SAL Chief Executive John Blackwood and Alan Grant invite you to join them as they take a deep dive into the private rental sector in Scotland. Each month, they will discuss all the big issues impacting landlords, giving you the inside track on policy and legislation changes and empowering Scotland's private rented sector. Landlord Voice is a podcast by the Scottish Association of Landlords, produced in partnership with Alan Grant Communications and Mallard Productions. Questions, comments or ...
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Private Rental Sector Podcasts
Welcome to Aqua Talks, the podcast where marketing meets bold, game-changing ideas. From state and federal government campaigns to industries spanning the private sector, we delve into the art and science of cutting through the noise, capturing attention, and building meaningful, profitable connections. Join visionary host Larry Aldrich, with decades of expertise in multi-industry marketing, and Mady Dudley, a PR professional renowned for crafting engaging, results-driven campaigns. Together ...
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Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast
Paddy Delaney (Parent, Educator, Qualified Planner & Executive Coach)
Take control of your financial future by joining us on Ireland's Independent & award-winning Investment & Retirement Planning Podcast, with Paddy Delaney (QFA RPA APA). Join Paddy & guests as they cut through the noise, nonsense and smoke-n-mirrors of financial services in Ireland. We want you to avoid costly mistakes and to make informed financial decisions in your investments and retirement planning. Paddy Delaney QFA RPA APA
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Join property expert Ed Mead, Co-Founder of Viewber, as he shares insider insights on the property market. Tune in for expert opinions, the latest market trends, and in-depth discussions on major industry changes with Ed and his guests.
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Investments in 2025 & 'It Takes A Village'
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16:54Welcome 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
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40:32In 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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Ep 33 - Behind the Scenes at Coastal Creative: From LED Volumes to Pokémon Cards
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22:12This podcast revolves around the innovative capabilities of Coastal Creative, a multifaceted production studio that exemplifies the intersection of marketing and creative media. We, your hosts, Larry Aldrich and Maddie Dudley, engage with Zach Moore, the president of Coastal Creative, to delve into the intricacies of their diverse offerings, which …
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Ep 32 - Building Resilient Workforces: Strategies for Success
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25:28In this episode we get into the pivotal role of marketing in workforce development and recruitment, particularly within the public sector. We engage in a profound discussion with Jackie Krick, the CEO and Founder of ECU Communications, who expounds upon her journey in strategic marketing and her commitment to empowering communities. Jackie articula…
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Should I Invest In Dividend Stocks To Generate Income?
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29:28In 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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Ep 31 - From Influencer Insights to Authentic Storytelling
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26:44The discussion in this podcast episode centers on the transformative nature of storytelling within the realms of food and travel blogging. Our esteemed guest, Andrea Updike, elucidates the essentiality of infusing personal narratives into one's content, particularly in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and generic recipes. She emphasizes …
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Drawing Tax Efficient Income From PRSA or ARF In Your 50's
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25:15This 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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Looking Back and Forward: Landlord Voice's Year in Review for 2025
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35:09In this festive episode, hosts John and Alan look back at what 2025 has meant for Scotland's landlords. The guys dig into the Housing Act, the appointment of Scotland's new Cabinet Secretary for Housing, and Scottish Letting Day, among other topics and discuss what 2026 may have in store for the private rented sector. Landlord Voice is a podcast by…
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Ep 30 - Telling the Story: Finding True Connection to your Audience
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26:56The primary discourse of this podcast episode centers on the vital importance of authentic human connection within the realm of marketing, particularly in the face of advancing technological trends such as artificial intelligence. As we engage with our distinguished guest, David Dees, a seasoned copywriter and brand storyteller, we delve into the n…
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Markets Are High...Should I Jump To Cash, Out Of Equities?
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38:56Is 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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Ep 29 Exploring the Transformative Power of Sports Tourism
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58:03This podcast episode revolves around the ever evolving and increasing trend of sports tourism and its transformative impact on destinations, particularly in Florida. Larry and Mady delve into the art and science of capturing attention within this dynamic field with Sean Doherty, Tourism Executive Director and Sean Walter, Sales/Sports Business Deve…
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The Financial Freedom of Getting Kids Off The Books!
