Best ARF Financials Podcasts (2025)

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Drawing Tax Efficient Income From PRSA or ARF In Your 50's 25:15

Play Pause

23d ago25:15

25:15

This episode looks at practical ways to pull income from pensions without handing more to Revenue than you need to. You hear how rental income fits into the picture, how a non-earning partner's tax band can save you money, and why timing matters when you've no salary coming in. The chat keeps circling back to one point. Your own setup dictates the …

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Investments in 2025 & 'It Takes A Village' 16:54

3d ago16:54

16:54

Welcome to the very last, and shortest, Informed Decisions Blog of 2025! We've had a very interesting investment year so far, and I want to share some brief investment observations and comparisons of the year. Also, I'll share a few acknowledgements of those that helped me and Informed Decisions during the year. Thanks, Paddy.…

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Pre Retirement Checklist Christmas Edition 40:32

8d ago40:32

40:32

In this week's podcast - Your Essential Pre-Retirement Checklist Retirement starts long before you hand back the laptop or walk out of the office for the last time! The real work happens in the final decade, when you bring everything together; pensions, savings, tax, debts, lifestyle, and the practical bits that make life run smoothly. This pre-ret…

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Should I Invest In Dividend Stocks To Generate Income? 29:28

17d ago29:28

29:28

In this week's podcast - The Income Investor's Dilemma in Ireland Many investors in their 50's and 60's want dependable and sustainable incomes from their investment assets, fair enough! You may be wondering should you invest in Dividend Stocks or Distributing Funds in order to generate income - and it is a fair question. The choice often falls bet…

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Loan Stars Episode 7: Mastering Equipment Financing with Sandra VanBuren 34:31

1M ago34:31

34:31

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, host Celeste Deal-Maunoir discusses business financing with Sandra Van uren, CEO and Co-founder of Food Service Solutions. Sandra explains the importance of equipment financing in the food service industry, emphasizing its rapid and streamlined process which helps startups and expanding businesses manage c…

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Markets Are High...Should I Jump To Cash, Out Of Equities? 38:56

1M ago38:56

38:56

Is now the right time to move a chunk of your investment or pension assets out of equities, and into Bonds, Money Market Funds or Cash? It's a question that you may be asking because of a headline you read, an online commentator with a scary statistic, or someone you chatted with spoke of impending doom! I'll not tell you here whether you should or…

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The Financial Freedom of Getting Kids Off The Books! 26:19

1M ago26:19

26:19

Many Irish parents in their fifties are still financially supporting adult children—and it's quietly delaying their retirement goals. Key takeaways: • Each adult child can cost around €15k–€20k per year in ongoing support—rent, car, health cover, and general expenses. • Those costs directly reduce pension contributions and long-term savings, someti…

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The Real Cost & Value of Financial Advice in Ireland 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

You've probably wondered: what does financial advice actually cost in Ireland, and is it worth it? Indeed, many people are also probably wondering if they are actually paying for advice, who may or may not be getting any!? ‍ Many professionals in their 50s ask that question when they start thinking about retiring, reducing hours, or simply getting …

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Annuity vs ARF: What's Best for a €1 Million Pension Pot in Ireland? 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

If you're retiring in Ireland with around €1 million in pension savings, one of the biggest questions you'll face is whether to take income from an ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) or to buy an annuity. In this episode, I break down both options in plain English — what they mean, how they work under Irish tax rules, and which might suit your lifestyl…

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Loan Stars Episode 6: Thriving in Economic Uncertainty: Insights from Joe Camberato 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, Celeste Deal-Maunoir, Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, discusses strategies for thriving during financial hardship with Joe Camberato, CEO and founder of National Business Capital. They explore the current economic climate, the impact of high-interest rates on small businesses, regulatory changes affe…

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How To Invest Your Pension at 50 (Make €1m extra in 10 years!?) 28:19

2M ago28:19

28:19

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 cas…

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Unregulated Investments in Ireland: Fees, Lessons & What to Avoid 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

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 …

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Don't Be The Magpie, And Achieve Better Investment Returns 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

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 …

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Why Retirement Costs More Than We Think or Hope! 26:31

3M ago26:31

26:31

Would you rather build a financial future lined with velvet cushions, or one pieced together with spud bags?? Too many households in Ireland—and globally—are entering retirement without the savings needed to sustain their lifestyle. In this episode, I explore the uncomfortable truth behind retirement readiness, from the dominance of State Pensions …

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The Most Dangerous Day in Retirement with Dan Haylett 53:39

