Afleveringen
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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 governmentâs 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 individualâs salary level. We also compare PRSAs and Master Trusts from a planning and tax perspective, highlighting the trade-offs between contribution limits, inheritance outcomes, and drawdown flexibility. Itâs an essential discussion for business owners trying to optimise their pension funding while avoiding tax traps and regulatory missteps. Key Insights Regulatory changes have ended executive one-member schemes, pushing attention toward PRSAs and Master Trusts. In 2023â2024, PRSAs allowed virtually unlimited employer contributions, making them highly attractive for late-stage funding. As of January 2025, employer contributions to PRSAs are capped at 100% of salary, significantly reducing flexibility. Master Trusts still allow actuarial-based contribution limits based on salary and years of service, offering an alternative path. PRSAs allow the full pension value to be inherited on death, while Master Trusts may require most of the fund to be used to purchase an annuity. Strategic planning around salary levels, timing, and long-term drawdown goals is now essential for maximising pension efficiency.
Hope it helps.
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Informed Decisions Podcast | Episode 331 In this insightful episode, Paddy engages with Dr. Gregg Lunceford - retirement researcher, Certified Financial PlannerÂź, 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 youâll stay engaged, socially connected, and purposeful is just as crucial as financial readiness. Partial retirement is rising Gregg discusses the growing trend of phased retirement and encore careers, where individuals continue to contribute professionally in more flexible, meaningful ways. Irelandâs demographic shift mirrors global trends The Irish workforce is aging, and like in the US, people are living longer and working differently. Greggâs insights help contextualise these changes locally. Retirement success is holistic True retirement readiness includes emotional well-being, social networks, mental stimulation, and health - not just a pension fund or lump sum
I hope it helps!
Gregg's book - EXIT FROM WORK: What Will The New You Look Like? eBook : Lunceford, Gregg: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Gregg's book recommendation - Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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 âŹ600m 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
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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
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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 âvalueâ 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 isnât a reason to abandon passive investing Common arguments against indexing, and why they donât stack up How this applies to you if you're approaching retirement and looking for a smart, stress-free investment approachIf 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 decades of your retirement!
Youâre not alone, and the good news is, the data keeps making the case for a simpler, smarter approach.
Letâs dive off the top ropes and explore shall we!?
Oh, as a 'big treat' I took my lads to a WWE event in Belfast at the weekend - it was such an over-the-top show that it's imprinted on my brain, so you'll have to pardon the many wrestling references here :)
I hope it helps.
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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!
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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
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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 Irelandâs 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 @davidgillick On Instagram Disclaimer
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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). Iâll explore what is and isnât really happening, and what oneâs 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 âshouldâ.
The future expected returns from S&P500 as a whole, so people âshouldâ now re-allocate to Europe, Emerging Markets and other locations, for future returns
I hope it helps.
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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
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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
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In this week's podcast I talk to Dr. Jordan Grumet, about the topics he covers in his new book The Purpose Code. Bringing together the topics of longevity, health, purpose and money. The Purpose Code hopes to help you what purpose really is and the role it plays in our lives.
Jordanâs podcast â Earn & Invest
Jordan Grumet.com
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Planning for, and subsequently living (!) a dignified and choice-filled retirement is the biggest financial goal many of us have, or will have. Itâs also a journey of uncertainties, and one of the biggest uncertanties is market volatility, both positive and negative.
We have experienced such positive market growth in the past 2 years in particular.
So, in the interest of being prepared financially and mentally :), in this week's podcast I explore the impact of the stock market having an illustrative 30% decline in 2025. This is not a prediction of market mayhem this year, it's a premortem to allow us consider what it might mean for us, how we might or might not react, in order to deliver better outcomes for you.
I hope it helps.
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In this week's podcast, the last for 2024 I talk about Tax Rates for Retirees in Ireland (2025).
We spend a lot of time planning, analysing and accumulating retirement assets, often without clarity on the tax rates for retirees in Ireland! Time to start fixing that dear listener.
Planning take-home retirement income requires careful consideration of tax bands, credits, and income sources. In 2025, singles and couples can benefit from expanded tax bands and additional credits from 2024, which can and will positively affect their take-home income
I hope it helps
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In this week's podcast, I talk about should I stay invested when markets are at all time highs, is something many will rightly ask. And here is the data to show it;
S&P 500 is at 6,090 right now (all-time high) Eurostoxx at 4,980 now (whisker under all-time high) Nasdaq at 19,859 now (all-time high)Large sections of the global equity universe are at or just below all-time highs. Does this mean there is a massive correction coming? Should I move to cash or some other low volatility asset class to protect my pot from a correction? Natural questions to ask. You probably know what my answer will be, but maybe don't know why it will be so.
I hope it helps.
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In this week's podcast, I talk about Index Investing in Ireland â A topic that will be of interest to all
As you know at Informed Decisions, we believe in helping build a secure financial future through strategies grounded in research, not speculation. Today, Iâd like to share why evidence-based investing, a disciplined approach driven by decades of data, stands out as one of the most reliable ways to achieve long-term financial success and security.
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In this week's podcast, Paddy chats with Steve Selengut, a.k.a The Income Coach about income generation strategies. An interesting and different approach.
Steve has accumulated over 40 years of experience as a private investment manager, with a strong focus on increasing the spendable income generated by client portfolios. Today, his role has transitioned into that of an Income Coach, where he dedicated to teaching investors how to more than double the income produced by their portfolios.
Steve is the creator and instructor for the unique "Working Capital Model" portfolio operating system and the "Market Cycle Investment Management" methodology, both of which he developed back in the 1970s. Additionally, He introduced several proprietary concepts, including the QDI + PT, Smart Cash, The Investor's Creed, and Base Income. Steve also developed the Investment Grade Value Stock (IGVSI) identification system.
Key topics:
Steve's 4 basic principles What's it is like in Ireland Profit taking Comparing Ireland & US investing systems Distribution income Sustainable incomeI hope it helps!
Disclaimer
Interviewee refers to Closed End Funds which have a very particular set of Pros and Cons. As always, due your own due diligence, and anything discussed is not a recommendation or endorsement. Closed-End Funds: Definition, Pros & Cons | Seeking Alpha Steve Selengut The Income Coach Retirement Money Secrets by Steve Selengut Jack Reacher Novels -
In this week's podcast, I talk about investment options in Ireland.
There are a bucket-load of investment options in Ireland. It is one of the biggest questions we see and hear from people. Yet, the landscape is fairly straight-forward once we get your head around it.
Plus, the route someone will take with their investments is often not led by logic, but by their internal biases. The same occurs when one is choosing their next car to buy!
Show me someone's car, and I'll tell you what kind of investments they have! So much so, I'll go on record as saying;
"The type of car you drive is a lead indicator of the type of investments options you choose" -Paddy Delaney :)
And to jump right-in, here is how I see the investment routes comparing to cars on the Irish roads!!.....
Discretionary Investment Manager = BMW Life Insurance Investment Product = Volkswagen Advised Investment Platform = Honda CivicThis week, having had time to do so, I share:
The main investment options in Ireland (via personal & corporate investment and/or pensions) How they compare to the car you might (or might not) drive, and why....I hope it helps!
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In this week's podcast I speak with Nick McGowan from Lion.ie about protection from all angles. Particularly chatting about questions that often come up from those that are approaching or just starting retirement. Lion.ie is a bespoke protection advisor based in Tullamore that advises on all areas of protection - mortgage, life insurance, income protection, serious illness cover, etc. Lion offers advise to all but specialise in helping those with health issues get protection at the lowest cost. Key topics: Should we keep life insurance cover Is there a financial need Section 72 policies Death in Service Benefits while employed Income protection I hope it helps. The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson Lion.ie
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