Category Archives: Borrowing

Blog84a: A Huge Tax Saving On Investments?…….A Tale Of 2 Cities

Blog84a: A Huge Tax Saving On Investments?…….A Tale Of 2 Cities

Charles Dickens' novel about Dr. Manette, his 18 year incarceration in Paris and subsequent relocation to London to spend time with his daughter Lucie, and all the messing that apparently ensued is meant to be quite a read. I haven't managed it myself but am reliably informed that I should. Some day I will, as...

September 23, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Podcast104: An American Perspective….With Eric Brotman

Podcast104: An American Perspective….With Eric Brotman

Welcome to Ireland's only dedicated and straight-talking Personal Finance & Financial Planning Blog. We are on a mission to make a positive difference and to help people take control of their finances in a meaningful way. If you have a suggestion, question or feedback for us please do drop me a mail here, love...

Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Podcast, Retirement

September 10, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog 83: The 4% Rule

Blog 83: The 4% Rule

This week we are taking a closer look at the fabled '4% Rule' relating to drawing-down on investment or retirement pots. This particular 'rule' gets plenty of airtime in the US, UK and many other countries but from my own experience very few people here in Ireland seem to have heard of (even many advisors!)....

Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Retirement

August 27, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog81: Can A Couple Retire With €1m Pension Pot?

Blog81: Can A Couple Retire With €1m Pension Pot?

As a young boy growing up many years ago a million euros (or pounds as it was!) always sounded like an inexorably large amount of money. If you had €1m you were officially a millionaire and were in our eyes elevated to a stratospheric status.......The same can't be said anymore though! While it no doubt...

Borrowing, Investing, Retirement

July 30, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog77: Which Is Best…..’Growth’ Or ‘Value’ Investing??

Blog77: Which Is Best…..’Growth’ Or ‘Value’ Investing??

Growth and Value Investing are both around a long time as an 'investment strategy', and there are compelling rationale for investing in either, there are many fans of both, yet there is also quite a lot of regular investors that have no real familiarity with either. We aim to fix that even if ever-so-slightly in...

July 2, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Podcast87: Just Start……

Podcast87: Just Start……

This week we are trying to share a simple message, an appeal to you, one which we hope will help move things forward for you in a positive direction. When we procrastinate about or delay committing to positive action we will always manage to rationalise it in our own heads, always! We are masters at...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Planning, Podcast, Protection, Retirement

May 14, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Podcast85: The 4 Big Pitfalls When Buying A Home

Podcast85: The 4 Big Pitfalls When Buying A Home

We don't ever go out of our way to be pessimistic on this blog, in fact we tend to be quite the opposite, having a firm belief that optimism is the only valid way when it comes to investing. However, when it comes to borrowing, which as we all know is essentially the...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Planning, Podcast

April 30, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Buying Your First Home……The Pitfalls

Buying Your First Home……The Pitfalls

We don't ever go out of our way to be pessimistic on this blog, in fact we tend to be quite the opposite, having a firm belief that optimism is the only valid way when it comes to investing. However, when it comes to borrowing, which as we all know is essentially the reverse...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Planning

April 30, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Podcast83: Peer 2 Peer Lending….What You Should Know

Podcast83: Peer 2 Peer Lending….What You Should Know

Welcome back to Ireland's dedicated Financial Planning Podcast & Blog. We have had a lot of enquiries about Peer 2 Peer Lending over the past few months, so we thought what better way to find out the detail than to interview a man that has been involved in it for many years. Oli Cavanagh is co-founder...

Borrowing, Investing, Podcast

April 16, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog66: Reader’s Question…..How To Save For A Deposit Over 5 Years??

Blog66: Reader’s Question…..How To Save For A Deposit Over 5 Years??

Recently we had a few questions from people who were saving for deposits for their first homes. This week we had another, from Daniel (surname not shared for obvious reasons!), who having read our piece about the impact of inflation on deposit values over the medium term has been moved to get in touch...

Borrowing, Investing

March 19, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog62- What Should I Do With A Salary Raise?!

Blog62- What Should I Do With A Salary Raise?!

According to Central Statistics Office the average salary in Ireland (2016) of a full-time employee was a 'grocery-shop' more than €45,000. Knowing that figure might make you feel that you're doing well or it might make you feel like making progress on the income you are bringing in. In reality this is the main thing...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Planning

February 5, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog58: Is Euro-Cost-Averaging A Good Thing!?…..(Chicken & Egg Version!)

