Better With Money

Sinking Funds: How the viral trend can transform your finances

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Better with Money is on a break for Easter so we are revisiting our favourite episode from last year, all about the "sinking fund." It's 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 energy bills and make spending on yourself a guilt-free experience.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sort your finances out over a few drinks with friends: The ‘admin party’ that saved €1,169

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT

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.

'You can holiday in Vietnam for the price of a week in Greece' - budget travel strategies that work

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

No one knows more about organising an unforgettable holiday on a tight budget than Cork woman Stephanie Barry Woods. She and her husband Tim have been travelling the world for the past decade, having every type of experience imaginable. From road tripping around Spain to luxury stays in the Maldives to Bankok hostels and full moon parties in Thailand. (You can hear how they made that happen in an earlier episode of Better with Money) In today’s episode Steph shares the best tips and tricks she’s learned over the years; from getting the best price on flights and accommodation to alternative family breaks to organising a holiday in south east Asia for the same price as a week on a Greek island. You'll be submitting your annual leave request by the time you get to the end of this episode.

Better with Money is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pot o' gold or Fool's Gold? What beginner investors need to know

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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.

'Start off with an amount that you're comfortable with losing': a beginner's guide to the stock market

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

We've spoken about investing before on Better with Money but today we're honing in specifically on how to invest in the stock market. If you've been wondering how you can generate a passive income from your smartphone but wouldn't know an investment fund if it jumped up and bit you in the face, don't worry because neither does our host Aideen.

Today she speaks to The Irish Times' Fiona Reddan and CEO of the Trinity Student Managed Fund Senan Delargy about how to get started today with as little as €1 (you can do it via apps like Revolut or Davy Select) or take on less of the work by choosing life-wrapped funds where providers handle the taxes but charge higher fees.

Fiona breaks down the jargon and tax implications in plain English (33% capital gains tax on shares with a €1,270 annual allowance, 38% exit tax on funds, deemed disposal every eight years, and possible dividend withholding tax, alongside advisor allocation rates.) There are practical tips from Trinity undergrad Senan - who's investing journey began during Fresher's Week - like starting with products you know and basic stock analysis ideas.

This podcast is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sure, tis a minefield, how could it!?

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

The first of Fiona Reddan's eight week series on how to invest begins today in The Irish Times. Go to irishtimes.com/subscribe so you don't miss any.

You can listen back to our introduction to investing with @MrsSmartMoneyHQ Kel Galavan and our pensions deep dive with Irish Times deputy business editor Dominic Coyle.

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'Tell them you want €40k' Pay negotiations, investing, and how to take financial control

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:30:00 GMT

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.com

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘That is the secret sauce’: How to set your children up for financial success in Ireland

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

It's tough making ends meet in 2026, let alone setting aside money for our children's future. But Robert Whelan of Rockwell Financial says it's worth putting away any amount, even to just to get started. In his professional opinion though, an investment strategy is needed to inflation-proof your savings. In this episode of Better with Money we explain some of the most accessible ways you can start that investment journey, like directly purchasing EFTs (Exchange Traded Funds) yourself, or consulting a fund manager to do it for you. We also discuss the most tax efficient ways of passing money to your children, without incurring the whopping 33% Captial Acquisitions Tax. And Robert shares the financial advice he wish he could have given his 18 year-old self. 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.

If you have a topic you want Better with Money to consider, email aideen.finnegan@irishtimes.com.

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From side hustle to startup: how to set up a small business

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

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

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‘One couple had €1,500 waiting for them’: The tax refunds Irish workers aren’t claiming

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:43:25 GMT

The average Irish PAYE worker overpays €900 euro a year in tax. That's because many of us don't know we can claim money back on things like routine GP visits or pharmacy prescriptions. There are also tax reliefs that people mistakenly believe they're not entitled to, like the Home Carer Credit. The name might imply it's only available to carers of the elderly or a child with a disability. In fact, it's available to any married couple where one person works and the other is a stay-at-home parent. In this episode, we're looking at ways to put money back in your pocket particularly in light of a disappointing budget for middle-income workers on Tuesday this week. In this episode Alan Purcell of CloudAccounts.ie takes us through the most common tax refunds we fail to claim, and how you could log on to Revenue.ie today to find an overpayment waiting to be returned to you.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Brought to you in association with PwC.

