Investing in Ireland has always been tricky, particularly for anyone who recently relocated here, and with so many options out there it's hard to realise the benefits of your savings beyond your pension without sound advice.

In this episode of Taxbytes for Expats, I’m joined by Paddy Delaney, founder of Informed Decisions, for the first part of a really practical conversation about financial advice in Ireland. Paddy has spent over 20 years in the financial services world, and he brings a refreshingly honest perspective on how advice is given, where incentives can sit, and why it’s so important to understand who you’re dealing with before you take any financial recommendations on board.

We step through the often-confusing differences between financial advisors, brokers, and financial planners, including how banks fit into the picture and what “independent” advice actually means in practice. This is one of those areas where people assume all advice is the same — and it really isn’t.

Paddy shares real-world examples of why intent, structure, and remuneration matter, and how those factors can directly impact your long-term financial outcomes. We also talk about when you do need financial advice, and when you really don’t. Paddy is an expert on helping you make transparent and informed financial decisions.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. Understanding the Different Types of Financial Advice: We break down the often-confusing distinctions between financial advisors, brokers, planners, and independent firms, and why knowing the difference really matters before taking advice.
2. How Incentives and Commissions Can Shape Advice: Paddy shares real-world insight into how remuneration structures can influence recommendations, highlighting why transparency and client-first intent are so important.
3. Banks as a Source of Financial Advice: We discuss why banks are still a common and accessible starting point for advice in Ireland, along with the limitations that come from being tied to a single provider.
4. When You Actually Need a Financial Planner: This is one of those areas where assumptions creep in, so we talk honestly about who benefits most from paid financial planning and when simple saving habits may be enough.
5. Why Pensions Are the Obvious Starting Point in Ireland: We explore pensions as a tax-efficient investment tool, common issues with underperformance, and why understanding what your pension is doing over the long term is just as important as contributing to it.

Get in touch with Paddy Delaney

1. Website: InformedDecisions.ie
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddy-delaney-qfa-rpa-apa-73778969/
3. Podcast: https://www.informeddecisions.ie/podcasts

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Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or

This episode is Part 2 of Stephanie's conversation with Michele Coleman. For the full conversation, make sure you listen to Part 1 and subscribe to the podcast.

In this episode of Taxbytes for Expats, I’m joined again by Michele Coleman, a valued Expat Taxes client, as she shares the reality of returning to Ireland after decades living in the UK. Michele speaks candidly about what surprised her most, from banking and buying property, to moving her belongings, importing a car, and navigating everyday life back home.

We talk through the practical lessons Michele learned the hard way: why having the right advisers early matters, how UK–Ireland differences can catch people out post-Brexit, and why planning currency transfers, removals, insurance, and car registration properly can save serious stress and cost.

Michele also reflects on the emotional side of returning: resetting routines, rebuilding community, and adjusting expectations when “home” has changed. This conversation hit close to home for me, as my experience moving back from Australia was similar regarding the connection with friends and family when you return to Ireland not for a holiday, but for the long-term.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. Buying Property and Banking on Returning to Ireland: Michele shares her experience navigating Ireland’s stricter banking system, the importance of existing accounts, and how having the right solicitor and advisers made the property purchase run smoothly.
2. Moving Belongings from the UK Post-Brexit: We discuss the realities of international removals, why specialist experience and proper insurance matter, and the costly lessons Michele learned when things went wrong.
3. Importing a Car and Avoiding Unexpected Taxes: Michele outlines what repats need to know about bringing a car from the UK, including registration timelines, exemptions, and the real risk of penalties if the process isn’t followed correctly.
4. Tax Planning Between the UK and Ireland: We cover the importance of understanding double taxation, pensions, capital gains, and investment differences — and why getting tax advice well before the move is essential.
5. Readjusting to Life Back Home: Beyond the logistics, Michele reflects on the emotional and practical side of returning to Ireland, from rebuilding routines and friendships to adjusting expectations about infrastructure and daily life.

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Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct.

*Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct*

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is...

This episode is Part 1 of Stephanie's conversation with Michele Coleman. Make sure you subscribe for Part 2 coming in the next episode.

In this episode I’m joined by one of our lovely clients, Michele Coleman, an Irish woman who left for the UK over 30 years ago to build a brilliant career in teaching and special education, and who has now started the journey home.

Michele shares why she always felt that pull back to Ireland, even while enjoying opportunities in the UK that simply wouldn’t have been available to her here at the time.

We talk about the reality of coming back after decades away – the emotional side as much as the practical. Michele explains what’s different about day-to-day life in Ireland compared to the southeast of England, from pace of life and community to the small interactions that make you feel like you belong. There’s even a mention of how the Irish drive differently!

Michele’s story will give you a very honest feel for what “home” can look like after so many years, and why the pull back to Ireland is so strong despite decades away.

Main Topics:

1. Michele’s Career Journey in the UK: Michele shares how a lack of opportunities in Ireland initially pushed her to the UK, where she built a long, successful career across mainstream and special education.
2. The Emotional Pull of Returning to Ireland: Despite thriving professionally abroad, Michele describes a constant desire to return home, rooted in family, friendships, and a deep cultural connection.
3. Life Transitions and Timing the Move Back: Michele speaks candidly about personal loss, retirement, and the moment she finally decided the time was right to buy a home in Ireland—even making the offer from Spain.
4. Cultural and Lifestyle Differences Between Ireland and the UK: She reflects on the contrast in pace of life, accessibility, commuting, and social interactions, highlighting what feels distinctly Irish versus life in the southeast of England.
5. Belonging, Community, and the Irish “Way of Being”: Michele and Stephanie discuss the everyday warmth, banter, and sense of community that define Irish life—and why those small moments matter so much to returning expats.

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Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct.

*Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct*

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: