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Money Talks

Irish Independent

This is Money Talks - a podcast from the Irish Independent hosted by Katie Byrne, focused on our relationship with money - from the first time we discovered it right up to how we spend it today.

Each week, you’ll hear anecdotes, advice, and eyebrow-raising admissions from Katie's guests as they delve into their finances and how it impacts their lives – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So, if that sounds like a show worth investing in, you can follow Money Talks wherever you get your podcasts... new episodes land on Wednesdays.

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 25 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Wednesday · 28 min

    How to retire as a pension millionaire, with Nick Charalambous

    There was a time that a one-million euro pension pot might have seemed like an awful lot of money to want to retire with. But with most of us living longer and healthier lives, plus the cost-of-living crisis, it's really not as ambitious as it once seemed. ­ Nick Charalambous joins Katie Byrne on Money Talks to break down what you can do now to hit that goal - regardless of your starting age. ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Nick Charalambous See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 19 · 26 min

    Money Makeover: €160k income, six holidays... no pension?

    Regular listeners to Money Talks will know that the show has always focused on the personal side of personal finance. Now we’re really putting our money where our mouth is with our new Money Makeover series. ­ Financial expert Cian Carolan joins Katie Byrne to apply the actionable advice from Money Talks to real-life circumstances faced by our listeners. ­ Today, he focuses on a couple with very different saving styles – and a looming time crisis on their pension pot. ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Cian Carolan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 12 · 31 min

    ‘We've one shot to get it right’ – Eoin McGee unpacks Simon Harris’s new investment scheme

    In any given year, the prelude to the budget is dominated by familiar talking points: VAT rates, cigarettes and childcare. But conversations around Budget 2027 are bucking the trend, somewhat, as anticipation builds around a new scheme for Irish investors. So will it be the gamechanger that Simon Harris is promising? How will it actually work? And, most importantly, what will it mean for your pocket? To unpack all these questions and more, Katie Byrne is joined by Eoin McGee, who's spoken to international economists and the Tánaiste himself about how the framework could – and should – work. The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Eoin McGee See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 5 · 23 min

    Anne Sheeran on choosing a four-day week over luxury holidays

    ‘Work/life balance’ is a phrase that gets thrown about a lot – but what does it really mean? And how far would you be willing to go to achieve that balance in reality? ­ In this episode of Money Talks, Katie Byrne is joined by Anne Sheeran, a ‘de-influencer’ who put her money where her mouth is by taking a pay cut that allowed her to work a four-day week. ­ Sheeran shares updates on her lifestyle and the challenges posed by her schedule on her TikTok and Instagram accounts. ­ She tells Katie why she'd choose a four-day work week over a luxury seven-day trip with her family. ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 29 · 25 min

    The seven phone calls that could save you thousands

    Do you ever wonder how much money you could save on your regular bills if you just invested a little time? The small incremental wins that mightn't seem like a lot, but really add up? You might be surprised by how much you could save by picking up the phone. It's basically the modern-day version of finding change down the back of the couch. Frank Conway, founder of Moneywhizz.org, joins Katie Byrne on Money Talks to explore the big savings that are just a little phone call away. ­ Money Talks is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 22 · 22 min

    Destination anywhere – Pól Ó Conghaile on making the most of your holiday budget

    In previous years, by the time we reached this point in the summer season, you'd probably have been jetting off on a holiday booked many months ago. But recent surveys suggest that 2026 holidaymakers are holding out for a bargain. Regardless of which school you fall into, Irish Independent travel editor Pól Ó Conghaile has plenty of suggestions for how you can make the most of your holiday budget. From mini bars and boat tours to musical rickshaws in NYC, Pól tells Money Talks host Katie Byrne how to avoid some common travel rip-offs. The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Pól Ó Conghaile Money Talks is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 15 · 26 min

    Could shifting your money mindset unlock your earning power?

    Throughout our lives there’s one relationship that we invariably come back to time and again. It impacts our family life, our professional life and, very often, our romantic outlook. Whatever angle you look at it from, how you feel about money could be one of the most defining relationships of your life. Loretta Kennedy, an accredited Trauma of Money practitioner, joins Katie Byrne to unpack the many ways your money mindset can impact your finances. The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Loretta Kennedy Money Talks is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 8 · 21 min

    Robert Whelan on how to build your first €10k

    For many people, hearing about investment portfolios or wealth generators can seem all too hypothetical. It’d be a nice thing to have if I had the funds to do it. On this episode of Money Talks, Katie Byrne is joined again by Robert Whelan, managing director of Rockwell Financial, to share his expert advice on how to build your first €10k, including what the common mistakes are, the best ways to see a return and where to even begin. The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Robert Whelan (managing director, Rockwell Financial) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 1 · 27 min

    How a mid-year financial reset could save you thousands

    You may not realise it, but this is the week when we officially pass the halfway point of the year. While your New Year's Eve resolutions might be a distant memory, it’s not too late to get things back on track with a mid-year financial reset. Katie Byrne is joined by Michael Houghton, host of The Irish Fire Podcast, to review the 11 steps you need to take to stay on track for the rest of the year.The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Michael Houghton (The Irish Fire Podcast) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 24 · 24 min

