8 Years Later! The Soul of Wealth with Dr. Daniel Crosby
In this week's podcast I chat with Dr. Daniel Crosby. He discusses the evolution of behavioral finance over the past eight years, reflecting on the growing acceptance and understanding of the field. He shares insights from his latest book, 'The Soul of Wealth,' emphasising the importance of health, happiness, and meaningful spending. The discussion also covers the role of community in financial behavior, the impact of delayed gratification, and the future of wealth management in an AI-driven world. Crosby highlights the necessity of practical applications in financial education and the importance of understanding one's relationship with money. Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist, author, behavioral finance expert and asset manager who applies his study of market psychology to everything from financial product design to security selection. Key takeaways Behavioral finance has gained significant traction in the last eight years. Investors today are better educated and more disciplined than in the past. The focus of behavioral finance is shifting from avoiding mistakes to enhancing well-being. Health is a crucial component of wealth and happiness. Experiences often bring more joy than material possessions. Delayed gratification is a powerful tool for achieving long-term goals. Community and social connections enhance financial well-being. AI will play a significant role in the future of wealth management. Practical applications of financial wisdom are essential for real change. Creativity is vital for personal and professional growth. I hope it helps! The Soul of Wealth: 50 reflections on money and meaning Daniel's Linkedin Disclaimer
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What's the best ARF Fund for my pension?
In this week's podcast #334 I take a look ARFs If you google 'best ARF Fund in Ireland' today, you will get many results. The first few are of course paid-for, sponsored adverts from firms who want your clicks (and are paying handsomely for them!). There are then quite a few other firms who have written about this 'best ARF fund in Ireland' topic. This week I share a very short piece which shows the actual outcomes of a scenario where one invested in different funds, portfolios and companies over the past decade or more, and what we can learn from it. And if anyone needs a reminder, an ARF is an Approved Retirement Fund. It is what happens to most of our personal pensions when we start drawing income from them, if we have not chosen an annuity pension. More on all this here if you want a refresh! Disclaimer
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Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax
In this week's episode, I explore crucial financial planning lessons for Irish families, highlighting examples where small oversights led to significant tax bills. Discover how one family's misunderstanding of Ireland's Dwelling House Exemption resulted in an unexpected €77,000 tax liability, and how another family's mismanagement of the Small Gift Exemption cost them over €65,000. Learn essential strategies for gifting, saving, and inheritance planning, and understand why precise adherence to tax regulations, supported by expert advice, is key to safeguarding your family's financial legacy. Good intentions aren’t enough - strict compliance with Irish tax law is essential. Document and complete transactions properly - incomplete paperwork can lead to significant taxes. The Small Gift Exemption (€3,000 annually) must involve actual yearly transfers - accumulating gifts without documentation won't satisfy Revenue. Seek professional financial and legal advice early to avoid costly errors in wealth transfer and inheritance planning. Understand clearly defined tax exemptions like the Dwelling House Exemption - missing even one condition can result in major unexpected taxes. Hope it helps! Disclaimer
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'Your Best PRSA & Master Trust Options' - with Glenn Gaughran
In episode 332 of the Informed Decisions Podcast, Paddy speaks with Glen Gaughran, Director and Head of Business Development at Independent Trustee Company (ITC). With nearly two decades of experience overseeing thousands of self-administered pension schemes, Glen offers insight into how the pension environment in Ireland is evolving and what individuals and business owners need to know. We explore the significant regulatory changes impacting Irish pensions, including the closure of executive and single-member schemes under the IORP II directive. Glen explains how the government’s temporary relaxation of funding rules for PRSAs in 2023 and 2024 offered a window of opportunity; allowing employers to contribute well beyond traditional limits, and how that door has since closed in January 2025, when contributions became capped at an individual’s salary level. We also compare PRSAs and Master Trusts from a planning and tax perspective, highlighting the trade-offs between contribution limits, inheritance outcomes, and drawdown flexibility. It’s an essential discussion for business owners trying to optimise their pension funding while avoiding tax traps and regulatory missteps. Key Insights Regulatory changes have ended executive one-member schemes, pushing attention toward PRSAs and Master Trusts. In 2023–2024, PRSAs allowed virtually unlimited employer contributions, making them highly attractive for late-stage funding. As of January 2025, employer contributions to PRSAs are capped at 100% of salary, significantly reducing flexibility. Master Trusts still allow actuarial-based contribution limits based on salary and years of service, offering an alternative path. PRSAs allow the full pension value to be inherited on death, while Master Trusts may require most of the fund to be used to purchase an annuity. Strategic planning around salary levels, timing, and long-term drawdown goals is now essential for maximising pension efficiency. Hope it helps.
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Exit from Work: Redefining Retirement with Dr. Gregg Lunceford
Informed Decisions Podcast | Episode 331 In this insightful episode, Paddy engages with Dr. Gregg Lunceford - retirement researcher, Certified Financial Planner®, and author of Exit from Work: What Will the New You Look Like? -to explore the evolving concept of retirement. Gregg discusses the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning from traditional employment, emphasising the importance of planning for a fulfilling "third age" of life. He offers valuable perspectives for those in Ireland contemplating retirement or a career pivot, highlighting strategies to navigate this significant life change beyond mere financial considerations. Key Takeaways Retirement is a transition, not a destination Gregg emphasises that retirement today is less about stopping work and more about reshaping purpose and lifestyle in your later years. Identity and purpose need planning too Many retirees struggle not financially, but psychologically. Planning for how you’ll stay engaged, socially connected, and purposeful is just as crucial as financial readiness. Partial retirement is rising Gregg discusses the growing trend of phased retirement and encore careers, where individuals continue to contribute professionally in more flexible, meaningful ways. Ireland’s demographic shift mirrors global trends The Irish workforce is aging, and like in the US, people are living longer and working differently. Gregg’s insights help contextualise these changes locally. Retirement success is holistic True retirement readiness includes emotional well-being, social networks, mental stimulation, and health - not just a pension fund or lump sum I hope it helps! Gregg's book - EXIT FROM WORK: What Will The New You Look Like? eBook : Lunceford, Gregg: Amazon.co.uk: Books Gregg's book recommendation - Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind Disclaimer
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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