coalesce to become one big soup of digital paperwork. When the overwhelm becomes so great, the instinct to withdraw wins out for many of us. So can an admin party help?

Aideen Finnegan is joined by journalists Conor Pope, Niamh Browne and Órla Ryan to simulate an admin party in the extremely sober environment of The Irish Times podcast studio. Niamh brings her own particular baggage to the episode. An actual plastic bag she has been using to hoard receipts, much to Conor’s horror. We also solve her 600 per cent gas price hike problem in real time. Órla has been meaning to take out full health insurance for years but the overwhelm of terms and conditions, as well as the fear of choosing the wrong policy, has left her in a procrastination doom loop. Find out why Conor tells her ChatGPT is not the solution to this problem. If these are the kind of conundrums you come up against in your life, don’t miss this episode of Better with Money.

This episode - which first aired in March 2026 - is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

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This episode first aired in April.It's exactly the one you need to hear if you buy so many items online, you feel you need to sneak them past your partner / family / housemates before they see another package arrive at the door. Even at a time of spiralling fuel prices and huge increases in the cost of living, it is possible for someone to overspend on holidays, clothes or even just the “little treats” when they can least afford it. Why? Because an abundance of credit, modern consumer culture, frictionless shopping experiences and a desire to feel control are all working in consort to part you with your money.

And let’s face it, they don’t call it “retail therapy” for nothing. Had a colossally crap day at work? An online purchase might keep the dopamine going until the package arrives. Can’t afford to buy a house so why bother even trying? Let’s go to Ibiza.

In this episode of Better with Money, Paige Pritchard, founder of overcomingoverspending.com explains why this thinking is a form of financial self-sabotage. But it's rarely about numbers and more about the “iceberg” beneath: mindset and emotions, shaped by beliefs about scarcity, responsibility and identity (“I’m just a spender”). Paige shares her story of racking up $40,000 worth of debt, the shame of revealing it to her loved ones, and how she's now dedicated to helping others break the cycle too.

This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan

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This episode was first published in September 2025 so the prices quoted will reflect a time when Donald Trump hadn't started a war with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was open and inflation wasn't as high as it is now. However the information is rock solid because Neil Briscoe is breaking down the different ways to buy a car; Hire Purchase, PCP or a personal loan from the bank. Which option is the cheapest, which is the best value and are they always the same thing? Neil has practical tips, highlights the importance of trade-ins and weighs up the advantages and disadvantages of leasing. Plus, he outlines 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.

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If you’ve been wondering whether solar panels are worth the costly initial outlay, this is the episode for you.

“At no stage have I ever heard anyone say ‘I wish I didn’t put so many solar panels up.’ It’s usually ‘I wish I put a bigger battery in,’” says Garrett Fox, a landscaper and retrofitting enthusiast from Co. Galway. In 2018 during “The Beast from the East”, his 80s bungalow was so cold his bedroom curtains froze shut. Since then he’s added solar panels, insulation, new windows, air-to-water heating, two EVs and watched his energy bills plummet as a result.

Garrett breaks down appliance costs by tariff, explains the key system parts (panels, inverter, battery and software), and outlines his (pun-tastic) “three whats” approach: what's your usage, what are your future plans for your home and what are your goals.

For a typical three-bed semi, he estimates it would cost around €7,000 for 8 to 10 panels plus €4,000 to €5,000 for a 10kW battery. He believes you could potentially break even around five years later without a battery and six to seven with one installed, plus benefits from microgeneration credits and potentially lowering your mortgage interest rate if your improved BER qualifies you for a “green mortgage.”

This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan.

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If you have found yourself at the point at which you're finally ready to invest, but you don't know how to do your research into index and exchange traded funds (ETFs), this is the episode for you.

There’s an overwhelming amount of information online about investing, but most of it is aimed an American, and to a lesser extent, a UK audience. In this episode wealth advisor, YouTube content creator and Donegal man, Kevin Elliott, brings his years of experience working for financial institutions in New York, London and Toronto and translates it jargon-free for an Irish audience.

Building on earlier episodes* about index funds and ETFs (which tend to be lower risk and more beginner-friendly than buying individual stocks and shares) Kevin explains how to choose an ETF from the tens of thousands out there. He shares the checklist he himself uses when choosing funds in Ireland: use passive index funds, no "star pickers" of stocks, watch for steep fees, choose broad and ideally global indices, trade in euro and make sure the funds are domiciled in Europe for tax purposes. Plus some other tricky jargon worth knowing before putting your money into an ETF.

This episode is for for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan

*You can find previous episodes which examine ETFs in detail with Dan Malone here and here, as well as our complete beginner episode with Kel Galavanhere.

