Something slightly off-topic this week, and something far more concise that usual. I hope it helps you. A definition of wealth is ‘a plentiful supply of a particular desirable thing’. Money is a desirable thing – and we put a lot of focus here on accumulating and protecting that in an efficient, stress-free and proven way. What else is desirable to most of us? Priorities If you read the literature and the books about living a meaningful life; we’ll hear time and time again that money is important. But we’ll moreso hear that relationships and experiences are what add richness to one’s life. Wh ..read more

Fisher Investments have been around the USA a long time apparently, and recently set-up shop in Ireland, but are Fisher Investments Ireland any good, I hear some ask? Are they a fish out of water, or are they a saviour landed on our shores! Lets find out! Due Diligence One of the things that I enjoy about being a truly independent financial planning firm is that we aren’t beholden to any investment firm, solution, fund or company. With our clients consent we can and will use any proven, prudent, efficient and optimal solution available. As a result, we keep a constant review of all the regula ..read more

Bitcoin ETFs & Nvidia, taking a high risk dice roll or sticking to a prudent, long term strategy. One of my favourite podcasts is The Compound & Friends featuring hosts Josh Brown and Michael Batnick of ‘Ritholtz Wealth’ in the US. They are irreverent, funny, informative and between them and their varied guests (they call them ‘friends’!) share some great insights and information. In recent weeks they have touched on a wide variety of topics, but two in particular caught my attention most, and I felt might be worth sharing with you dear reader, in this weeks’ short piece. Bitcoin ETFs ..read more

Woodford’s relationship with St James’s Place went on too long (ft.com) Over charging pension and financial advice fees, this is the latest scandal to come to light from Saint James’ Place. Saint James’ Place is a monstrous financial advice and investment firm regulated by the FCA in the UK. It has been marred by scandals over the past few years. They’ve been accused of it all; from ‘rogue‘ investment managers (whose clients are still trying to get their money back), to recent over-charging claims. Is there a lesson for us to learn here about it? Lets take a quick look. Q: Can you break down ..read more

Retirement Investment: The Case for Equity Over Bonds Study Suggests Research published in October 2023 suggests a significant shift in retirement investment strategies is merited. The research indicates that retirees often benefit more from an equity-focused portfolio rather than the traditional equity/bond split. The Status Quo – Case For Equity Over Bonds Titled “Beyond the Status Quo: A Critical Assessment of Lifecycle Investment Advice,” the study delves into data from 38 countries apparently spanning 130 years. Full report here. The purpose of the study was to challenge traditional ..read more

What is the risk of investing only in the S&P 500? What particular considerations do you need if investing for an ARF? Should you bet all your investment or pension assets on the good ‘ol S&P500? Or would you be considered ‘bananas’ to do so?!? As with a lot of my articles, this is inspired by a recent conversation. Conversations that I love to have and to explore with clients. U-S-A We are surrounded my American culture, and we are bombarded with it via most news, marketing and social media channels. Heck half of the youngers in Dublin apparently speak with an American accent! The f ..read more

Pension Lifestyling in Ireland is rampant. By my reckoning, the vast majority of people with pensions are invested in insurance company pension schemes using ‘Pension Lifestyling’. This week I explore if that is a prudent approach for you as a pension holder on the cusp of retirement, or a useless sales tool that you should avoid like the plague. Lifestyle Pension Strategy – 101 Pension lifestyling in Ireland involves the insurance company fund management designing an investment approach where your pension funds gradually shift from higher-growth (and volatility) assets to lower-growth (and v ..read more

Simplicity in all aspects of our financial lives is the ultimate sophistication Leonardo da Vinci & Paddy Delaney Something a little different, and a lot shorter this week. Far too often, when a prospective client asks me to run the rule over their financial affairs, I see complexity and sophistication, and resultant negative outcomes. It is not their fault, it is the fault of ‘experts’ plying their ‘sophisticated’ trade. Sophistication in Financial Planning Sophistication is everywhere in the pension and investment market in Ireland. I see it every week. 3 prospective clients already t ..read more

If you are interested in seeing which were the best Investments in Ireland in 2022 and 2023, you have come to the right place. This week on Ireland’s award-winning (it’s a few years ago I know!) Blog, I will outline quickly and effectively which have been the best investment routes for Irish investors. I will analyse two very different investment approaches; one a middle of the road insurance company approach, the other an aggressive multi-national fund manager approach. And before I delve, I want you to consider what you believe the meaning of ‘best investment’ is!? Depending on your perspect ..read more

Retirement Planning Strategies for Business Owners in Ireland Retirement marks a significant milestone in life. And I believe it fair to say that it is especially so for many business owners, who have often spent years nurturing their beloved businesses! In Ireland, effective retirement planning is crucial, not just for ensuring a comfortable retirement but also for optimising tax liabilities. The main reason I am choosing this short topic this week is because when one hears the words ‘retirement planning’ one may automatically think of ‘pensions’. However, in any effective strategy, a pension ..read more