Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast
Business & Finance
About
Take control of your financial future by joining us on Ireland's Independent & award-winning Investment & Retirement Planning Podcast, with Paddy Delaney (QFA RPA APA). Join Paddy & guests as they cut through the noise, nonsense and smoke-n-mirrors of financial services in Ireland. We want you to avoid costly mistakes and to make informed financial decisions in your investments and retirement planning. Paddy Delaney QFA RPA APA
Episodes
- Is your ARF built to last? - Safe Withdrawal Strategies
This episode discusses safe withdrawal strategies for ARF holders in an Irish context. It covers the 4% rule, sequence of return risk, and common drawdown mistakes, using real-life case studies and research findings.
- €2M ARF in Ireland: What You'll Actually Keep — And How to Keep More
In this episode of Informed Decisions, Paddy examines the financial implications of a €2 million Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) in Ireland. The discussion covers mandatory drawdowns, tax obligations, and strategies like phased crystallisat…
- How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Ireland?
Paddy discusses how to calculate the amount of money needed for retirement in Ireland, covering the Pensions Council report benchmarks and a practical framework for estimating individual needs. The episode also explores the impact of state…
- Is One Million € Enough to Retire? - Real Income from Savings
This episode explores the reality of retiring on a €1 million pension, discussing how tax, tax-free lump sums, ARFs, annuities, and the State Pension impact actual net income. It also examines the benefits of combining different retirement…
- Best Deposit Rates in Ireland What to Know in 2026
This episode examines strategies for maximizing savings in the Irish market, discussing deposit rates, the impact of DIRT tax, and tools for comparing bank accounts. Paddy explains the trade-offs between easy-access and fixed-term accounts…
- Financial Advisor Commissions in Ireland: What Are You Actually Paying?
Paddy discusses how commission structures function in Irish financial advice, focusing on pensions, ARFs, and investments. The episode examines transparency, conflicts of interest, and the importance of understanding the difference between…
- The Silent Thief: What Inflation Is Doing to Your Cash Savings in Ireland
This episode discusses the impact of inflation on cash savings in Ireland and the potential benefits of long-term investment strategies. The host examines how inflation affects purchasing power and compares holding cash to maintaining a di…
- Financial Independence, Property, and the Reality of Retirement with Michael Houghton
Michael Houghton discusses his evolving views on financial independence, the FIRE movement, and property investing. He reflects on his journey from aggressive saving to a balanced approach focused on purpose, wealth building, and long-term…
- Who Looks After Them When You Can't? Trusts & Wills with Elaine Byrne
Paddy is joined by solicitor Elaine Byrne to discuss trusts and wills in Irish estate planning. The episode covers the types of trusts, their tax implications, and the importance of updating wills for family protection.
- Do I need an Enduring Power of Attorney in Ireland?
This episode of Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast discusses the importance of an Enduring Power of Attorney in Ireland for those who may become unable to make their own financial or personal decisions.
- Irish Landlord Tax & Tenancy Changes 2026: Expert Guide for Property Investors
Paddy and guest Brendan Allen discuss the current Irish rental market, covering the impact of regulatory changes on landlords, persistent supply shortages, and the differences between investing in residential versus commercial property.
- What The New Standard Fund Threshold Means for Your Retirement
This episode discusses the upcoming changes to the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) for pensions in 2026. The host explains the implications for retirement planning, pension valuation, tax liabilities, and strategies for high earners and long…
- Retirement Planning Ireland: Get Ready for 2026!
This episode explores essential retirement planning steps for those planning to retire or reduce their working hours in 2026. The discussion covers income planning, pension contributions, managing investment risk, and avoiding common finan…
- Two Big Pension Changes You Need To Know About For 2026
This episode covers two significant upcoming pension changes effective in 2026 affecting Executive Pensions, SSAS, and Occupational Pension Schemes. It explores the impact of European IORPS2 regulations and Revenue updates on investment co…
- Investments in 2025 & 'It Takes A Village'
In this year-end episode, Paddy shares brief observations on investment performance throughout 2025 and offers acknowledgments for those who supported Informed Decisions during the year.
- Pre Retirement Checklist Christmas Edition
This episode provides a pre-retirement checklist for listeners in Ireland, covering topics such as calculating retirement numbers, reviewing pensions, managing investments, and handling taxes before leaving the workforce. It focuses on the…
- Should I Invest In Dividend Stocks To Generate Income?
