How To Invest Your Pension at 50 (Make €1m extra in 10 years!?)
In this week's podcast, I talk about investing your pension at 50. Turning 50 is a wake-up call for your pension. It's not about panic - it's about planning smart. Here's what matters most: Key Points: • At 50, your goals shift — you're closer to retirement, but growth still counts. • Review your pension funds now: what's in equities, bonds, or cash? • Rebalance gradually. • Diversify — global funds, low costs, and no guesswork. • Check old company pensions. Consolidate only if it saves on fees or boosts control. • Understand your tax position — up to 25% tax-free lump sum (max €200k). • Know your retirement routes: ARF for flexibility, annuity for certainty. • Independent financial planning helps avoid big mistakes — and stress! I hope it helps.
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28:19
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28:19
Unregulated Investments in Ireland: Fees, Lessons & What to Avoid
In this week's podcast, I unpack the growing issue of unregulated investments in Ireland — from headline-grabbing collapses to the hidden risks facing everyday investors. Discover why so many well-intentioned savers were caught out, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself from high-risk "opportunities" that promise too much. Key points: The rise and fall of high-profile unregulated firms like Arena Capital, BlackBee, and Custom House Capital Why ordinary savers — not just speculators — were drawn into risky investments How commissions and incentives can cloud financial advice The lack of Central Bank protection and investor compensation for unregulated products Common fee structures and hidden costs investors often overlook Practical steps to verify if an investment is regulated Simple rules to stay safe and avoid losing hard-earned savings Disclaimer The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody's financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you.
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31:11
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31:11
Don't Be The Magpie, And Achieve Better Investment Returns
In this week's podcast, we dive into why so many investors underperform the very funds they invest in. Drawing on Morningstar's Mind the Gap 2025 research, we explore how "magpie behaviour" — chasing shiny new investments, panicking in downturns, or tinkering too much — quietly erodes long-term wealth. The evidence is clear: bad behaviour can cost over 1% per year, compounding into massive losses over time. But the gap isn't inevitable. This episode shares practical steps to help you capture more of the returns you deserve — and avoid being the magpie. Key Points Morningstar "Mind the Gap 2025" shows investors lose ~1.2% per year due to poor timing and bad behaviour. Chasing shiny investments (like tech, AI, or thematic funds) often backfires. ETFs and bond funds show wider performance gaps due to frequent trading. Behaviour matters more than markets or fees — discipline drives long-term returns. Five ways to close the gap: Automate contributions, rebalancing, and withdrawals Work with an advisor to stay disciplined Focus on low-cost, globally diversified core holdings Keep "fun money" small if dabbling in niche funds Build a margin of safety into your financial plan Disclaimer
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26:48
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26:48
Why Retirement Costs More Than We Think or Hope!
Would you rather build a financial future lined with velvet cushions, or one pieced together with spud bags?? Too many households in Ireland—and globally—are entering retirement without the savings needed to sustain their lifestyle. In this episode, I explore the uncomfortable truth behind retirement readiness, from the dominance of State Pensions to the worrying lack of planning, and why delayed gratification and early saving matter more than ever. Key Points: State Pension reliance: In Ireland, over half of workers without private pensions expect to rely mainly on the State Pension (€15,100 p.a. in 2025). Research insights: CCPC data shows 26% of adults are completely unprepared for retirement; many regret starting pensions too late or don't understand how they work. Spending reality: Retirement spending often follows a U-shaped "smile"—high early, lower mid-life, higher again with health costs. But reductions are often enforced, not chosen. Global parallels: US data mirrors the same challenge—most middle-aged households have modest pension balances, and Social Security dominates retirement income. Cultural habits: Rising instant-spending patterns today may make cutting back tomorrow feel like deprivation. Solutions: Start saving early, define retirement goals, regularly review pension performance, seek professional advice, and prepare for Auto Enrolment (2026). The takeaway: Financial freedom in retirement won't just happen—it must be planned for deliberately, and the time to act is now.
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26:31
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26:31
The Most Dangerous Day in Retirement with Dan Haylett
In this week's episode, I chat with Dan Haylett, Director of TFP Financial Planning in the UK, author of The Retirement You Didn't See Coming, and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast. Dan has built his career around helping people prepare for retirement in a way that goes far beyond the numbers, focusing on the human side of life after work. Together, we explore: Why retirement is less a maths problem and more a human challenge. The dangers of the "blank canvas" problem and why day 182 of retirement can be the most difficult. Dan's five pillars of a thriving retirement: purpose, identity, relationships, structure, and wellbeing. The concept of memory planning—turning money into meaningful experiences rather than just numbers on a page. Why modern retirees are "first-generation retirement rebels" and how to overcome the fear of spending after decades of saving. I hope you find this episode, full of insights for anyone thinking about how to make the most of their second half of life—financially, emotionally, and personally. Paddy What Will I Do All Day? by Patrice Jenkins — a short, self-published book full of stories and insights from retirees, which Dan describes as a "wonderful punchy read" TFP Financial Planning Dan's LinkedIn Disclaimer The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody's financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you. The articles, blogs and podcasts are not investment advice. They do not take account of your individual circumstances, including your knowledge and experience and attitude to risk. Informed Decisions can't be held responsible for the consequences if you pursue a course of action based on the information we share
About Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast
Take control of your financial future by joining us on Ireland's Independent & award-winning Investment & Retirement Planning Podcast, with Paddy Delaney (QFA RPA APA).
Join Paddy & guests as they cut through the noise, nonsense and smoke-n-mirrors of financial services in Ireland. We want you to avoid costly mistakes and to make informed financial decisions in your investments and retirement planning.
Paddy Delaney QFA RPA APA
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