Blog58: Is Euro-Cost-Averaging A Good Thing!?…..(Chicken & Egg Version!)

Hey, We've spoken about volatility here before, and we have put it on a bit of a pedestal on account of it's hugely positive influence on the long term saver/investor who embraces it and recognises it as the huge ally it is. Euro Cost Averaging (Or Egg-Cost-Averaging as you'll see in a moment) is an...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Planning

January 8, 2018

Patrick Delaney

Blog56- How Much Could I Save By Switching Mortgage? The Big Switcheroo!

Blog56- How Much Could I Save By Switching Mortgage? The Big Switcheroo!

What do most of us have......really really desperately wanted it initially..........but now we really really want to get rid of (a clue, it's not your partner!).................the answer is of course our mortgage! We have covered mortgages a few times on here, including the ever popular 'should I clear my mortgage or save for the future' episode....

Borrowing, Planning, Protection

December 18, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #67: How Much Could I Save By Switching Mortgage? The Big Switcheroo!

Podcast #67: How Much Could I Save By Switching Mortgage? The Big Switcheroo!

What do most of us have......really really desperately wanted it initially..........but now we really really want to get rid of (a clue, it's not your partner!).................the answer is of course our mortgage! We have covered mortgages a few times on here, including the ever popular 'should I clear my mortgage or save for the future' episode....

Borrowing, Planning, Podcast, Protection

December 18, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog- The War on Commissions (The Green-Grocer Version!!)

Blog- The War on Commissions (The Green-Grocer Version!!)

This week we are aiming to share some slightly different insights, and reveal some major news in the world of Financial Services in Ireland! Last week the Central Bank released a proposal which is due to come into force next year (subject to Dept. of Finance), which is aimed at maximising the protection consumers get...

December 4, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #54- The 5 Simple Things…..(I Promise!)

Blog #54- The 5 Simple Things…..(I Promise!)

Welcome to Ireland's #1 Finance Blog & Podcast. Our purpose is to help you make informed decisions with your money, and importantly to avoid some costly mistakes that they rest of us have made! We are aiming to make this THE home of Financial Planning information and insight for normal people here in Ireland! This...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Retirement

November 27, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #64: The 5 Simple Things….(I Promise!)

Podcast #64: The 5 Simple Things….(I Promise!)

Welcome to Ireland's #1 Financial Planning Blog & Podcast. Our purpose is to help you make informed decisions with your money, and importantly to avoid some costly mistakes that they rest of us have made! We are aiming to make this THE home of Financial Planning ideas and insight for normal people in Ireland! This...

Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Podcast, Retirement

November 27, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #61: The Emma Kennedy Interview (Mortgages. Kids & Money. Pension Reforms!!)

Podcast #61: The Emma Kennedy Interview (Mortgages. Kids & Money. Pension Reforms!!)

Welcome to our 61st edition of the informed Decisions Financial Planning Blog & Podcast. Did we mention we were recently voted Ireland's best?? Yes, we are Ireland's #1 Finance Blog & Podcast...! To celebrate our 61st Podcast episode we are joined by the one and only Emma Kennedy, journalist & up to recently Editor of Money...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Podcast, Retirement

November 6, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #47- The Impact Of Time On Your Investment……Tick Tock!

Blog #47- The Impact Of Time On Your Investment……Tick Tock!

It is the first thing people ask when they hear you work in the space of helping people manage money.....'What should I invest in?'. The only appropriate answer to that question, I believe is along the lines of 'it depends on what your objective is'. This answer usually isn't what they expect, they expect a...

Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Retirement

September 25, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #46- “Waiting For Armageddon” – Buy A House Now Or Wait For The Crash??

Blog #46- “Waiting For Armageddon” – Buy A House Now Or Wait For The Crash??

There are many many people today in Ireland pining for their own home, looking to get onto the property ladder, sick of paying rent or perhaps living with parents or family. There are usually a one or more of the following barriers to them doing so; cannot get a mortgage large enough, cannot find a...

Behavioural, Borrowing

September 18, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #54: Wait For Armageddon Or Buy A House Now!?

Podcast #54: Wait For Armageddon Or Buy A House Now!?