4M ago53:39

53:39

In this week's episode, I chat with Dan Haylett, Director of TFP Financial Planning in the UK, author of The Retirement You Didn't See Coming, and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast. Dan has built his career around helping people prepare for retirement in a way that goes far beyond the numbers, focusing on the human side of life after work. T…

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Irish Pension Calculator: Do You Really Need €2M to Retire Comfortably?? 30:27

4M ago30:27

30:27

In our last podcast, we celebrated Fran's incredible achievement of amassing a €2 million pension pot through decades of disciplined saving and investing. Some who read it were inspired, some were envious, and others said "I don't bloody need €2m pension pot"! Today, we're asking a different question entirely: Do I actually need a €2 million pensio…

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Loan Stars Episode 5: Breaking Down Texas's New Business Finance Laws with Kate Fisher 31:24

4M ago31:24

31:24

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal Maunoir, the Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, and co-hosted by Bob Lapidus, ARF’s Senior Vice President General Counsel, the focus is on Texas House Bill 700. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June, this bill introduces significant regulatory shifts in commercial sales-…

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Build & Spend a 2m Pension Pot 33:41

4M ago33:41

33:41

Today, we're diving into the real-life(ish) story of Fran – a regular guy who built a €2 million+ pension pot and retired at 55. No big lotto win. No magic investment hacks. Just smart use of Ireland's pension system, discipline, and a few skipped car upgrades! Fran started young, contributed consistently, and maximised every bit of tax relief and …

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Take 5%, not 4% from my ARF - with Bill Bengen (creator of the 4% rule!) 38:20

5M ago38:20

38:20

Welcome to Informed Decisions Podcast, where we bring you expert insights for Irish investors and retirees. Today, we have a rip-roaring guest joining us - Bill Bengen, the financial planner who literally wrote the book on retirement withdrawals. Back in 1994, Bill's groundbreaking research established what became known worldwide as the "4% rule". …

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Venture Capital and Private Market Investing with Rob and Scott 1:02:33

5M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

In this episode of the Informed Decisions podcast, I chat with Rob Halligan and Scott Ashmore, co-founders of Shuttle, a platform aiming to democratise access to private equity and venture capital investments. The conversation dives into the fundamentals of private markets, how they differ from public equity investing, and why early-stage companies…

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Understanding Your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme 36:31

5M ago36:31

36:31

If you've ever looked at your pension statement and thought, "What does this actually mean?" You're not alone. In this episode, #338, we're cutting through the jargon and making sense of Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, especially for Irish employees and retirees. These schemes can offer incredible long-term value, but many people don't fully …

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Flashback to episode 296 - Risk of Ruin...Lifestyle & Default Investment Pension Strategies 21:30

6M ago21:30

21:30

For the past 8 years, I've been making the case that most investors, particularly those who can tolerate volatility, should avoid Lifestyle investment strategies in pensions. It's been a lonely stance, with little to no mainstream coverage, even though investor feedback on my analysis was consistently positive. Back in early 2024, I shared updated …

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How Big Should My Pension Be? 29:39

6M ago29:39

29:39

This week I flashback to a podcast from 2021! While it is a few years old its a common and important question. Key takeaways How big your pension should be when you start drawing down income How big your pension should be at various stages of your life What you can do if it's not as big as you would like it to be! How to live 14.9% longer! I hope i…

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8 Years Later! The Soul of Wealth with Dr. Daniel Crosby 57:05

6M ago57:05

57:05

In this week's podcast I chat with Dr. Daniel Crosby. He discusses the evolution of behavioral finance over the past eight years, reflecting on the growing acceptance and understanding of the field. He shares insights from his latest book, 'The Soul of Wealth,' emphasising the importance of health, happiness, and meaningful spending. The discussion…

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What's the best ARF Fund for my pension? 28:49

6M ago28:49

28:49

In this week's podcast #334 I take a look ARFs If you google 'best ARF Fund in Ireland' today, you will get many results. The first few are of course paid-for, sponsored adverts from firms who want your clicks (and are paying handsomely for them!). There are then quite a few other firms who have written about this 'best ARF fund in Ireland' topic. …

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Loan Stars Episode 4: Navigating SBA Policy Changes with Terry Luker 25:58

7M ago25:58

25:58

Join host Celeste Deal-Maunoir on the Loan Stars Podcast, brought to you by ARF Financial, as she discusses the recent SBA refinancing policy changes with Terry Luker, CEO of Alternative Capital Solutions. This episode delves into the implications of prohibiting SBA loans to refinance merchant cash advances or factoring debt, the challenges this pr…

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Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax 23:08

7M ago23:08

23:08

In this week's episode, I explore crucial financial planning lessons for Irish families, highlighting examples where small oversights led to significant tax bills. Discover how one family's misunderstanding of Ireland's Dwelling House Exemption resulted in an unexpected €77,000 tax liability, and how another family's mismanagement of the Small Gift…

