For so many people in Ireland today, buying a home can feel like a long shot. High prices, limited supply and strict lending rules have pushed homeownership further out of reach, even for those in steady, full-time work. The latest figures show average house prices are rising nationally. But against that backdrop, a new mortgage option is rolling out nationwide, which aims to give borrowers some peace of mind. Stepping into the spotlight For generations, Credit Unions have be

Trusts have become increasingly popular as effective tools for protecting and managing assets in Ireland. A trust is a legal device whereby a trustee holds the legal title to property, transferred to the trust by a settlor, on trust for one or more beneficiaries. Generally, once the trust is established, the settlor loses all legal rights to the trust property. Below, we outline the principal benefits and explore the main tax points to consider when creating and operating a t

Digital tools are reshaping how Europeans access financial markets, however, the need for transparency, education and qualified advice has never been greater. For millions of Europeans, the idea of financial freedom has shifted from a distant aspiration to an urgent need. Against the backdrop of inflationary pressures, pension uncertainty, and rapid digital transformation, individuals are increasingly expected to take charge of their financial futures. Yet navigating this com

No matter the size or scope of your financial goals, a financial plan can help make them a reality. Financial planning is the process of looking at the current state of your finances and making a step-by-step plan to get it where you want it to be. That may mean devising a plan to become debt-free or figuring out how to save enough money for a down payment on a new home. This process can include many aspects of personal finance, including investing, debt repayment, building s

Landlords have been warned to get up to speed and comply with radical rent reforms coming into effect from Sunday. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which is the regulator for the sector, said the new rules will set out when rents can be re-set rents and warned landlords that enforcement action will be taken against them if they breach the rules. The changes to rental laws mainly apply to new tenancy agreements entered into from Sunday, March 1. Existing tenancies will n

Simon Harris has said he intends to take the first steps towards the introduction of a savings and investment account (SIA) in the next few weeks. Speaking at the Irish Times Business Awards the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance said the scheme “is a key priority for me over the course of the next two budgets”. “In the coming weeks, I intend to bring a strategy to Government that will set out the principles and the framework that will guide our approach,” he added. Last week,

Bitcoin tumbled below $63,000 as the unwinding of leveraged bets and broader market turbulence deepened a selloff that has wiped out all of the gains since President Donald Trump's election set off a speculative rush into cryptocurrencies. The token fell as much as 14pc Thursday to $62,267, the lowest since October 2024. The rout has erased half of Bitcoin's value since it reached a record four months ago and has spread to other tokens, related ETFs and companies like Strateg

There is no doubt that the personal taxation landscape has changed significantly in Ireland over the last number of years. The introduction of the USC and increase in PRSI has seen the marginal rate of tax increase to 55%. In addition, the restriction, and in some cases total abolition, of a number of reliefs and allowances has ensured that individuals’ effective income tax rates are increasing. This trend has led individuals to consider their overall tax position and one asp

People who worked in the UK for less than 10 years have been warned that the deadline is approaching for them to cheaply boost their British state pension. They could benefit by thousands of euro a year if they act fast, Galway-based UK state pension specialists XtraPension said. The British government is closing a loophole that allows people with fewer than 10 years of contributions to top up their state pension entitlement. After April 5, new rules will also make it five ti

Global equities rose last week during the first full trading week of the new year. Geopolitical and policy risks dominated headlines, as the Trump administration threatened to limit share buybacks and dividends for defence companies, restrict institutional ownership of homes in the US, and applied renewed pressure on the Federal Reserve. On the data front, the US labour market was in focus. Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls print was the most closely-watched release, but fell short o

Cast your mind back to this time last year. How many confident “2025 Outlook” pieces did you read or listen to? And now, ask yourself: how many of those forecasts actually played out?    We began the year with talk of a tariff driven recession, rapid interest rate cuts and the end of US dollar dominance. Instead, growth has slowed but not collapsed, interest rates have stayed higher for longer, and after weakening early in the year, the US dollar has strengthened again in the

An emergency fund isn't just a stash of cash for when your tires wear out or your dishwasher breaks down. It's a critical part of your personal finance strategy—one that could potentially protect your long-term investments and provide peace of mind during unexpected events. So today, we'll explore how to start saving, where to keep your emergency savings, how much to consider saving, and how this will fit into your broader financial goals. I know the importance of an emergenc

The shift to Master Trusts has been one of the most significant changes in the Irish pensions landscape in recent years. For many employers, it offered a welcome solution to the increasing burden of pension governance, particularly under IORP II. But moving to a Master Trust doesn’t mean your responsibilities as an employer have disappeared - they’ve simply changed. In fact, how you engage with the Master Trust can have a direct impact on the value and experience your employe

"My husband and I got married 19 years ago. I have a daughter from my first marriage, he has two sons. My daughter (28) has been living with us all this time, his sons have their own house each. Our will states that in case he passes away before me, I will inherit everything (including our mortgage-free house). In the event I pass away first, he will inherit everything. Once both of us have passed, our children (all adults) will inherit a third of everything each. What has be

The Government is being forced to bring in emergency regulations to stop companies attempting to subvert the new auto-enrolment pension. About 750,000 workers are set to be signed up to the My Future Fund auto-enrolment pension from early January. It has been described as the biggest shake-up in the pensions landscape in the history of the State. It has emerged, however, that some companies are trying to avoid having their staff signed up to My Future Fund because they do not

Speed Read:  Gold can play a psychological or symbolic role, but not necessarily a central one in a portfolio. It’s better viewed as a volatile insurance policy than as an investment. PortfolioMetrix gains indirect exposure through diversified global equity holdings, without explicitly holding a gold asset.     Understanding gold in portfolios    Gold has been a focus of discussion recently as its price has risen sharply. While it’s often seen as a timeless store of value, th

Mistake #1: You don't have a financial plan based on your goals. No matter who you want to dress up like, it's useful to plan and get your costume early. If you wait until the end of October to start shopping, you could be disappointed with the slim pickings left in the costume aisle. It's the same with your money. You can help prevent future disappointment if you create a financial plan based on your goals. A financial plan is like a roadmap that helps guide you to your dest

Offering financial protection to employees and their families is a cornerstone of any responsible benefits strategy. One of the most impactful - and often overlooked - ways to provide this support is through a Death in Service (DIS) scheme. In simple terms, a DIS scheme pays a tax-free lump sum to an employee’s nominated beneficiaries if they pass away while still in employment. It’s a cost-effective way for employers to show they value their people - and for employees, it br

Maximise Your Tax Savings Before the Year-End by Contributing to Your Pension As the end-of-year tax deadline approaches, one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your tax bill – whether you’re an employee or self-employed – is by contributing to your pension. This strategy not only lowers your tax burden but also helps build long-term savings for your retirement. The Dual Benefits of Pension Contributions Pensions are not just about retirement; they’re a powerfu