Entering the Irish property market in 2026 requires navigating a landscape of stabilising interest rates. This guide provides the essential updates for your home-buying journey for 2026.   What are the Central Bank mortgage lending rules? Understanding the Central Bank mortgage lending rules is essential for anyone planning on taking out a mortgage and buying a home in 2026. These lending rules were introduced by the Central Bank to encourage prudent borrowing & to protect th

5 Things To Review Before The New Year As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to give your finances a quick, health check and ensure everything is still aligned with your goals. This annual review is not about overhauling your strategy, but making sure your existing pensions, insurance, and mortgages remain on track for 2026 . A little time spent now can prevent a lot of stress later. Use this practical, easy-to-follow guide to cover the essential elements of you

Congratulations, you've received your mortgage approval! However, if you're buying a home in Ireland, that's just the first step. We’re often asked about other associated costs with buying a home. Here's a breakdown of the extra expenses to be factored in. Stamp duty increases on high-value properties Following Budget 2025, stamp duty rates have increased, with a new 6% rate introduced for properties valued over €1.5 million. ·        Up to €1 million:  1%. ·        €1 millio

Choosing the right type of insurance can feel overwhelming. Personal accident cover and income protection are two options designed to protect you financially when you're unable to work due to injury or illness. But what exactly are the differences, and which one suits your needs best? Let's break it down in this blog post. What is Income Protection? What is Income Protection Income protection is designed to replace a portion of your income (up to 75%) if you're unable to work

An ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) gives you more control over how your retirement fund is managed. An ARF allows you to remain invested in the market with the ability to control your investment and take a flexible income in retirement An ARF allows you to keep your pension savings invested as a lump sum after you retire. Instead of converting your pension fund into an annuity (a set monthly payment), an ARF gives you the flexibility to keep more control over your funds. It's

When you are planning your retirement as a business owner or a director, there are two options that may be particularly relevant to you....

Paying off your mortgage early can be a great financial goal to have, but is it the right move for you? Before making a decision, you...

Auto-enrolment (AE) is  a new pension savings scheme set to start in Ireland on 1 st January 2026 for certain employees who are not...

Inheritance tax is usually something that people forget about until it’s too late and it often comes as a shock during a time of...

There are so many different variations of insurance out there, so it can get confusing trying to figure out which exactly you need. Many...

Many casual or social smokers would not consider themselves as real smokers. A casual smoker is someone who might have a sneaky cigarette...

For many parents, ensuring their children's or grandchildren's financial security is a top priority. The question often arises: how can...

Unlocking the Benefits of a Section 73 Savings Policy When planning for the future, having a solid savings strategy is essential. One...

Week after week, the income you earn goes to pay for your rent or mortgage, your bills, your car, your children's education, and care....

As a financial broker, we understand the unique challenges faced by small firms, especially those established as private companies....

FAQ’s Is Income Protection worth having? Income Protection is essential for ensuring financial stability should you become ill or...

What are the Central Bank mortgage lending rules? Understanding the Central Bank mortgage lending rules is essential for anyone planning...

Your answers to these questions will determine if they are!   How much debt do you have? Do you have an emergency fund in place? How much...

A Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) is a highly beneficial and tax effective retirement plan which allows you to retire...

If you’re in the process of buying your first home, you’re probably in the thick of mortgage lending rules, solicitor’s fees, surveys and...