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'Your Best PRSA & Master Trust Options' - with Glenn Gaughran 45:56

7M ago45:56

45:56

In episode 332 of the Informed Decisions Podcast, Paddy speaks with Glen Gaughran, Director and Head of Business Development at Independent Trustee Company (ITC). With nearly two decades of experience overseeing thousands of self-administered pension schemes, Glen offers insight into how the pension environment in Ireland is evolving and what indiv…

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Exit from Work: Redefining Retirement with Dr. Gregg Lunceford 54:09

7M ago54:09

54:09

Informed Decisions Podcast | Episode 331 In this insightful episode, Paddy engages with Dr. Gregg Lunceford - retirement researcher, Certified Financial Planner®, and author of Exit from Work: What Will the New You Look Like? -to explore the evolving concept of retirement. Gregg discusses the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning fro…

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Gillen Markets GM Fund Analysis & Review 29:22

8M ago29:22

29:22

In this week's podcast, 330, I take a look at Gillen Markets. Gillen Markets have built a solid reputation as investment managers and advisors over the past decade and a half, led by founder Rory Gillen. They reportedly manage and advise on over €600m for c.500 families. They made the headlines last week, having announced that they were selling the…

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Markets Fall, I Hate It Too, But It's Always Temporarily! 24:19

9M ago24:19

24:19

In this week's podcast I talk about what's on a lot of people's minds - the markets. As many expected, the media ran amock with the 'Liberation Day' announcements, and the resultant panicked actions of some investors led to the markets falling (as they do, a lot, temporarily!). Last Friday it seemed that every post I saw on Linkedin was by an advis…

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Loan Stars Ep 3 pt. 2: Smart Marketing with Oz Konar 31:25

9M ago31:25

31:25

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, presented by a ARF Financial, Celeste Deal-Maunoir continues her insightful conversation with Oz Kanar, the founder of Business Lending Blueprint. This second part of the interview delves deeper into marketing strategies for new lending brokers, especially those with tight budgets. Oz emphasizes the import…

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Investing in Emerging Market Sectors with Kevin Carter EMQQ Global 1:32:23

9M ago1:32:23

1:32:23

In this week's podcast I chat with Kevin Carter, founder and CIO of EMQQ, investors in the emerging market technology sector. A really interesting conversation, which I hope you find helpful Key topics: What EMQQ does Kevin's approach Future of Emerging Markets Non Traditional Way to Invest in Emerging Markets China and India Kevin T. Carter is the…

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Why Indexing Still Wins for Long-Term Investors and Pension Holders 25:21

9M ago25:21

25:21

Back in 2020, I wrote a piece outlining the uncomfortable truth that active fund managers find it hard to wrestle with....that most of them consistently fail to outperform 'the market'. Fast forward to 2025, and guess what? Nothing appears to have changed. In this podcast, I'll share the following: Why low-cost index funds continue to outperform th…

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Best Pension Option For Self-Employed Directors in Ireland (in 2025!) 32:22

10M ago32:22

32:22

In this week's podcast I talk about pension options for self-employed directors. Over the past 3 years, the actual best pension option for self-employed directors has changed 3 times! Not because Financial Advisors and Planners were flip-flopping on their options (or trying to churn new business!), but because Revenue rules kept changing! So to hel…

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Loan Stars Episode 3 Part 1: Smart Marketing with Oz Konar 45:13

10M ago45:13

45:13

In the first part of this two part episode of The Loan Stars Podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal-Maunoir from ARF Financial, guest speaker Oz Konar, founder of Business Lending Blueprint, shares invaluable insights for new loan brokers. Konar discusses his journey from college to establishing a successful training program that has transformed individua…

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Rental Income Tax Planning with Brendan Allen 1:11:15

10M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

In this week's podcast, I chat with Brendan Allen a specialist in property tax. He is a Chartered Tax Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, and is the owner of Allen & Co Tax Accountants and Landlord Tax Returns and is passionate about tax talk. Key topics Intricacies of tax of landlords Landlord tax credit Rent pressure zones Pros & Cons Pensions …

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Building Olympic Resilience with David Gillick 1:04:06

10M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

On this week's podcast, episode 324, I chat with Olympian, David Gillick about resilience and his journey and how he got through some really dark days. Something we will experience as investors. David shares some fun and interesting stories David is one of Ireland most successful sprint athletes. He stepped off the track in 2013 after a successful …

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US Market Warnings – And What We Can Do About It 45:52

