Better With Money

How to ‘win’ at mortgages – fortnightly payments, green mortgages and reducing loan-to-value ratio

Can changing your mortgage to a fortnightly payment plan save you money and reduce the overall term? Will striving to get your loan-to-value ratio down unlock the best interest rates? And how can you even go about that anyway? These questions and more are answered by Cian Carolan, MD of DNG Financial Services in this second episode of mortgage strategising. It’s all about finding a way to pay down that mortgage as quickly and painlessly as possible. Cian also explains what to consider if you’re rolling off a fixed-term rate cycle this year, and answers a question about how easy (or not!) it is for separating couples to buy each other out.   This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.   If you missed last week's episode you can listen to it here [https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/should-you-try-to-overpay-your-mortgage-or-invest-instead/], or scroll back one episode in the Better with Money feed.   Presented by Aideen Finnegan. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Should you try and overpay your mortgage or invest instead?

What are the fastest and least painful ways of paying off your mortgage? Should you overpay, if you can? Or should you use any extra money to invest instead? What about switching - how much can it save you, really? These are the types of questions we're putting to Cian Carolan, financial planner and managing director of DNG Financial Services. In this episode we discuss affordability and why it's crucial to consider motivations and wider financial planning before calling your lender. Cian also explains fixed and variable mortgage rates, how much they are expected to increase this year and options like split rates where you you fix on a portion of the loan but pay variable on the other. This episode is more relevant to current mortgage-holders. Those looking to get a home loan for the first time should check out this earlier episode of Better with Money. [https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/in-a-bidding-war-this-expert-shares-insider-knowledge-that-could-help-secure-that-property/] This episode is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Presented by Aideen Finnegan ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

I’ve helped people clear debt for 30 years. Here’s how to tackle it.

Whether it's a few hundred euro on a credit card that you just can't manage to clear, or if you have fallen behind on your mortgage repayments due to an unforeseen life event - if debt is keeping you awake at night, this is the podcast you need to hear. This conversation with Gwen Harris, regional manager with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service explores practical, step-by-step ways to regain control of your finances - from creating a realistic budget to understanding options like loan consolidation and personal insolvency. Gwen also breaks down popular repayment strategies such as the “snowball” and “avalanche” methods, and highlights how people can maximise their income by claiming entitlements they may not realise they’re eligible for. She also shares advice for families, including why it’s important for parents to have honest conversations about contributions from adult children still living at home, especially during times of financial strain. Plus, Gwen offers simple, practical saving tips that can make a real difference over time. Presented by Aideen Finnegan You can contact MABS in confidence via their web site, call in person to one of their 60 regional offices or phone their helpline on 0818 07 2000. Previous episodes of Better with Money which deal with debt can be found here: ‘How we saved €100k in four years’ [https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/how-we-saved-100k-in-four-years/] ‘I went from €17,000 in debt and jobless to paying off my mortgage early’ [https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/breaking-free-from-debt-i-used-to-see-my-credit-card-limit-as-a-target/] 'I cleared six figures’ worth of debt in Ireland. These are the low-risk ways to invest' [https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/i-cleared-six-figures-worth-of-debt-in-ireland-these-are-the-low-risk-ways-to-invest-that-helped/] Better with Money is for information purposes only and does constitute financial advice ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

'My pension fund has grown by 69% in three and a half years' - here's how to maximise yours

If you have pension anxiety - either because you don't have one yet or because the one you do have won't cut it - this is the episode for you. Sjoerd Bak, a qualified financial adviser and founder of Become a Millionaire [https://www.bamillionaire.com/] explains why pensions should come before any other investing, especially for those worried their retirement fund won’t be enough. Bak shares how a stroke in 2020 prompted him to reassess his finances, simplify his approach, and retrain as an adviser after running workplace “Become a Millionaire” sessions. He explains Ireland’s pension tax relief and argues the tax benefits can’t be beaten by ETFs or stock picking. He urges listeners to track income and spending, log into their pension portal to review fees and asset allocation (especially equity exposure), and focus on consistent, long-term investing. Plus, find out how Freud's pleasure pain theory can help reframe your money mindset. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. This episode is for information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. Check out our previous episode on pensions with assistant business editor Dominic Coyle can be found here [https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/better-with-money/the-ultimate-tax-break-you-need-to-take-advantage-of/]. You can find Sjoerd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoerdbak/]'s guide to pension relief here [https://bamillionaire.kit.com/taxguide] and his finance tracker here [https://bamillionaire.kit.com/tracker]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Flights, car hire and the airport 'golden hour': Conor Pope's guide to holiday spending traps

Wondering how you'll stretch your holiday budget amid uncertainty over rising energy costs and jet fuel supplies? Pricewatch editor Conor Pope has the latest on what the conflict in the Middle East might mean for airline cost-cutting, and why you should take out travel insurance as soon as you book. He also shares the airport spending traps you need to avoid to keep more money in your pocket. (Did you know they try and keep you in the shopping hall for longer by waiting ages to reveal your departure gate?!) There's also advice on navigating the world of car hire (fuel policies, collection windows and filming the car). And Conor recommends looking into the free local activities available in your destination location ahead of time, why you should always pay in local currency and make sure you decline ATM conversions. Staycations may offer better value due to sluggish demand, though Irish weather and costs can result in a Father Ted caravan situation. Presented by Aideen Finnegan ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.