There are many many people today in Ireland pining for their own home, looking to get onto the property ladder, sick of paying rent or perhaps living with parents or family. There are usually a one or more of the following barriers to them doing so; cannot get a mortgage large enough, cannot find a...

Borrowing, Planning, Podcast

September 18, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #50: Is This The Best Mortgage Ever….!?

Podcast #50: Is This The Best Mortgage Ever….!?

Hey all, in this 50th episode of the Informed Decisions Financial Planning Podcast we will aim to share insights on the very best mortgage that you can get here in Ireland; whether you are aiming for your first mortgage or have a collection of them we hope to share ideas which will save you a...

Borrowing, Planning, Podcast

August 21, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog#43- Is This The Best Mortgage Ever….??

Blog#43- Is This The Best Mortgage Ever….??

Hey all, in this blog we will aim to share insights on the very best mortgage that you can get, whether you are aiming for your first mortgage or have a collection of them we hope to share ideas which will save you a small fortune over your life-time. All we ask in return is to...

Borrowing, Investing

August 21, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #49: The Coaching Interview – With Professional Coach Niall English

Podcast #49: The Coaching Interview – With Professional Coach Niall English

We are joined by Professional Coach Niall English, to uncover exactly what coaching is, how it can be of benefit to us in achieving the things we want to achieve. We also take a look at how it might be useful if you find yourself in need of making some changes to your finances. Here at...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Podcast, Protection, Retirement

August 14, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #38- Noah’s ARF…..The Biblical Retirement Fund

Blog #38- Noah’s ARF…..The Biblical Retirement Fund

Welcome to the episode which will hopefully finally banish any confusion about ARFs, or do I mean ARKs!?...... Apparently Noah's Ark was made of 'cypress wood' and was in the region of 500 feet long. It was said to have been quite a boat, large enough to hold 125,000 sheep if those were his orders! Anyone...

Borrowing, Investing, Planning, Taxation

July 10, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #37- PCP….A Drug or A Lease Agreement?!

Blog #37- PCP….A Drug or A Lease Agreement?!

PCP ('Phencyclidine' - not sure how that is pronounced!) was introduced in the 1950's as an anesthetic but was shelved in the 60's due to it's potentially lethal hallucinogenic effects. It was this hallucinogenic effect that made it so popular with recreational drug users and they have been producing it under the title of 'Angel...

Behavioural, Borrowing

June 26, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #42: PCP Finance…A Drug or A Car Finance Product?!

Podcast #42: PCP Finance…A Drug or A Car Finance Product?!

PCP ('Phencyclidine' - not sure how that is pronounced!) was introduced in the 1950's as an anesthetic but was shelved in the 60's due to it's potentially lethal hallucinogenic effects. It was this hallucinogenic effect that made it so popular with recreational drug users and they have been producing it under the title of 'Angel...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Podcast

June 26, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #41: Interview with Stephen Browne – CashFlow Forecasting Tools

Podcast #41: Interview with Stephen Browne – CashFlow Forecasting Tools

Welcome to Episode #41 of the Informed Decisions Financial Planning Podcast, still the only dedicated Podcast of it's type here in Ireland! In this episode Paddy speaks with Stephen Browne, who is owner and distributor of Voyant here in Ireland. There are several providers of this type of software for Financial Advisors and Planners, such as...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Planning, Podcast, Protection, Retirement, Taxation

June 19, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #36: Is It Profitable Being a Landlord?

Podcast #36: Is It Profitable Being a Landlord?

Apparently 66% of the 70,000 'landlords' in Ireland own 1 investment property. Surely you don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, you want to be one of these? "Sure property prices are climbing, you'd be mad not to own at least one investment property". You buy the place and rent it out so...

Borrowing, Investing, Planning, Podcast

May 15, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #29-Taxation For Married Couples & Civil Partners in Ireland…..What’s Love Got To Do With It!?

Blog #29-Taxation For Married Couples & Civil Partners in Ireland…..What’s Love Got To Do With It!?

Some of us (yours truly included!) have been accused in the past of putting remuneration before romance! As if!! Many of us may be planning on 'going down the aisle' in the coming years or have done so in recent years, this is for you! Why? There is little doubt that clarity around how this...

