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

Budget 2026 details were announced in the Dail by the Minister for Finance on 7th October 2026. The key points are listed below in the...

The majority of people believe the ­family home should be exempt from ­inheritance tax, according to a new survey. The survey...

Irish mortgage rates continue to fall and are now at their lowest level since March 2023. The gap between the average rate in Ireland and...

People will need to work beyond what is currently considered to be the ‘typical’ retirement age if living standards are to be maintained,...

Pensions can be complicated and the language around them confusing and in many cases not user-friendly. Simplifying the language around...

In the world of estate planning and asset distribution, life interest trusts stand as a significant legal instrument with a storied...

A third health insurer has announced plans to hike its premiums in a move that is set to pile pressure on family budgets. VHI, which has...

With the income tax compliance season about to get kick into full swing, taxpayers will begin to focus on the tax benefits associated...

Mortgage lenders have been accused of banking on people’s apathy to get away with charging them sky-high interest rates. It is estimated...

I am looking for some advice on how to calculate how much we might owe in capital gains tax on an upcoming property sale. I am finding it...

Goals are the backbone of good financial planning, which is why we so often talk about helping clients make the most of them. Identifying...

The Irish government is progressing legislation to introduce the Bereaved Partner’s Pension, extending social welfare support to...

‘Will your money last?’ isn’t the only question to consider before retiring. I was chatting with a friend the other day about his...