Money Matters

Read more from the Money Matters series about personal finance and how to manage your money

So, you want children. But can you afford them?

The increased cost of raising children is one of the main reasons why people are having fewer of them, says the World Economic Forum

Do you care if your pension is funding oil companies and weapons makers?

Fossil fuels, fast fashion, deforestation, gambling - do you know where your pension is invested?

Influencers have the power to make you spend more than you probably should

What seems like harmless entertainment can be hard-sell advertising and a problem for your bank balance

Buying a home on your own: Here is how to navigate the perils and pitfalls

More and more home buyers are single. Here are the things to watch for if buying solo

In your 30s? It’s time to get serious about your pension

The power of compounding is key to building a pension pot and it means how long something is invested for is probably more important than how much is invested

A concierge, games rooms, gym and more: benefits of build-to-rent apartments – if you can afford €4,000+ a month

The apartments can be modern and low maintenance but you may have to pay extra for car parking and be tied into a certain utility provider

Are you and your partner financially compatible? Here’s how to protect yourself, and stay in love

Being comfortable with each other’s approach to money before things get serious can save heartache, experts say

The cost of owning a dog: Purchase, licence, dog-sitting, insurance, vets and cremation

The cost of pet food, visits to the vet, a dog licence, and the price of insurance all need to be totted up before you consider getting a dog

Freezing your eggs is expensive, not without risk and comes with no guarantees: here’s how to navigate the market

If you’re thinking of having a baby and want to get your eggs frozen, study the market carefully and bear in mind that success is not guaranteed

Thinking about moving jobs? Here’s how to get the salary you deserve

Interrogating why you want to leave your current job will help you recognise a good offer

The best way to finance a new car

Financing a car purchase means navigating an alphabet soup of credit products

Brianna Parkins: Is a personal loan the right choice for you?

Unsecured loans can be useful, but be wary of the terms and conditions

‘Don’t dream it’s over’: how to move to Australia with a family

Relocating to Australia with a family is manageable but make sure you budget for extra costs

Australia can be tough financially for young Irish workers. Here’s how to navigate money matters down under

Get familiar with rules on tax, the ‘super’, accommodation and costs - and worry less about snakes and spiders

Should you switch your main bank account to Revolut or another digital player?

As people move away from cash, they are using neobanks more and more, but there can be pitfalls

What is house hacking and is it the right move for you?

The popular TikTok trend is a new spin on an age old strategy

Is it really possible to retire early? Look at how you are spending your money

Is it spent on things that actually make us happy or is that Amazon order of junk just holding us back from future happiness

Starting a small business in Ireland in 2024: A rough guide

There are many pitfalls when you strike out on your own: here’s what to think about

How to be smart with your wedding budget, save money and still have the day of your dreams

Simple choices like having the ceremony and reception in the same place eliminate other costs such as hiring cars

A woman’s pension is 35% less than a man’s, on average. Here’s why and what can be done about it

A man’s pension is on average 35 per cent greater than a woman’s - that needs to change

How to avoid the pay-cheque-to-pay-cheque loop in early 2024

Four money experts offer their top tips on the money habits we should make, or break, this year

Natural or lab-grown? Cash or card? Buying a diamond engagement ring is a huge decision - and big isn’t always better

Deciding on an engagement ring can be a fraught business. Often it is a person’s first major jewellery purchase, and it’s an incredibly expensive and emotional one

Overwhelmed by your debts? Here’s your first step

There are many free services available to people if they feel overwhelmed about the level of their personal debts

The smart way to spend child benefit payments

Some families are in the fortunate position of being able to put the State’s double child benefit payment on December 5th to work for the long term

Should you try to buy, or keep renting?

The maths say buy a home if you can afford it, but be careful

Pet insurance could save you a fortune, so know your options to care for your furry friend

Without insurance, some owners can spend more than €2,000 per year on their pet’s health

How influencers and others convince you to buy things you do not need

Research shows us we tend to value the prospect of reward now over a greater reward in the future

Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank so start planning now

It’s never too late to get your finances ready for the festive season

Financial planners: What are they and why do you need one?

Surge in inflation makes it easier to get people to understand why you need to take more risk to get reward with your savings

Budget 2024 Q&A: Your mortgage interest relief, tax, pension, education and social welfare questions answered

Dominic Coyle of The Irish Times and Máiread Harbron from PwC answered readers’ questions in our post-budget live blog which has now finished. You can read back on all the questions and answers below.

How to choose a credit card: Beware free flights and cashback offers

Many of us chase credit cards offering optional extras such as airline miles in the hope of cheap flights and lounge access. Is it worth it?

Submitting your tax returns: What mistakes do you need to avoid?

Tax season is approaching for the self-employed and it can become a minefield

Home insurance is vital. Here is how to save money as premiums soar

Attention to detail can help you get more for less on home insurance

When switching mortgage, which is cheaper: existing lender or a different provider?

Seeking professional advice about interest rates before switching your home loan could save you money in the long run

A guide to health insurance for first-timers or under 40s

There are certain things you can do to lessen the pain of choosing a plan

Student finances: The supports that can help reduce the €1,500-a-month costs

Making ends meet as a student is tough so make sure you take full advantage of any perks on offer

AI can help you save, but don’t rely on it to fix your finances

AI and automation help you stay on top of your spending, but not if you aren’t keeping yourself under control

Moving to Australia? Here’s how to make your finances work

Irish migration to Australia is surging once again, but your wallet could be in for a shock if you’re on the move

Brianna Parkins: How to go about financing the purchase of your fixer-upper

Refurbishment grant allows applicants to avail of up to €50,000 but it will only be paid after the owner completes the work

The tax facts you need to know about crypto assets

Many people have invested in crypto currencies without thinking about the tax implications - that could prove to be a costly mistake

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