In this week's podcast, I talk about investing your pension at 50.

Turning 50 is a wake-up call for your pension.
It's not about panic - it's about planning smart.

Here's what matters most:

Key Points:
• At 50, your goals shift — you're closer to retirement, but growth still counts.
• Review your pension funds now: what's in equities, bonds, or cash?
• Rebalance gradually.
• Diversify — global funds, low costs, and no guesswork.
• Check old company pensions. Consolidate only if it saves on fees or boosts control.
• Understand your tax position — up to 25% tax-free lump sum (max €200k).
• Know your retirement routes: ARF for flexibility, annuity for certainty.
• Independent financial planning helps avoid big mistakes — and stress!

I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, I unpack the growing issue of unregulated investments in Ireland — from headline-grabbing collapses to the hidden risks facing everyday investors. Discover why so many well-intentioned savers were caught out, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself from high-risk "opportunities" that promise too much.

Key points:

• The rise and fall of high-profile unregulated firms like Arena Capital, BlackBee, and Custom House Capital

• Why ordinary savers — not just speculators — were drawn into risky investments

• How commissions and incentives can cloud financial advice

• The lack of Central Bank protection and investor compensation for unregulated products

• Common fee structures and hidden costs investors often overlook

• Practical steps to verify if an investment is regulated

• Simple rules to stay safe and avoid losing hard-earned savings

Disclaimer

The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody's financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you.

In this week's podcast, we dive into why so many investors underperform the very funds they invest in. Drawing on Morningstar's Mind the Gap 2025 research, we explore how "magpie behaviour" — chasing shiny new investments, panicking in downturns, or tinkering too much — quietly erodes long-term wealth.

The evidence is clear: bad behaviour can cost over 1% per year, compounding into massive losses over time. But the gap isn't inevitable. This episode shares practical steps to help you capture more of the returns you deserve — and avoid being the magpie.

• Morningstar "Mind the Gap 2025" shows investors lose ~1.2% per year due to poor timing and bad behaviour.

• Chasing shiny investments (like tech, AI, or thematic funds) often backfires.

• ETFs and bond funds show wider performance gaps due to frequent trading.

• Behaviour matters more than markets or fees — discipline drives long-term returns.

• Five ways to close the gap:

  • Automate contributions, rebalancing, and withdrawals

  • Work with an advisor to stay disciplined

  • Focus on low-cost, globally diversified core holdings

  • Keep "fun money" small if dabbling in niche funds

  • Build a margin of safety into your financial plan

Disclaimer