26:19
26:19
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26:19Many 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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Ep 28 Discovering the Power of Community with Visit St. Pete Clearwater
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1:08:04Our discussion centers around the innovative marketing strategies employed by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, particularly in the context of revitalizing the area's image and attracting diverse visitors. Joining us is Oliver Kugler, the Community Relations Manager, who shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of tourism and marketing within …
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The Real Cost & Value of Financial Advice in Ireland
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31:11You'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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In this special episode, regular hosts John Blackwood and Alan Grant introduce the full recording of the political party debate that took place at SAL's annual Scottish Letting Day conference. Hosted by the BBC's Stephen Jardine, the debate sees members from most of Scotland's political parties take on the issues that matter to the private rented s…
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Annuity vs ARF: What's Best for a €1 Million Pension Pot in Ireland?
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38:14If 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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Ep 27 The Intersection of Marketing and Spooky Experiences in Travel
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23:08This discussion centers on the significance of seasonal tourism, particularly emphasizing the economic benefits derived from Halloween-themed events and attractions. We delve into the multifaceted nature of haunted tourism, exploring its capacity to enhance local economies through increased visitor numbers and engagement with unique cultural experi…
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How To Invest Your Pension at 50 (Make €1m extra in 10 years!?)
28:19
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28:19In 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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Ep 26 Engaging the Next Generation: The Student Travel Group's Unique Approach
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30:30This episode dives into the transformative impact of travel on young individuals, particularly through the lens of the Student Travel Group, founded by Matthew Wade. Our discourse delves into the essence of fostering authentic experiences that transcend conventional tourism, as Matthew shares his mission to inspire students to embrace travel and cu…
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Unregulated Investments in Ireland: Fees, Lessons & What to Avoid
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31:11In 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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Ep 25 Insights from the 2025 Destinations International Conference - Chicago
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Why is training so important in Scotland's private rented sector?
42:34
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42:34By Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL)
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Don't Be The Magpie, And Achieve Better Investment Returns
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26:48In 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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Ep 24 Understanding the Algorithmic Traveler: Personalization in E-Tourism
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43:45This episode covers the intricate relationship between consumer behavior and the evolving landscape of travel marketing, articulated through the lens of algorithmic insights. Larry and Chip (sitting in for normal co-host Mady Dudley) engage in a profound discussion with Seraj Bharwani from Illumin, who possesses a wealth of knowledge in the realms …
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Why Retirement Costs More Than We Think or Hope!
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26:31Would 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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Ep 23 Connecting with Travelers: Insights from Tourism Research
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30:31This podcast episode introduces the pivotal concept of "JOMO travel," or the joy of missing out, as a counterbalance to the prevailing fear of missing out (FOMO) in contemporary society. Our esteemed guest, Joseph St. Germain, Ph.D., president of Downs and St. Germain Research, expounds upon the significance of relaxation in travel amidst an increa…
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EP 22 Lift, Partnerships and Evolution in Destination Marketing with Industry Veteran Alfredo Gonzalez
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31:09This podcast episode dives into the transformative dynamics within the travel industry, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts. Our guest, Alfredo Gonzalez, draws upon his four decades of experience in the realm of travel and tourism, offering valuable insights into the evolution of marketing strategies and th…
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Hosts John Blackwood and Alan Grant return for a new edition of Landlord Voice. The Scottish Parliament is still in recess but there is still lots to talk about, including a controversy at Westminster. In this month's episode, John and Alan are joined by Richard from Zoopla to provide his insight into how rents work in Scotland and how they compare…
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The Most Dangerous Day in Retirement with Dan Haylett
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53:39In 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??
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30:27In 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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Ep 21 The Unsilent Partner: A Journey Through Business Success with CFO Nate Echols
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34:44In this episode of Aqua Talks, we dive into the real-world impact of strong leadership in business with our guest, Nate Echols—a seasoned financial officer known for helping organizations turn the corner from deficit to profitability. Nate shares lessons from his own journey, emphasizing the importance of sticking to core business principles, even …
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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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Ep 20 Navigating the Energy Market with EnergyLink's CEO Darren Novich
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17:29In this episode, we explore the unique connection between marketing and the energy industry, spotlighting insights from Darren Novich, CEO and founder of The EnergyLink, LLC. Darren walks us through his path from energy trading to launching a brokerage focused on helping clients navigate the complexities of energy contracts. We talk about how marke…
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Take 5%, not 4% from my ARF - with Bill Bengen (creator of the 4% rule!)