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Aideen Finnegan speaks to financial influencer Annmarie Gaynor (Irish Budgeting Mammy) and Cian Carolan of DNG Financial Services after they attended a Department of Finance meeting with Simon Harris and junior minister Robert Troy about a proposed state “personal investment account”. It’s not an SSIA savings account that would be topped up by the Government, neither will it be a product “with a portal you log into with a password.” Rather it looks set to be a tax-incentivised “wrapper” applying new rules to existing investment options offered by banks, life insurers and trading platforms. The key aim is to encourage “middle Ireland” to move some savings from deposits into long-term investing, but major details remain unconfirmed, including annual limits, fees, tax treatment and timelines. They describe Ireland’s complex investment taxes (deemed disposal, exit tax and a life-insurance levy) as barriers to getting involved in investing, while stressing the need for a financial literacy campaign to communicate risk, understand inflation and set clear personal goals for the individual.

This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

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In this week’s episode, the font of all motoring knowledge Neil Briscoe is taking us through the government’s new pilot ICE to EV scrappage scheme. For us non petrol heads, those acronyms essentially mean “give up yer aul polluting car for an electric vehicle instead.” It involves trading in your end-of-life petrol or diesel car (at least 13 years) for a new EV, and is weighted 65% towards rural dwellers. Opening tomorrow with just 2000 places, the scheme is already oversubscribed. However Neil is expecting the government will announce a new round. He runs through the best value EVs on the market right now from the cheapest options (like the Hyundai Inster) up to the €50,000 grant cap. He also explains why small EVs are getting cheaper, and why the growing used-EV market shouldn’t be discounted.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan

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Unless you’re Dermot Bannon, doing up your house must be one of the most expensive and nerve-wracking jobs you can ever take on. In this episode of Better with Money, Quantity Surveyor Shay Lally (aka @houses_to_restore on Instagram) speaks to Aideen Finnegan about how to plan and cost the renovation of an average 3-bed semi-d in Ireland.

He explains why the cheapest quote can often end up being the most expensive because of omissions or “front-loading”, where the builder gets the bulk of the payment at the beginning and then ghosts you for the smaller jobs later on.

Shay also explains how getting a QS involved from early on can help your budget with estimates, making payment assessments and negotiations during the project and tracking a final tally.

And he also outlines common budget risks, the need for a clear brief, and prioritising essentials like insulation, heating and rewiring over finishes. This episode also covers SEAI and Vacant/Derelict Homes grants, staged bank drawdowns, contracts, red flags with tradespeople, and renovation choices that can add or reduce a home’s resale value.

This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice

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From supplements on hotel rooms to needing to save tens of thousands of euro on your own to buy a home, the costs of doing anything in Ireland - as a single adult - are hidden and varied. Irish Times columnist and author, Emer McLysaght, joins Aideen Finnegan and Conor Pope on this episode of Better with Money to discuss the many ways single people are penalised by the so-called "single tax". While Ireland's tax system doesn't explicitly "reward" married or cohabiting couples, it is more favourable for them. And that's before you consider the single person's financial burden of trying to save for a home at a time of record rents, energy prices and grocery bills. Would you go as far as refusing to put cash in an envelope at your friend's wedding in a bid to save money? Emer would. And she has, too.

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Can changing your mortgage to a fortnightly payment plan save you money and reduce the overall term? Will striving to get your loan-to-value ratio down unlock the best interest rates? And how can you even go about that anyway? These questions and more are answered by Cian Carolan, MD of DNG Financial Services in this second episode of mortgage strategising. It’s all about finding a way to pay down that mortgage as quickly and painlessly as possible. Cian also explains what to consider if you’re rolling off a fixed-term rate cycle this year, and answers a question about how easy (or not!) it is for separating couples to buy each other out.

This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

If you missed last week's episode you can listen to it here, or scroll back one episode in the Better with Money feed.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan.

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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

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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 Finnegan

You 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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.com

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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. 

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Calling all financial hot messes: Better With Money from The Irish Times can help you – even during a time of crazy prices.

We break down the money questions you care about, jargon free and with people who’ve been there and done that.

Subscribe to Better With Money from The Irish Times wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

It's nearly Budget Day, and what better time to think about managing your finances? Better With Money will be back soon with new episodes helping you take advantage of tax breaks, survive in a world of high prices and finance that new car.

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.

Alright fine, we'll admit it. This episode is about pensions. But we're unpacking them in a way that won't melt your brain, we promise. Whether you've started late or haven't even taken one out yet, deputy business editor Dominic Coyle explains:

How to start from scratch, or level up a basic pension plan

Understanding jargon

How employer contributions can help double your pension pot

How to maximise the state's contribution

Ways you can offset the disadvantage of starting later

How the gender pay gap affects women's pensions

Sneaky charges you need to watch out for

Don't think of it as a pension. Think of it as a bucket list fund for your 'second act'.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Dominic answers your personal finance questions every week in The Irish Times. You can send your queries to dominic.coyle@irishtimes.com 

For more jargon-free and impartial pension tips, go to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

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What’s traditionally been known as the ‘nixer’ in Ireland, is recognised more widely on social media as the side hustle

.

Most people’s understanding of the term is additional income that supplements a person’s PAYE earnings.

As with many other trends, Instagram and Tiktok’s algorithms churn out an Americanised version of the phenomenon where grind culture is revered and stories of multi-million dollar businesses - born on smartphones while loading the laundry - are legion.