April 17, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #23- How To Reduce Your Credit Card Balance Quickly

Blog #23- How To Reduce Your Credit Card Balance Quickly

Hi, If you are a new visitor to Informed Decisions, have a quick look over here to find out what we are all about. If not, welcome back! As always, you can check out our Podcast, Ireland's only dedicated Personal Finance & Financial Planning Podcast. If you wish to listen to this instead of read,...

Behavioural, Borrowing

February 27, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Blog #17 – Clear My Mortgage or Invest For My Future

Blog #17 – Clear My Mortgage or Invest For My Future

Hi All, Thanks for visiting the Informed Decisions Blog. The last few Blogs have been focused on informing you on how you can access money from your Pensions, both Personal Pensions and Employer Company Pension Schemes, when that time comes. If you are a new visitor you can check these out here and here! For many of...

Borrowing, Investing, Planning, Retirement

January 12, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #18 – Clear My Mortgage Early or Invest For My Future

Podcast #18 – Clear My Mortgage Early or Invest For My Future

Hi All, Thanks for visiting the Informed Decisions Blog. The last few Blogs have been focused on informing you on how you can access money from your Pensions, both Personal Pensions and Employer Company Pension Schemes, when that time comes. If you are a new visitor you can check these out here and here! For many...

Borrowing, Investing, Podcast, Retirement

January 9, 2017

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #8: How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Debt Early

Podcast #8: How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Debt Early

Discover the benefits and indeed the savings to be had from clearing your debt early. While it is not something everyone can aim to do, there may be scope for many to make small changes to save lots of interest, and to be free of debt earlier than expected. Irish Mortgage holders might be able...

Borrowing, Podcast

October 17, 2016

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #6: Rent or Buy??

Podcast #6: Rent or Buy??

Hi All, Paddy & John shed (pardon the pun!) some light on what is the best way to go, rent your home, or take the plunge and buy it with the help of a mortgage. Both have experience from a personal & professional perspective and share their thoughts on how best to consider this question......plus some...

Borrowing, Podcast

October 2, 2016

Patrick Delaney

Blog #12- Four Common Money Mistakes Which Make Us Poor (& how to avoid them!)

Blog #12- Four Common Money Mistakes Which Make Us Poor (& how to avoid them!)

Hey All, http://eepurl.com/b02c1D I love writing this blog, I really do. When people reach out to say that 'this blog' or 'that podcast' has helped them I honestly get the 'tingles', and not in a weird way! We have had literally hundreds of downloads of the podcast in the past few days alone, if you haven't already...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Planning, Protection

September 21, 2016

Patrick Delaney

Podcast #4: Personal Finance Budgets…..the joys!

Podcast #4: Personal Finance Budgets…..the joys!

Many of us deal with budgets in a work environment, everything revolves around budgets. Yet for many the thoughts of budgeting our own finances seems alien! Paddy & John discuss the merits and the ways to approach budgeting, and most importantly WHY bother! A large emphasis is on identifying your own personal Financial Goal, then and only...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Podcast

September 16, 2016

Patrick Delaney

Blog #11- Should I Overpay My Mortgage? Hell Yeah!

Blog #11- Should I Overpay My Mortgage? Hell Yeah!

Hi All, Thanks a mill for checking out this latest blog. I'm not sure about you guys but spare keys seem to go missing all the time, much like socks! So yesterday I had to go and get 4 spare keys cut, a job I do at least every 2 years. When I asked how much each...

August 26, 2016

Patrick Delaney

Blog #2 How’s your Cash-Tree?

Blog #2 How’s your Cash-Tree?

Hi, The time has come to ask the BIG Question in regards your finances, the very foundation of it all.......What does money mean to you? Whether you are self employed, an employee or not earning an income, what exactly does money do for you? From my experience, for some it means the world, they are obsessed and...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Protection, Retirement

June 25, 2016

Patrick Delaney

Blog #1 What is this blog about, and why should I bother reading it!?

Blog #1 What is this blog about, and why should I bother reading it!?

Hi! Welcome to the very first official Blog post from InformedDecisions.ie, with me, Paddy Delaney! Firstly, to hear a bit more about me, and why this site now exists in Ireland please have a quick read here. So, why should you keep reading this blog!? 1)...

Behavioural, Borrowing, Investing, Later Life, Protection, Retirement

May 11, 2016

Patrick Delaney