Ask About Wealth

If you would like to get in touch with Sean and his team, you can request an introduction here:https://askaboutwealth.ie/professionals/mortgage-brokersIn this episode of the Ask About Wealth Podcast, we break down how the Irish mortgage market really works and what borrowers need to know in 2026.From first-time buyers to switchers and investors, this conversation covers the practical realities behind getting approved, choosing the right lender, and avoiding costly mistakes.In this episode, we discuss:- Why using a mortgage broker can give you access to the full market and better outcomes- The key differences between PAYE, self-employed, and expat mortgage applications- The hidden costs of a mortgage beyond the interest rate (insurance, fees, structure)- When and why you should review or switch your mortgage and how much you could saveWe also explore how lenders assess income, why limited companies can increase borrowing power, and what current market conditions could mean for interest rates. If you have a mortgage, are planning to buy, or simply want to understand how lending really works in Ireland, this episode will give you a clearer picture of your options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Free Tools, Report & Broker Introduction Here - https://linktr.ee/ask.about.propertyMost Irish property buyers use mortgages but often miss steps that could save money and improve long-term wealth. This episode shares an eight-step checklist that will help you make the right decisions every step of the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book a 1:1 Consultation and Financial Plan with Paul - https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyThis week, Paul sits down with Shane O' Neill from Swissquote to unpack how custody fees quietly erode your wealth, what a transparent trading fee actually looks like, and how a Lombard loan lets you access cash from your portfolio without selling up or triggering a tax bill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book a 1:1 Consultation and Financial Plan with Paul - https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyTrust funds separate ownership from control and can help protect young or special-needs beneficiaries, keep assets managed responsibly, and support inheritance-tax planning.The episode compares fixed trusts with discretionary trusts, explains will trusts, and highlights key insights, like capital gains tax on lifetime transfers, CGT uplift on death, and how transferring a home may avoid CGT and affect “Fair Deal” planning.00:00 Trust Funds Explained00:52 Why Use a Trust01:47 Fixed Trust Basics02:58 Special Needs Planning05:29 Fixed Trust Tax Perks06:21 Discretionary Trust08:09 Trustee Incentives Warning09:29 Discretion Benefits10:18 Will Trusts12:09 Cautions and Tax Traps13:11 Home Transfers and Fair Deal14:36 Final Takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoghan O’Hara, Country Head for Raisin Ireland, leads a fintech platform opening EU deposit options to Irish savers. He talks about why Irish deposits earn near-zero, how EU deposit guarantees work, and practical ways to access higher rates across countries. They also cover tax nuances, platform protections, and future steps to boost financial literacy.

Book a 1:1 Consultation & Financial Plan With Paul:https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyIn this episode, we break down why inheritance tax can result in the same wealth being taxed twice, and why doing nothing is often the most expensive option of all.We cover:- Why inheritance tax can wipe out over 33% of a family estate, even after a lifetime of income and capital taxes- The key reasons to consider gifting assets during your lifetime, including protecting today’s thresholds and future growth- How control can be retained using trusts and family partnerships, while still reducing tax- Other powerful planning tools, including familial allowances, exempt assets, and Fair Deal planning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Cooke, CEO of Ray Cooke Auctioneers and property consultant, shares hands-on insight into Irish residential and commercial markets. He explains why good homes sell fast and what buyers must prepare. He outlines landlord exits and the resulting rental squeeze. He compares residential vs commercial yields and gives a 2026 outlook for prices and rents.

Book a 1:1 Consultation & Financial Plan With Paul:https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyYou can get in touch with Graham here:https://hanlonandco.com/In this episode of the Ask About Wealth podcast, we are joined by Graham Hanlon, a seasoned solicitor with over 30 years of experience. The discussion covers essential topics in financial planning, including the intricacies of probate law, the validity and impact of prenuptial agreements, and the importance of business agreements.Gain valuable insight into managing wealth and the legal planning involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book a 1:1 Consultation & Financial Plan With Paulhttps://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyIn this episode, we provide a checklist of actions business owners and individuals can take before December 31, 2025, to maximise tax benefits. Key topics include clearing out company profits, utilising tax credits and allowances, maximising contributions to retirement schemes, and understanding the implications of capital gains tax and EIIS investments. Learn practical tips for leveraging pension contributions, tax-efficient bonuses, subsistence allowances, and tax loss harvesting. This guide offers valuable insights to help you minimise tax liabilities and optimise financial planning for the future.00:00 Introduction: Maximising Your Tax Benefits00:26 Clearing Out Your Profit: Why and How05:23 Utilising Small Benefit Exemptions (SBE)08:13 The Power of Pensions13:51 Understanding Subsistence Allowances19:02 Capital Gains Tax: What You Need to Know23:50 Employment Investment Incentive Schemes (EIIS)26:42 Conclusion: Effective Tax Planning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidan McLoughlin, Group Managing Director of ITC and a pensions expert, shares insights on crucial changes in Irish pensions. He discusses the recent Revenue rule change that limits pension transfers after normal retirement age, warning of potential lost benefits. Aidan emphasizes the need for independent financial advice and highlights the advantages of using PRSAs for phased retirement. The conversation also covers the implications of proposed restrictions on property investments within pensions and the nuances of auto-enrolment mechanics.