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*

*****

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:

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

In this second part of my chat with Gráinne Convery from the Cronin Group, we get into the real-life bits of relocating to Ireland: the things that don’t always show up on the official checklists but make a huge difference to your day-to-day experience.

From unexpected cultural quirks to the very real challenges of the current rental market, Gráinne explains what regularly catches newcomers off guard and how her team step in to keep stress levels down.

We talk about PPS numbers and opening bank accounts, moving pets, transferring driver’s licences, and even finding the right sports club for the kids. The key thing to note here is that timing matters: engaging services like Gráinne offers early gives you better outcomes, clearer expectations, and a much smoother transition.

Gráinne also shares helpful insight on supporting spouses and partners who often feel the impact of a move most acutely. There's a significant emotional component to moving country that is sometimes missed entirely in the administration of it all.

If you’re planning a move to Ireland, this episode will give you a grounded, realistic view of what to expect and the practical steps that make settling in so much easier.

Main Topics discussed in this Episode:

1. Cultural and Everyday Surprises for Newcomers: Gráinne highlights the small but significant cultural differences in home rental that often catch expats off guard.
2. Settling-In Essentials Beyond Housing and Schooling: We walk through the practical tasks people overlook, from PPS numbers and bank accounts to utilities, driver’s licences, and even extracurricular activities for children.
3. The Rise of Rental Scams and How to Avoid Them: Gráinne explains the very real issue of sophisticated rental scams and why working through a trusted relocation partner provides crucial protection.
4. Supporting the “Trailing Spouse” and the Emotional Side of Relocation: We talk about the often-forgotten partner in a relocation and the importance of having someone to reach out to when navigating a new country feels overwhelming.
5. How the Relocation Process Works Step-by-Step: Gráinne outlines their structured home-search and settlement process, from the first call to move-in day, showing how early engagement leads to a much smoother transition.

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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:

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

Moving to Ireland is exciting, but the practicalities can make or break those first few months and expend all the energy you have.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gráinne Convery of Cronin Group to unpack the real-world relocation hurdles we see every week: the rental market crunch, how to be taken seriously by agents, pet and family considerations, and getting school places sorted without losing your sanity.

We walk through the things you need to secure a home before you land, like virtual home searches, the 40% affordability rule many applicants trip over, and the unspoken realities landlords apply around pets, kids, and bedroom allocations.

On schools, Gráinne explains how we compare curricula, manage waitlists, and steer families toward realistic options—so children settle faster and parents sleep better.

The key thing to note here is planning early. If you understand what agents expect, how affordability is assessed, which developments accept pets, and which schools are actually possible, you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary stress.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. Ireland’s Rental Reality: The housing shortage, agent gatekeeping, and why starting early dramatically improves outcomes.
2. Virtual Home Search: Viewing by video, negotiating on your behalf, handling paperwork, and key collection before you arrive.
3. The 40% Affordability Rule: How many landlords/agents assess rent vs. net income—with examples that catch expats off guard.
4. Pets, Children & Unspoken Landlord Rules: Practical barriers for families and pet owners, and how to target developments where you’ll be considered.
5. School Places & Curriculum Fit: How Cronin supports school searches, manages expectations, and aligns international curricula with Irish options.

Get in touch with Grainne:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grainne-convery-globalmobility/

Email: grainne.convery@croningroup.ie (and mention the podcast when you do!)

Website: https://ireland-relocations.com/

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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:

Buying a home in Ireland can be one of the most exciting and daunting parts of an expat move.

In this episode, I chat with Rob Priestman, Business Development Manager at EBS, who’s been helping people secure mortgages for over 20 years. Rob’s also an ultra-marathon runner, which might explain his stamina for navigating the twists and turns of Ireland’s mortgage market!

We talk through what’s really happening in the market right now and what expats and returning Irish need to know before applying. Rob explains how Central Bank lending rules work in practice, how lenders assess affordability, and what to expect if you’re earning in a foreign currency (including why only 80% of that income is typically taken into account). We also cover practical essentials like getting “mortgage ready,” working with a solicitor or buyer’s agent, and why opening a euro bank account early on can save you trouble later.

The key thing to note here is that every case is different, but Rob’s advice will help you plan ahead and approach the process with confidence. His calm, practical insight is a real reassurance in what can be a complex journey.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. Changes in the Irish Mortgage Market: Rob outlines how lending practices have evolved since the Celtic Tiger years, with Central Bank rules now enforcing stricter loan-to-income and affordability criteria to ensure borrowers can manage repayments.
2. Getting Mortgage-Ready from Abroad: We discuss the practical steps expats should take before applying—understanding costs, securing mortgage approval in advance, and assembling the right professional support team including a solicitor and buyer’s agent.
3. Foreign Income and Currency Considerations: Rob explains how lenders assess non-euro income (typically taking 80% of its value to allow for currency fluctuations) and why having a euro bank account is essential for repayments.
4. Understanding Affordability and Repayment Capacity: We look at how repayment capacity is tested, including why existing overseas rent or mortgage payments must still be included until you return to Ireland—often reducing how much you can initially borrow.
5. Buying vs. Building in Ireland: Rob shares how the process for self-builds mirrors that of a purchase, with extra focus on documentation and costings, and stresses the importance of starting conversations early to make the process smoother.