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38:20Welcome 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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Ep 19 The Future of Florida Tourism: Conservation and Community with Chad Crawford
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38:43This episode takes a thoughtful look at sustainable tourism and what it really means for Florida’s marketing approach. We unpack the often-misunderstood concept of sustainability in tourism—what it is, how it’s measured, and why it matters. Our guest, Emmy award winning director/producer/host Chad Crawford, shares his personal journey as Florida’s …
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What's happening for Scotland's private rented sector while Holyrood is in recess?
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25:06Hosts John Blackwood and Alan Grant return for another edition of Landlord Voice. Holyrood might be in recess, but there's still plenty going on to promote Scotland's private rented sector. This month's episode also features an interview with Safe Deposit Scotland on what they do to keep the sector running smoothly. Landlord Voice is a podcast by t…
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Venture Capital and Private Market Investing with Rob and Scott
1:02:33
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1:02:33In 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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Viewber Client Special: Can Tech Fix Conveyancing? | Ft. Jade Lacey - Director of Partnerships at Viewber
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43:52There’s plenty of industry chatter about what needs to change in the world of conveyancing - the legal side of buying and selling property. But here’s the issue: while most people in the industry speak the lingo, those with the power to demand change often don’t... and are (often unintentionally) kept in the dark. That’s why this conversation betwe…
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Understanding Your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
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36:31If 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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Ep 18 Transformative Marketing: 20 Ways to Win Summer in 90 Days
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29:32Essentially a Part 2 of Episode 17, The conversation evolves into a theme revolving around the strategic methodologies employed for crafting compelling summer marketing campaigns, specifically within the context of the forthcoming 90 days of summer. We, your hosts, Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley, are joined by our social media director, Lexi Floyd-N…
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Flashback to episode 296 - Risk of Ruin...Lifestyle & Default Investment Pension Strategies
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21:30For 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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Ep 17 The Power of Creativity: Elevating Your Brand's Social Media Presence
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20:09The focal point of this podcast episode is the profound impact of creativity and intentionality in social media marketing. Larry Aldrich, Maddie Dudley, and guest Lexi engage in an enlightening discourse on how innovative storytelling and authentic engagement can elevate brand presence and foster genuine connections with audiences. Through a detail…
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Ep 16 Understanding the Impact of Localization in Marketing
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31:21This episode dives into the importance of cross-cultural communication in marketing, all through the unique perspective of Dottie Li, founder and CEO of TransPacific Communications. Co-hosts Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley sit down with Dottie to talk about her incredible journey—from growing up in China with big dreams to becoming a leading voice in…
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What Màiri McAllan’s appointment means for the private rented sector.
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37:40Hosts Alan Grant and John Blackwood return with a second episode of Landlord Voice. With a new housing minister in post, John and Alan dig into what Màiri McAllan’s appointment means for the private rented sector in Scotland and what landlords can expect from her. In a first for the show, our hosts are also joined by SAL’s Policy Manager, Caroline …
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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
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57:05In 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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Ep 15 Press Training Basics with Aqua's Mady Dudley
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17:40The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the critical importance of media training in effectively conveying messages to various audiences. We, your hosts Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley, delve into the multifaceted aspects of media training, elucidating its value for individuals across diverse industries. We emphasize that media inte…
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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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Ep 14 Travel Influencer Marketing with guest Alana Zusis | @alanainwanderland
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39:31This podcast episode delves into the intricate dynamics of influencer marketing, emphasizing the paramount importance of authenticity and connection within the travel sector. We explore how digital content creation, particularly through photography and videography, serves as a vital conduit for fostering genuine connections between brands and their…
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Saving & Gifting to Kids in Ireland? Doing it Wrong Costs Thousands in Tax
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23:08In 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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