This episode discusses the considerations for Irish investors in their 50s and 60s who are looking to generate income from their portfolios. It explores the differences between dividend stocks, distributing funds, and total-return strategi…
- Drawing Tax Efficient Income From PRSA or ARF In Your 50's
This episode explores tax-efficient strategies for withdrawing income from PRSAs or ARFs in your 50s. It covers the impact of rental income, using a partner's tax band, and the importance of timing your pension drawdowns.
- Markets Are High...Should I Jump To Cash, Out Of Equities?
This episode considers the decision of moving investment or pension assets from equities into cash, bonds, or money market funds. It outlines potential outcomes to consider rather than providing specific advice on whether to make such a mo…
- The Financial Freedom of Getting Kids Off The Books!
This episode discusses how financially supporting adult children affects the retirement goals of parents in their fifties. It examines the costs associated with ongoing support and provides strategies for parents to step back and prioritiz…
- The Real Cost & Value of Financial Advice in Ireland
This episode explores the costs, value, and transparency of financial advice in Ireland. It focuses on helping professionals plan for retirement by explaining how to evaluate advisor fees and determine if they are receiving meaningful serv…
- Annuity vs ARF: What's Best for a €1 Million Pension Pot in Ireland?
This episode explores the options for managing a €1 million pension pot in Ireland. The host explains the differences between an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and an annuity, covering how each works, taxation, and the pros and cons to hel…
- How To Invest Your Pension at 50 (Make €1m extra in 10 years!?)
This episode provides guidance on pension planning and investment strategies for those approaching age 50. Topics covered include reviewing pension funds, diversification, consolidation, tax considerations, and choosing between an ARF or a…
- Unregulated Investments in Ireland: Fees, Lessons & What to Avoid
This episode discusses the dangers of unregulated investments in Ireland, detailing the collapses of firms like Arena Capital. It explains why ordinary savers are at risk, the impact of commissions, the absence of Central Bank protection,…
- Don't Be The Magpie, And Achieve Better Investment Returns
This episode explores why investors often underperform their funds by chasing trends or panic-selling, citing Morningstar's Mind the Gap 2025 research. It offers practical strategies, such as automating contributions and maintaining divers…
- Why Retirement Costs More Than We Think or Hope!
This episode explores the challenges of retirement readiness, including reliance on the State Pension and declining savings rates. It discusses the realities of retirement spending and provides strategies for effective long-term financial…
- The Most Dangerous Day in Retirement with Dan Haylett
In this episode, host Paddy discusses the human side of retirement with guest Dan Haylett. They explore the emotional challenges of retirement, the five pillars of a thriving post-work life, and strategies for moving from saving to spendin…
- Irish Pension Calculator: Do You Really Need €2M to Retire Comfortably??
This episode explores retirement planning in Ireland and evaluates whether a €2 million pension pot is necessary for a comfortable retirement, suggesting lower targets based on retirement age. It emphasizes the importance of understanding…
- Build & Spend a 2m Pension Pot
This episode details the financial journey of "Fran," who accumulated a €2 million pension pot and retired at 55 in Ireland without external windfalls. It covers his strategies for maximizing tax relief, employer matching, consistent inves…
- Take 5%, not 4% from my ARF - with Bill Bengen (creator of the 4% rule!)
Bill Bengen, creator of the 4% retirement withdrawal rule, revisits his research suggesting retirees may be able to safely withdraw 5% from their Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs) annually, rather than the traditional 4%, based on current m…
- Venture Capital and Private Market Investing with Rob and Scott
Rob Halligan and Scott Ashmore, co-founders of Shuttle, discuss private market investing, venture capital basics, and how their platform provides access to early-stage companies for retail investors. They cover risk, diversification, fundi…
- Understanding Your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
This episode explains Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, particularly for Irish employees and retirees. It covers understanding their value, how they function, and important decisions such as whether to transfer out, aiming to help list…
- Flashback to episode 296 - Risk of Ruin...Lifestyle & Default Investment Pension Strategies
This podcast revisits research on Irish pension funds, finding that investors using default, de-risking strategies had poorer outcomes compared to those with a more hands-on, equity-focused approach, even after a decade of strong market pe…
- How Big Should My Pension Be?
