Financial Companion

Of course it would help if the link was actually there 😉 . https://play.acast.com/s/lmfm-11-1-show-podcasts/bd12a776-ba15-4f9e-9b9a-0c517a5b4d7f?fbclid=IwAR3k1d_TNaB48if9KKF7MDtYSGGhp_TXQ4J_YRUhl4vHl9ARqBATp4UF8k4

Here is the link if anyone wants to have a listen, our part starts at 52:21.

Yep, it really is worth taking stock at this time of year and looking back at things you bought for Xmas that you really did not need or is still sitting there or needs to be thrown out. Make a list and keep it safe to remind you next Xmas what not to get.

If it was paid with their state pension, it could be an entitlement for people over 65 such as fuel allowance but without knowing the details, it’s hard to know. It may not be applicable to you if you have not yet reached that stage.

Hi Mags53, sorry I’m only seeing this question now! The biggest advantage in contributing to a pension or PRSA (pension related savings account) is the tax relief on contributions. As you are not in paid employment (I would never refer to it as “non working”) you lose out on this valuable benefit. There are other long term saving options that you…[Read more]

Hi Martina, This is slightly more of a legal issue than a financial one. Usually when someone passes, the first
thing to happen from the estate is debts are cleared. My understanding is that there is no automatic preference
as to paying funeral directors ahead of other debts. Some card companies may have an add on (usually paid for)
that clears…[Read more]

Besides the seasonal opportunities of bargains and essentials, the other way to take the sting out of back to school costs, is to look at your overall budgeting, to see if you can make some helpful changes. A few top tips that might help are:

Carefully study 3 months’ bank statements. Make sure that you can account for every single transaction.…[Read more]

It is perfectly plausible for you to enjoy the festive season, have a few drinks, eat a bit more of what you normally don’t, AND be 2lbs lighter in January than you are now!

This is achieved with a combination of balance and attitude. You don’t have to eat and drink excessively every day of December. If you are being good overall, a day here and…[Read more]

Done! Ah hopefully all the mammies (and daddies) that have got so much help, support and advice over the years will chip in with something small. There’s enough of us on here to hopefully make short work of that!

It’s Mondayyyyyyyyyyyyy!

The day that is most quoted by people who will "Start being good again".

The only time that you should aimto start being good again on Monday, is when it is Monday! Today 😉

Otherwise, what you’re actually doing, is simply naming a point in the future so that you don’t have to deal with it in the present. (This also…[Read more]

So how are people getting on?

If it’s moving slowly but surely in the right direction, that’s great. Keep doing what you’re doing.

If you’ve hit a bit of a sticking point, all it might need is a small change. Perhaps cutting out or down bread. Maybe a glass less of wine when you have a drink, or increasing walking/running a little. Just enough…[Read more]