December year end? Now’s the time to boost your company pension

If your company is like most in Ireland, its accounting year ends in December.  And that means now’s the time to think about making a special contribution to your company pension – especially if you’ve experienced a strong trading year. Read on to find out what’s good about topping up a company pension before year … Continued

What does the US election mean for your investments?

US markets make up around two-thirds of the world’s stock markets by value. So the US election on 5 November has global relevance for investors. How will political changes impact the values of equities, bonds, and other assets? The result itself… …is too close to call. Yes, there is some evidence of an emerging ‘Trump … Continued

Standard fund threshold changes: what’s the impact?

The government has announced changes to the lifetime pension cap (also known as the standard fund threshold) in Ireland.  Currently the cap is €2 million, and beyond that, a penalty tax applies. The aim is to make sure the government gets its tax take. (There are some ways to squeeze a bit more below the … Continued

Question of the month: should I sell my apartment?

I am in my early 80s and have owned a two-bed apartment in Dublin city centre for many years now. I’ve never lived there, but some of my children and other family members have used it as a base when attending college and at other times. It has recently been vacated and I’m now trying … Continued

How to make a lump sum contribution to top up your pension

Everything you need to know to make a last-minute pension contribution ahead of the 2023 income tax deadline Making a lump sum pension contribution is a great way to rapidly increase your pension provision and secure your financial future. And now is a great time to top up your pension – sometimes called an Additional … Continued

What do falling interest rates mean for your investments?

Interest rates are finally being cut across developed markets. The European Central Bank met today and cut rates by 0.25% to 3.5%. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut US rates by the same amount, or maybe double, next week. And the Bank of England meets in a week’s time to consider the same question. … Continued