    €100, €200 or nothing at all – what wedding guests are gifting in 2026

    We’re entering that time of year where many people are likely to have a wedding (or two) on the horizon. Whether you’re one half of the happy couple, planning a speech for the reception or just dusting off your dancing shoes as a guest, it's good to understand the costs involved. ­ To discuss the financial aspects of hosting or attending a wedding in 2026, Katie Byrne is joined by Irish Independent features journalist Kirsty Blake Knox and One Fab Day head of content Ciara Elliott. ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guests: Kirsty Blake Knox and Ciara Elliott ­ Money Talks is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 17 · 27 min

    How even savvy spenders lose money on cars

    Whatever your preferences, and whether you like it or not, what you drive tells the world about who you are. ­ Maybe you value speed over comfort or require an SUV the size of a small school bus… Well, regardless of your needs, chances are you’ve made a few mistakes when purchasing your car. ­ Katie Byrne is joined by Alpha Wealth’s Nick Charalambous to discuss why even smart people lose money on cars – and why focusing on getting “bang for your buck” should never mean driving a banger. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 10 · 31 min

    Nine life-changing financial decisions hiding in plain sight

    We make financial decisions day in, day out. The items we buy, the money we save, the goals we set... It can be easy to forget, however, that some of the biggest life-changing money decisions might be hiding in plain sight. But what are they? And how do you make clear-eyed choices while listening to your head and your heart? Kel Galavan joins host Katie Byrne to unpack all this and more. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Kel Galavan (Author and expert) The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 3 · 23 min

    Financial abuse - how to spot the red flags

    Over the last few years, awareness of financial abuse has grown, particularly when it concerns a romantic partner. But are you aware of the red flags that might indicate you or someone you know are being abused? And do you know who to speak to if things go awry? ­ Katie Byrne is joined by expert Melissa Boyle for a discussion about the various forms financial abuse can take – and the sometimes subtle signs to look out for. ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Melissa Boyle ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 27 · 25 min

    How the Puglia Paddys swapped a €3000 a month mortgage for an €86k home in Italy

    With every summer holiday, there’s an almost inevitable routine of boarding a plane to a sun-drenched destination and then wondering: could I just stay? This week’s Money Talks guest has done just that. As one-half of the Puglia Paddys, John Nolan and his partner have swapped life in Nurney, Co Kildare, for Osteria in Italy. ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: John Nolan (Puglia Paddys) ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 20 · 23 min

    How to build wealth on an average salary

    In today’s economy, it can sometimes feel like the gap between those earning enough to save and invest for the future and those who are just earning enough to get by is growing ever bigger. But the key to building wealth isn’t just earning more. Katie Byrne chats to investment adviser Sjoerd Bak to uncover the money habits that can help you build wealth on an average salary. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Sjoerd Bak The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 13 · 24 min

    I made AI my financial therapist. Is it saving me any money?

     In a short time, more and more people have become very comfortable handing over the (various) reins of their lives to AI. Perhaps they use it for a work pitch, a fitness regime or even a wedding speech. But what about their money? Indo Money journalist Saoirse Hanley tells host Katie Byrne about using AI as a financial therapist. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Saoirse Hanley The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 6 · 26 min

    Tax tips that could save you thousands, with Alan Purcell of CloudAccount

    Recent figures from Revenue show that the average refund issued this year was €1,000, yet thousands of workers still aren’t claiming the money that they’re owed. Katie Byrne is joined by Alan Purcell of CloudAccounts to give you a sense of what you might be entitled to, just how easy it is to claim, and what you might have missed. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Alan Purcell (CloudAccounts) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • April 29 · 29 min

    The secret habits of financially successful couples 

    Being in a relationship has many financial advantages, but only if a couple are on the same page. Some quietly build wealth together while others hide spending from one another. Leah McMahon, senior financial planner with Fairstone Limerick, joins Katie Byrne to explore the habits that set some couples apart while keeping them together. ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Leah McMahon (senior financial planner with Fairstone Limerick) ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • April 22 · 29 min

    How Rosemary MacCabe and her husband are tackling $80k debt

    How many of us have said “we really need to look at the household budget” or are guilty of claiming they’ll get to it “some day”? It’s a scenario that has played out countless times for journalist and podcaster Rosemary MacCabe. But when she and her husband Brandon finally sat down to look through the household accounts in their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, they were in for a rude awakening. So how long will their debt journey take? Why are American attitudes to debt so different? And what goes first: the skincare or the nappies? Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Rosemary MacCabe (instagram.com/rosemarymaccabe) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • April 15 · 22 min

    How to pay off your mortgage ahead of schedule with personal finance blogger Ellie Kistnen

    Ellie Kistnen's story is one many listeners would likely aspire to. Realising some years ago that her debt was no longer feasible, she set out to get on top of it. She has since turned her situation around – and offers great advice to others on paying off a mortgage early, switching providers, or even just managing the day-to-day budgeting that makes a big difference overall. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Ellie Kistnen (instagram.com/planningandfinances) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes