Better With Money

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.

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.

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 FinneganYou 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.

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.

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.

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.

The 'admin party' is the latest social media trend promising to save you money. The idea is it's a social, accountability-based way to tackle money-draining life admin. But does it work? Host Aideen Finnegan is joined by Irish Times journalists Niamh Browne, Conor Pope and Órla Ryan to see if they can fix their finances in real time. From gas bill hikes to health insurance, to claiming your expenses from work; the procrastination ends here.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this St. Patrick's Day, we are discussing gold as an investment choice; why it has soared in value, whether novice investors should get involved, and the approaches they could take. We're joined by MD of DNG Financial Services Cian Carolan and jewellery entrepreneur Chupi Sweetman who share their insights in dealing with fluctuating gold prices. Cian advises beginners to build an emergency fund first and clear high-interest debt, then consider gold only as a small diversifier within a broader portfolio, warning against market timing and knee-jerk selling. He compares buying physical gold (storage/insurance costs and risks) versus indirect exposure via funds or ETFs that track gold’s price, which can be bought in small amounts via investing apps. Chupi speaks about gold through the lens of the jewellery industry, which accounts for up to half of global gold demand. She joins the podcast as her company gets ready to announce its B Corp certification - which recognises high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial literacy isn’t just about understanding jargon. It’s about security and independence, says Leah McMahon - a financial planner with Castle Capital of Limerick. Women are among those being targeted in the government's National Financial Literacy Strategy 2025-2029. So ahead of International Women's Day on Sunday we are looking at the ways you can boost your financial literacy, tackle money obstacles like pay negotiations and come up with a strategy for investing. (Don't worry fellas, you might learn something too)If you have any questions, suggestions or issues you'd like covered on the show, you can email aideen.finnegan@irishtimes.comPresented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not everyone was brought up in an entrepreneurial environment, and most of us didn't study business beyond the Junior Cert. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a go. Whether you're simply selling crafts on Etsy or giving school grinds on the side, the bureaucratic side of setting up a business can be a barrier for those who don't move in corporate circles. In this episode of Better with Money, we're joined by PwC partner Colm O'Callaghan to give us a crash course in setting up a small business. From testing out your idea to what tax reliefs are available for micro-businesses, Colm spells it out in plain English. Is today the day you decide to go for it?Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.Brought to you in association with PwC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you were moving in with someone and they earned more than you, would you ask them to pay more of the rent? Or in the case of a divorce, how would you divide assets like a pension? The thorny issue of money in relationships is not one that’s generally thrashed out early on in a romance but has huge consequences for couples. That’s before you even get to the stage of trying to understand married tax bands and credits or Pension Adjustment Orders. In this episode of Better With Money, financial planner Kelly Anne Quinn from LifePlanning.ie, outlines the importance of sharing expectations and goals early on in a relationship. She demystifies the tax system for couples and outlines some of the financial scenarios that may arise in a divorce.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan. Brought to you in association with PWC Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sinking fund trend is a fancy way of saying you have separate of pots of savings for specific expenses. There's a legion of advocates who swear by the practice. One such enthusiast is Anita Collins, a maths teacher from Limerick who runs the Instagram page @efficientfamilylife. She joins the podcast to explain in detail how sinking funds can help people manage their finances more effectively, help create a buffer for those hefty winter bills and make spending on yourself a guilt-free experience. We also get an update from consumer affairs correspondent and Pricewatch editor Conor Pope who tells us what measures are likely to be - and probably more pertinently - out of Budget 2026.Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.Brought to you in association with PWC Ireland.PwC Ireland’s tax experts are here to help you prepare for Budget 2026, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Visit pwc.ie/budget to learn more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's nearly Budget Day, and what better time to think about managing your finances? Better With Money will be back soon with new episodes helping you take advantage of tax breaks, survive in a world of high prices and finance that new car.Brought to you in association with PWC Ireland.PwC Ireland’s tax experts are here to help you prepare for Budget 2026, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Visit pwc.ie/budget to learn more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.