This episode revisits a 2021 discussion on determining adequate pension size at different life stages and when starting income drawdown. It also addresses potential actions if the pension is smaller than expected and offers a tip on longev…
- 8 Years Later! The Soul of Wealth with Dr. Daniel Crosby
Dr. Daniel Crosby reflects on the growth of behavioral finance over eight years, emphasizing the connection between health, happiness, and meaningful spending, as detailed in his book 'The Soul of Wealth.' The discussion covers delayed gra…
- What's the best ARF Fund for my pension?
This podcast episode, #334, discusses Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs) and provides insights based on the outcomes of investing in various funds over the past decade. It aims to educate listeners on ARF performance, distinguishing from spo…
- Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax
This episode discusses financial planning for Irish families, focusing on tax implications of saving and gifting to children. It highlights cases where misunderstanding exemptions like the Dwelling House Exemption and Small Gift Exemption…
- 'Your Best PRSA & Master Trust Options' - with Glenn Gaughran
In episode 332, Glenn Gaughran discusses evolving Irish pension regulations, including the impact of IORP II on executive schemes. He explains the temporary window for unlimited employer contributions to PRSAs in 2023-2024 and the subseque…
- Exit from Work: Redefining Retirement with Dr. Gregg Lunceford
In episode 331, Dr. Gregg Lunceford discusses the evolving concept of retirement, emphasizing the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning from work and the importance of planning for a fulfilling "third age." He highlights str…
- Gillen Markets GM Fund Analysis & Review
This podcast episode reviews Gillen Markets, their recent sale to Quilter Cheviot, and analyzes the GM Fund's performance, allocation, and fees. It also touches upon the topic of market consolidation within Ireland.
- Markets Fall, I Hate It Too, But It's Always Temporarily!
This episode addresses the recent market downturn, acknowledging that while the media amplified 'Liberation Day' news, leading to panicked investor actions and market falls, these declines are temporary. The host suggests advisors should e…
- Investing in Emerging Market Sectors with Kevin Carter EMQQ Global
Informed Decisions features Kevin Carter, founder and CIO of EMQQ Global, discussing investment in emerging market technology sectors. The conversation covers EMQQ's strategy, the future of emerging markets, and insights into China and Ind…
- Why Indexing Still Wins for Long-Term Investors and Pension Holders
This episode explores why low-cost index funds consistently outperform the majority of actively managed funds, citing 2024 data. It addresses concerns about market concentration and debunks common arguments against passive investing, offer…
- Best Pension Option For Self-Employed Directors in Ireland (in 2025!)
This podcast episode discusses pension options for self-employed directors in Ireland, focusing on changes in Revenue rules. It outlines the main pension planning options for 2025, identifies the best choices for various situations, and pr…
- Rental Income Tax Planning with Brendan Allen
Brendan Allen, a Chartered Tax Accountant, joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of landlord taxation. Key topics covered include tax credits, rent pressure zones, and the current landscape for private landlords, alongside consider…
- Building Olympic Resilience with David Gillick
Olympian David Gillick shares insights on resilience and overcoming adversity, relating his experiences as a top sprint athlete to the journey of investors. He discusses his career highlights and current work in corporate wellness and perf…
- US Market Warnings – And What We Can Do About It
This episode examines current warnings regarding the US stock market's growth since Covid, specifically addressing the overvaluation of tech stocks and the implications for future returns. Practical options and potential reallocation strat…
- EIIS Investing in Ireland with Kevin Canning
Kevin Canning, Managing Director of Quintas Capital, discusses EIIS investing in Ireland and how private investing works. He is the Investment Director of The EIIS Innovation Fund.
- Holding Companies and Family Partnerships For Smart Tax Planning
This podcast episode features John Murphy discussing holding companies and family partnerships for tax planning. Topics include OmniPro's services, 2025 tax changes, business structures, and non-business assets.
- Jordan Grumet Interview - Longevity, Health & Happiness
Dr. Jordan Grumet discusses longevity, health, purpose, and money in relation to his new book, 'The Purpose Code.' The interview explores the concept of purpose and its significance in life, referencing Grumet's podcast 'Earn & Invest.'