Alan Purcell can be found on Instagram @cloudaccounts Ireland

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'The biggest asset apart from the family home is the pension': How to talk about money in relationships

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:00:00 GMT

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.

‘That’s what makes EVs so shockingly affordable’: Navigating the complex world of car buying

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:00:00 GMT

When it comes to buying a new car, financing options can vary widely. You have to factor in the total running cost (tax, fuel, insurance etc) and then watch out for the hidden ones. Throw in jargon like ‘PCP finance’ and ‘guaranteed future value’ and now you’re completely bamboozled. Irish Times motoring journalist Neil Briscoe joins the podcast to simplify and demystify the whole process of buying a new or used car, with practical tips for potential buyers. He explains the various financing options and which one actually works out cheaper in the long run. The conversation also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of leasing, the importance of trade-ins, and 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. 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.

'It completely freed me from stress': The transformative power of sinking funds

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:00:00 GMT

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.

Fix your finances: Better with Money is back

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:30:25 GMT

Calling all financial hot messes: Better With Money from The Irish Times can help you – even during a time of crazy prices.

We break down the money questions you care about, jargon free and with people who’ve been there and done that.

Subscribe to Better With Money from The Irish Times wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Coming soon: new episodes of Better With Money

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:00:02 GMT

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.

The ultimate tax break you need to take advantage of

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Alright fine, we'll admit it. This episode is about pensions. But we're unpacking them in a way that won't melt your brain, we promise. Whether you've started late or haven't even taken one out yet, deputy business editor Dominic Coyle explains:

How to start from scratch, or level up a basic pension plan

Understanding jargon

How employer contributions can help double your pension pot

How to maximise the state's contribution

Ways you can offset the disadvantage of starting later

How the gender pay gap affects women's pensions

Sneaky charges you need to watch out for

Don't think of it as a pension. Think of it as a bucket list fund for your 'second act'.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Dominic answers your personal finance questions every week in The Irish Times. You can send your queries to dominic.coyle@irishtimes.com

For more jargon-free and impartial pension tips, go to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

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How to make a 'side hustle' work for you

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:00:00 GMT

What’s traditionally been known as the ‘nixer’ in Ireland, is recognised more widely on social media as the side hustle

Most people’s understanding of the term is additional income that supplements a person’s PAYE earnings.

As with many other trends, Instagram and Tiktok’s algorithms churn out an Americanised version of the phenomenon where grind culture is revered and stories of multi-million dollar businesses - born on smartphones while loading the laundry - are legion.

But as with other viral social media movements, the reality is often very different and has its own nuances specific to an Irish context.

At a time when many people are living pay cheque to pay cheque the allure of additional income - gilded with the Paris filter - is obvious.

So what side jobs are available to those of us already working 40-plus hours a week?

How do assess what work would work for you? Will be worth the extra effort?

Deirdre O’Keeffe from burdy.ie is a Kildare-based book keeper and mentor who coaches clients through the process of choosing a side hustle, figuring out how to make it work and crucially, understanding their tax liability.

In this episode of Better With Money she explains the process she goes through with them, how to spot scams and how side hustles can be valuable exercises in testing out a business idea.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I cleared six figures worth of debt in Ireland. These are the low-risk ways to invest that helped

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 GMT

If you've always thought investing is only for high-earning, suit-wearing, happy-hour cocktail swigging finance bros, Kel Galavan - aka MrsSmartMoneyHQ - is here to tell you why you're wrong. The Qualified Financial Advisor was in six figure debt after the 2008 financial crash, but has since turned her financial life around and now coaches others who are new to the investing game. In this episode she explains why saving is not enough and how the way to secure your financial future is with a long-term, lower-risk strategy. If you don't know your stocks from your shares or your IPO from your EFTs, this episode is for you.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying a home? Insider tips to help you with each step, from loan approval to closing a deal

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Are you in the fortunate position of being able to save for a home or you're hoping to buy in the next few years? Purchasing a property in Ireland, especially when you are new to the process, can be daunting task at the best of times. But with the current housing crisis it’s tougher than ever and that’s before you even get to the stage of dealing with auctioneers, banks, quantity surveyors and solicitors. Miriam Finn is a buyers’ agent. A former estate agent, where she only represented the vendor, Finn switched sides and now takes buyers under her wing helping them through the marathon process. In this episode she sets out the timelines involved, explains how to put your best foot forward as a potential mortgage candidate; and shares her insider knowledge as an estate agent with bidding strategies, picking the best solicitor and asking the right questions of sellers.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Help to Buy scheme

