Ask About Wealth

If you would like to get in touch with Sean and his team, you can request an introduction here:https://askaboutwealth.ie/professionals/mortgage-brokersIn this episode of the Ask About Wealth Podcast, we break down how the Irish mortgage market really works and what borrowers need to know in 2026.From first-time buyers to switchers and investors, this conversation covers the practical realities behind getting approved, choosing the right lender, and avoiding costly mistakes.In this episode, we discuss:- Why using a mortgage broker can give you access to the full market and better outcomes- The key differences between PAYE, self-employed, and expat mortgage applications- The hidden costs of a mortgage beyond the interest rate (insurance, fees, structure)- When and why you should review or switch your mortgage and how much you could saveWe also explore how lenders assess income, why limited companies can increase borrowing power, and what current market conditions could mean for interest rates. If you have a mortgage, are planning to buy, or simply want to understand how lending really works in Ireland, this episode will give you a clearer picture of your options.

Free Tools, Report & Broker Introduction Here - https://linktr.ee/ask.about.propertyMost Irish property buyers use mortgages but often miss steps that could save money and improve long-term wealth. This episode shares an eight-step checklist that will help you make the right decisions every step of the way.

Book a 1:1 Consultation and Financial Plan with Paul - https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyThis week, Paul sits down with Shane O' Neill from Swissquote to unpack how custody fees quietly erode your wealth, what a transparent trading fee actually looks like, and how a Lombard loan lets you access cash from your portfolio without selling up or triggering a tax bill.

Book a 1:1 Consultation and Financial Plan with Paul - https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyTrust funds separate ownership from control and can help protect young or special-needs beneficiaries, keep assets managed responsibly, and support inheritance-tax planning.The episode compares fixed trusts with discretionary trusts, explains will trusts, and highlights key insights, like capital gains tax on lifetime transfers, CGT uplift on death, and how transferring a home may avoid CGT and affect “Fair Deal” planning.00:00 Trust Funds Explained00:52 Why Use a Trust01:47 Fixed Trust Basics02:58 Special Needs Planning05:29 Fixed Trust Tax Perks06:21 Discretionary Trust08:09 Trustee Incentives Warning09:29 Discretion Benefits10:18 Will Trusts12:09 Cautions and Tax Traps13:11 Home Transfers and Fair Deal14:36 Final Takeaways

Book a 1:1 Consultation & Financial Plan With Paul:https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyIn this episode of the Ask About Wealth Podcast, Paul speaks with Eoghan O’Hara, Country Head for Raisin Ireland. They discuss why Irish household deposits earn very low interest, and the opportunity presented by the EU-wide deposit guarantee protection.

Book a 1:1 Consultation & Financial Plan With Paul:https://askaboutwealth.ie/consultancyIn this episode, we break down why inheritance tax can result in the same wealth being taxed twice, and why doing nothing is often the most expensive option of all.We cover:- Why inheritance tax can wipe out over 33% of a family estate, even after a lifetime of income and capital taxes- The key reasons to consider gifting assets during your lifetime, including protecting today’s thresholds and future growth- How control can be retained using trusts and family partnerships, while still reducing tax- Other powerful planning tools, including familial allowances, exempt assets, and Fair Deal planning