Get in touch with Rob (and mention the podcast when you do!):

Email: rob.priestman@ebs.ie

Phone: +353 879 037 867

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-priestman-3767277/

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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 2 of Stephanie's conversation with Peter Ferrigno. For the full conversation, make sure you listen to Part 1 before you begin this episode.

In Part 2 of this conversation, I’m joined again by Peter Ferrigno, a UK expat tax veteran (CTA, FCA, CIPD) whose career spans Big Four leadership, immigration and relocation, and hands-on advisory across Europe. Peter has lived the expat life himself—Poland, the Czech Republic, and now Spain—so he understands the human side of cross-border moves as much as the numbers.

We get practical about how residency and citizenship planning intersects with tax. We talk candidly about “Plan B” residencies, why some clients only need clarity rather than action, and where the Ireland–UK rules can be optimised (or tripped over!) if you don’t plan ahead.

We also cover Americans relocating to the UK after the abolition of the remittance basis and how the new foreign income & gains regime can be used in the first four years. Peter shares sensible guardrails for digital nomads (including a risk-based approach to day counting), the difference between income tax and VAT sourcing on remote advice, and why long-range planning needs flexibility when life and legislation change.

The key thing to note here is: if you’re serious about changing tax residence, you actually have to move - company structures alone won’t save you and Peter can be the right person to lean on if you need support.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. Residency and Citizenship Planning at Henley & Partners: Peter explains how tax advice integrates into residency and citizenship planning, especially for clients seeking a “Plan B” residency for flexibility or future relocation options.
2. Cross-Border Planning Between Ireland and the UK: We discuss how careful timing and awareness of residency rules can prevent unintended tax exposure when moving between Ireland and the UK, and why long-term planning needs to stay adaptable.
3. U.S. Citizens Moving to the UK Post-Remittance Basis: Peter outlines the implications for Americans relocating to the UK following the abolition of the remittance basis, and how the UK’s new foreign income and gains regime offers short-term opportunities.
4. Digital Nomads and Global Mobility Challenges: We unpack the realities of digital nomadism—how tax treaties and day-count rules apply when you work remotely across borders, and why a risk-based, practical approach is essential.
5. The Human Side of Expat Tax Advice: Peter reflects on his decades in international tax, sharing why personal connection, empathy, and calm professionalism matter just as much as technical expertise when helping clients navigate major life changes.

Get in touch with Peter Ferrigno:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterferrigno1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter.ferrigno/

Chapters:

1. (00:00) Welcome & Introduction
2. (00:33) How Tax Fits into Residency and Citizenship Planning

This episode is Part 1 of Stephanie's conversation with Peter Ferrigno. Make sure you're subscribed to get Part 2.

In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Ferrigno, an expat tax veteran (CTA, FCA, CIPD) whose career spans Big Four leadership, immigration and relocation, and hands-on advisory across Europe. Peter has lived the expat life himself—Poland, the Czech Republic, and now Spain—so he understands the human side of cross-border moves as much as the numbers.

We unpack what’s driving today’s migration out of the UK (non-dom changes, rising effective rates, inheritance tax exposure), how to compare destination countries in a structured, practical way, and why tax is only one part of the decision. The key thing to note here is that assets, income sources, and lifestyle priorities change the answer—property portfolios, flat-tax regimes (e.g., Italy/Greece), UAE vs. EU trade-offs, temporary non-residence rules on business exits, and the impact of abolished schemes like Portugal’s NHR all feature.

We also talk through Peter’s simple matrix for shortlisting countries, the importance of immigration pathways post-Brexit, and the real-world factors that make or break a move—kids’ schools, spouse integration, social networks. If you’re weighing a relocation to or from Ireland or the UK, this conversation will help you frame the right questions before you act.

Main Topics discussed in this Episode:

1. Peter’s Global Career and Perspective: Peter shares his journey across major firms and countries, shaping his people-focused approach to expat tax and mobility.
2. The UK Exodus and Non-Dom Changes: We unpack why more high-net-worth individuals are leaving the UK and how Ireland and Europe compare.
3. Tax Planning vs. Lifestyle Reality: Relocation isn’t just about tax—family, lifestyle, and emotional fit often decide success abroad.
4. Choosing the Right Destination Country: Peter explains his method for comparing countries based on assets, income, lifestyle, and tax outcomes.
5. Immigration Pathways and Investment Residency: We discuss how residence-by-investment schemes support post-Brexit mobility and tax planning.

Get in touch with Peter Ferrigno:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterferrigno1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter.ferrigno/

Chapters:

1. (00:00) Welcome and Introduction
2. (00:31) Meet Peter Ferrigno of Global Expatriate Tax Services
3. (01:44) How Peter’s Career in Global Tax Began
4. (04:40) Living the Expat Life – Lessons from Abroad
5. (06:01) Why More High-Net-Worth Individuals Are Leaving the UK
6. (09:22) The Real Impact of UK Non-Dom Changes
7. (10:12) How to Choose Where to Move – Tax Isn’t...