First Home scheme

More information on various state help and grants

CCPC mortgage money tool

Price comparison web sites like Bonkers and Switcher analyse the best value mortgage loans on the market

Check if a prospective property is on a flood plain

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to finally get on top of debt

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In the aftermath of the financial crash, Ann-Marie Gaynor was getting over a marital breakdown, lone parenting three children under 7 and in five-figure debt. A self-described Celtic Tiger baby, Gaynor says she only ever saw her credit card limit as a target and would apply for a new card once she'd maxed out another. In this episode she shares how she turned her life around; kicking the debt, clearing her mortgage and now encouraging her social media followers to regain control of their finances too. The Longford woman who goes by the name @IrishBudgetingMammy is sure others can tackle their debt even now during this cost of living crisis.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

'How I saved €100,000 in four years' - strategies and tips for putting money away

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Stephanie Barry Woods and her husband Tim quit their jobs in 2016 to travel the world. They haven't lived back home since. The Cork native goes by @StephMyLife on social media where she shares all her best travel tips, as well as how she and Tim managed to save €100,000 in four years to fund their adventure. In this episode, Steph elaborates on what she did as a formerly financially illiterate twenty something to become an astute saver. Conor Pope also joins the podcast to explain the different savings options currently on the market, and where you might put your money should you be in the fortunate position to do so.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Stephanie’s savings plans
Bonkers and Switcher both compare credit card balance transfer options.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has a regular savings account comparison tool
FinTechs such as Revolut, Bunq and N26 provide competition to Irish pillar banks
Raisin allows you to save money in dozens of EU banks that may offer higher interest rates

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How changing your 'money mindset' can help fix your finances

Tue, 20 May 2025 03:00:00 GMT

Your earliest money memories might be sabotaging your present day finances. That top you bought after a bad day at work? That savings account you keep meaning to open? Or that skimping you do on the bill at the end of a meal, that makes your friends’ eyes roll... Most of these behaviours can be traced back to attitudes and beliefs around money that we formed in childhood, according to Emma Edwards of The Broke Generation. In this episode we speak to the finance writer, podcaster and author about the narratives we carry into adulthood that get in the way of our fiscal well-being. Edwards explains how to figure out our subconscious beliefs around money, why you shouldn't skip this step and how self-discovery can break the cycle of self-defeating behaviour.

Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Broke Generation

Good With Money by Emma Edwards is available in all good bookshops

The concept of money mindset categories were popularised by the financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz

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Conor Pope on budgeting without the BS: ‘It’s not about a life of misery. It’s managing the money you have’

Tue, 13 May 2025 03:00:00 GMT

If you’re struggling to budget and wondering where you’re going wrong, Irish Times consumer affairs correspondent Conor Pope has you covered. From spending tracking to goal setting to switching providers, Conor breaks it down into accessible steps without bombarding you with jargon or berating you for your love of oat milk lattes. Yes, this stuff is hard but is possible to budget in a way that’s empowering and motivating.

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.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Spendee budgeting app

MABS bugeting tool

CCPC budgeting tool

Charles Duhigg

Revolut vaults explainer

An Post Money jars

Bonkers

Switcher

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Bad with money? This new podcast gives practical advice on fixing your finances

Fri, 09 May 2025 08:49:26 GMT

If you’ve always been a bit a mess with money, and it’s really time you got your act together, Better With Money from The Irish Times is the podcast for you.

Whether you’re brutal at budgeting, interested in investing or hoping for your own home - we speak to people who’ve been there and done that, to explain the “yeah but literally how”?

So don’t feel bad if you don’t know your assets from your elbow – check out Better With Money from The Irish Times.

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Coming Soon: Better With Money

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:53:02 GMT

If you find managing your money a struggle, this is the podcast for you. From The Irish Times, Better With Money is a podcast crash-course in how to spend responsibly, save effectively and make big financial decisions wisely. Coming soon on podcast platforms.

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