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Better With Money

The Irish Times

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

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Tuesday · 25 min
'Am I being ripped off?': Understanding changes to childcare in the budget
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 6 · 25 min
Revealed: Ireland's new personal investment account - so how will it work?
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 29 · 41 min
"Most people are overpaying for their health insurance": here's how to save on yours
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 22 · 33 min
Wills, windfalls and inheritance tax: Here’s how to understand them in Ireland
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 15 · 24 min
'I get asked this almost by every client I have': ETFs with Kevin Elliott
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 8 · 33 min
Thinking of buying a derelict property to create your dream home? Here’s what you need to know
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, SEAI programme 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 1 · 24 min
New investment scheme: Here's what we now know - and what we still don't
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 25 · 26 min
Back to School: Conor Pope's guide to surviving the September squeeze
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 18 · 32 min
Paul Merriman on pensions: ‘I’d rather see clients mortgage-free by 66 even if that means delaying contributions’
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 11 · 32 min
How the viral 'admin party' saved €1,169
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 4 · 33 min
Impulse shopping ruining your finances? Here's how to break the cycle
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 28 · 41 min
Buying a car: should you go Hire Purchase, PCP or a loan from your bank?
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 21 · 32 min
Solar Panels: 'Our electricity bill now averages €208 a month'
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 14 · 35 min
‘The best performing stock market was Colombia last year’: Picking an index fund as an Irish investor
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 Galavan here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 7 · 35 min
‘Some of my followers have saved €100k’: What influencers told Harris in investment scheme briefing
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 30 · 32 min
Ireland’s new EV scrappage scheme opens tomorrow. Can you still get the €5,000 grant?
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 23 · 38 min
‘The cheapest quote can end up being the most expensive’: How to keep renovation costs down
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 16 · 30 min
‘It just absolutely baffles me’: How Ireland’s ‘single tax’ hurts at weddings as well as mortgages
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 9 · 25 min
Is your fixed-term mortgage ending this year? Tips on getting lowest rates in Ireland
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 2 · 23 min
Should you try and overpay your mortgage or invest instead?
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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