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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 · 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.
May 26 · 31 min
I’ve helped people clear debt for 30 years. Here’s how to tackle it.
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19 · 26 min
'My pension fund has grown by 69% in three and a half years' - here's how to maximise yours
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 12 · 31 min
Flights, car hire and the airport 'golden hour': Conor Pope's guide to holiday spending traps
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5 · 20 min
'Never open that app again' - Investing platforms, ETFs, and the deemed disposal headache
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 28 · 32 min
“99.9% of people shouldn’t be picking stocks’ - A beginner’s guide to investment apps in Ireland
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 21 · 33 min
New savings and investment scheme: What's in Simon Harris' plan?
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 14 · 33 min
“My salary was in my wardrobe” - How a former shopaholic overcame her overspending
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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