10M ago45:52

45:52

There is more and more commentators shouting from the roof-tops about the massive growth of North American stock values and earnings over the past few years (since Covid really). I'll explore what is and isn't really happening, and what one's practical options are. Specifically, the following are the claims/alarms being flagged; US Tech stocks have…

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EIIS Investing in Ireland with Kevin Canning 51:26

11M ago51:26

51:26

In this week's podcast I talk with Kevin Canning, Managing Director of Quintas Capital. Kevin specialises in private markets and is the Investment Director of The EIIS Innovation Fund managed by Quintas. He is a Chartered Accountant (ACA), a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), and a respected member of the Irish Tax Institute, underscoring his comprehensi…

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Loan Stars Episode 2: Know Your Lender. Know Your Customer – A Conversation with Jared Weitz 14:24

11M ago14:24

14:24

The Loan Stars podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal-Maunoir and Noel Joseph from ARF Financial, features an insightful conversation with Jared Weitz, CEO of United Capital Source. This episode delves into Jared's journey of founding UCS in 2011 and growing it to facilitate over a billion dollars in funding for small and mid-sized businesses. Jared discu…

1
Holding Companies and Family Partnerships For Smart Tax Planning 45:31

11M ago45:31

45:31

In this week's podcast I chat to John Murphy a Director of OmniPro Tax and Legal Limited John is a Chartered Tax Adviser, who works with clients on income tax, tax planning, restructuring to exit planning as well as advising on company law in relation to these and many other matters. We talk about holding companies and family partnerships for smart…

1
Jordan Grumet Interview - Longevity, Health & Happiness 40:37

11M ago40:37

40:37

In this week's podcast I talk to Dr. Jordan Grumet, about the topics he covers in his new book The Purpose Code. Bringing together the topics of longevity, health, purpose and money. The Purpose Code hopes to help you what purpose really is and the role it plays in our lives. Jordan's podcast – Earn & Invest Jordan Grumet.com Disclaimer…

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What to Expect If Markets fall by 30% in 2025: A Retirement Asset Comparison 25:07

12M ago25:07

25:07

Planning for, and subsequently living (!) a dignified and choice-filled retirement is the biggest financial goal many of us have, or will have. It's also a journey of uncertainties, and one of the biggest uncertanties is market volatility, both positive and negative. We have experienced such positive market growth in the past 2 years in particular.…

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Tax Rates for Retirees in Ireland (2025) 21:33

1y ago21:33

21:33

In this week's podcast, the last for 2024 I talk about Tax Rates for Retirees in Ireland (2025). We spend a lot of time planning, analysing and accumulating retirement assets, often without clarity on the tax rates for retirees in Ireland! Time to start fixing that dear listener. Planning take-home retirement income requires careful consideration o…

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The Affiliate Advantage: Partnering with ARF Financial for Success 19:26

1y ago19:26

19:26

In the first episode of 'Loan Stars,' host Celeste Deal Maunoir, Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, discusses the benefits and opportunities of affiliate partnerships with ARF Financial. Celeste is joined by lending experts Vincent Lam, Keith Kohler, and Mike Spitalney, who share their experiences and success stories in securing financing for sm…

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Should I Stay Invested When Markets Are At All-Time Highs? 21:41

1y ago21:41

21:41

In this week's podcast, I talk about should I stay invested when markets are at all time highs, is something many will rightly ask. And here is the data to show it; S&P 500 is at 6,090 right now (all-time high) Eurostoxx at 4,980 now (whisker under all-time high) Nasdaq at 19,859 now (all-time high) Large sections of the global equity universe are …

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The 5 Benefits of Passive Index Investing in Ireland 23:33

1y ago23:33

23:33

In this week's podcast, I talk about Index Investing in Ireland – A topic that will be of interest to all As you know at Informed Decisions, we believe in helping build a secure financial future through strategies grounded in research, not speculation. Today, I'd like to share why evidence-based investing, a disciplined approach driven by decades o…

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Investing for Income Independence with Steve Selengut 1:02:48

1y ago1:02:48

1:02:48

In this week's podcast, Paddy chats with Steve Selengut, a.k.a The Income Coach about income generation strategies. An interesting and different approach. Steve has accumulated over 40 years of experience as a private investment manager, with a strong focus on increasing the spendable income generated by client portfolios. Today, his role has trans…

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Investment Options in Ireland & What It Says About You! 29:44

1y ago29:44

29:44

In this week's podcast, I talk about investment options in Ireland. There are a bucket-load of investment options in Ireland. It is one of the biggest questions we see and hear from people. Yet, the landscape is fairly straight-forward once we get your head around it. Plus, the route someone will take with their investments is often not led by logi…