But as with other viral social media movements, the reality is often very different and has its own nuances specific to an Irish context.

At a time when many people are living pay cheque to pay cheque the allure of additional income - gilded with the Paris filter - is obvious.

So what side jobs are available to those of us already working 40-plus hours a week?

How do assess what work would work for you? Will be worth the extra effort?

Deirdre O’Keeffe from burdy.ie is a Kildare-based book keeper and mentor who coaches clients through the process of choosing a side hustle, figuring out how to make it work and crucially, understanding their tax liability.

In this episode of Better With Money she explains the process she goes through with them, how to spot scams and how side hustles can be valuable exercises in testing out a business idea.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've always thought investing is only for high-earning, suit-wearing, happy-hour cocktail swigging finance bros, Kel Galavan - aka MrsSmartMoneyHQ - is here to tell you why you're wrong. The Qualified Financial Advisor was in six figure debt after the 2008 financial crash, but has since turned her financial life around and now coaches others who are new to the investing game. In this episode she explains why saving is not enough and how the way to secure your financial future is with a long-term, lower-risk strategy. If you don't know your stocks from your shares or your IPO from your EFTs, this episode is for you.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you in the fortunate position of being able to save for a home or you're hoping to buy in the next few years? Purchasing a property in Ireland, especially when you are new to the process, can be daunting task at the best of times. But with the current housing crisis it’s tougher than ever and that’s before you even get to the stage of dealing with auctioneers, banks, quantity surveyors and solicitors. Miriam Finn is a buyers’ agent. A former estate agent, where she only represented the vendor, Finn switched sides and now takes buyers under her wing helping them through the marathon process. In this episode she sets out the timelines involved, explains how to put your best foot forward as a potential mortgage candidate; and shares her insider knowledge as an estate agent with bidding strategies, picking the best solicitor and asking the right questions of sellers.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Help to Buy scheme

First Home scheme

More information on various state help and grants

CCPC mortgage money tool

Price comparison web sites like Bonkers and Switcher analyse the best value mortgage loans on the market

Check if a prospective property is on a flood plain

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In the aftermath of the financial crash, Ann-Marie Gaynor was getting over a marital breakdown, lone parenting three children under 7 and in five-figure debt. A self-described Celtic Tiger baby, Gaynor says she only ever saw her credit card limit as a target and would apply for a new card once she'd maxed out another. In this episode she shares how she turned her life around; kicking the debt, clearing her mortgage and now encouraging her social media followers to regain control of their finances too. The Longford woman who goes by the name @IrishBudgetingMammy is sure others can tackle their debt even now during this cost of living crisis.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Money Advice and Budgeting Service 

Other links you may find helpful:

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Stephanie Barry Woods and her husband Tim quit their jobs in 2016 to travel the world. They haven't lived back home since. The Cork native goes by @StephMyLife on social media where she shares all her best travel tips, as well as how she and Tim managed to save €100,000 in four years to fund their adventure. In this episode, Steph elaborates on what she did as a formerly financially illiterate twenty something to become an astute saver. Conor Pope also joins the podcast to explain the different savings options currently on the market, and where you might put your money should you be in the fortunate position to do so.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your earliest money memories might be sabotaging your present day finances. That top you bought after a bad day at work? That savings account you keep meaning to open? Or that skimping you do on the bill at the end of a meal, that makes your friends’ eyes roll... Most of these behaviours can be traced back to attitudes and beliefs around money that we formed in childhood, according to Emma Edwards of The Broke Generation. In this episode we speak to the finance writer, podcaster and author about the narratives we carry into adulthood that get in the way of our fiscal well-being. Edwards explains how to figure out our subconscious beliefs around money, why you shouldn't skip this step and how self-discovery can break the cycle of self-defeating behaviour.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Broke Generation

Good With Money by Emma Edwards is available in all good bookshops

The concept of money mindset categories were popularised by the financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz

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If you’re struggling to budget and wondering where you’re going wrong, Irish Times consumer affairs correspondent Conor Pope has you covered. From spending tracking to goal setting to switching providers, Conor breaks it down into accessible steps without bombarding you with jargon or berating you for your love of oat milk lattes. Yes, this stuff is hard but is possible to budget in a way that’s empowering and motivating.

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.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Spendee budgeting app

MABS bugeting tool

CCPC budgeting tool

Charles Duhigg

Revolut vaults explainer

An Post Money jars 

Bonkers 

Switcher

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If you’ve always been a bit a mess with money, and it’s really time you got your act together, Better With Money from The Irish Times is the podcast for you.

Whether you’re brutal at budgeting, interested in investing or hoping for your own home -  we speak to people who’ve been there and done that, to explain the “yeah but literally how”?

So don’t feel bad if you don’t know your assets from your elbow – check out Better With Money from The Irish Times.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you find managing your money a struggle, this is the podcast for you. From The Irish Times, Better With Money is a podcast crash-course in how to spend responsibly, save effectively and make big financial decisions wisely. Coming soon on podcast platforms.

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