Hello all, I’m seeking some advice on what to do with my savings. I first opened a current account at 16 and have (stupidly) just been chucking my salary into it and spending from the same place for the last 7 years. I’ve finally decided to take charge of organising my personal finances as i have built up €30,000 in savings and I have just been watching it sit there doing nothing. I have already maxed out my pension contributions as my employer offers a good matching scheme, and I plan on opening a savings account (BOI supersaver perhaps) and begin contributing roughly 50% of my monthly salary towards it with the rest going towards regular expenses.

The question lies about what to do with the current €30,000 in savings. If i just shift it into the savings account it seems I’ll be getting near 0% back on it, whereas something like Trading 212 will allow me to transfer the whole amount and leave it as uninvested savings and receive ~4.5% before tax. I know AnPost offer some long term fixed rate options tax free but the appeal of T212 is that it can be withdrawn easily when the time comes to buy a house or upgrade the car. I have some experience with investing (mostly for fun) and I would put some of the savings into a few index funds, but I’m not interested in moving large portions of my savings very often. Any suggestions are welcome, I will also mention i have about €500 in stocks on Revolut but I have heard some horror stories about people losing savings and so on, so I would prefer not to have the majority of my savings there. Thanks in advance!

Thinking back to my parents generation they had to opportunity to buy a starter home in their 20s, upgrade in their 30s and even buy a forever home at 40 as an example.

Will that still be possible for the current and future generations when the gap between salaries and house prices continue to become wider?

If the average cost of a home in Dublin is 400K plus that’s a massive financial commitment.

Hi All,

Recently had MVHR unit installed and noticed a big increase in electricity consumption…. Seems to be driven by the MVHR unit, anyone else experience similar???

During the first 10 years (when the clawback can happen), if I move out and am no longer owner occupied in the apartment, can I rent out the apartment without triggering clawback?

I’m at the contract signing phase of a new-build apartment. My contract says the following:

“Disposal" includes a sale, transfer, assignment, lease for a term exceeding 70 years, declaration of trust or other disposal and Dispose will be construed accordingly but for the avoidance of doubt shall not include a lease of the Apartment (or part of the Apartment) for a term of less than 70 years

My read of that is that it’s actually fine to rent it out, but looking to sanity check. In the meantime, I will check with my solicitor too

I'm 49 and bought my house in 2025. I'd appreciate some feedback, particularly from anyone who has switched fixed-rate products with Bank of Ireland.

Current mortgage:

• Outstanding balance: approximately €283k
• Current fixed rate: 3.90%, expiring August 2027
• Standard monthly repayment: €1,652
• Additional 10% overpayment: €165
• Total monthly payment: €1,817

My property's BER has recently improved to a B rating, so I contacted BOI about switching to a lower EcoSaver fixed rate.

I was quoted:

• 3.15% fixed for four years
• 3.35% fixed for two years

BOI quoted a €0 breakage fee, although I was advised to check this again immediately before submitting the paperwork.

Here's the part I'm particularly interested in.

During the call, the representative confirmed that my existing 10% overpayment arrangement would carry over.

Separately, we discussed whether I could simply continue paying my current total of €1,817 per month after switching to the lower rate.

She confirmed that I could and agreed to arrange this.

What's interesting is that, assuming my standard contractual repayment decreases with the lower interest rate, maintaining €1,817 would mean paying more than 10% above the new standard repayment.

The representative didn't explain exactly how BOI would administer this, but she agreed to maintain the amount.

I'd be interested in hearing:

1. Has anyone switched fixed-rate products with BOI and kept their existing total monthly payment, even where this exceeded the normal 10% overpayment allowance relative to the recalculated repayment?
2. How did BOI administer this? Did they shorten the contractual mortgage term, maintain a higher scheduled repayment, or treat the difference as an overpayment?
3. Were there any restrictions or unexpected charges?
4. Would you favour fixing at 3.15% for four years or 3.35% for two years?

My longer-term goal is to pay off the mortgage closer to age 65 rather than 70.

I've requested the switching paperwork but haven't received or signed anything yet.

Interested in hearing from anyone who's dealt with something similar.

Thanks!

“The reduction, available to those whose homes don’t have a building energy rating of B3 or higher, has been put in place with immediate effect for new and existing customers.”

I am not well versed in investing, the first time I tried there was so many taxes, so much complications and so little returns that I completely gave up.

I am currently sending money to my pension and overpaying yearly my mortgage to reduce the term and pay less interest.

I feel that if I am out of a mortgage in the next 10 years I could slow down, work less hours or part time and not kill myself working to death.

Is this considered a bad strategy?

So basically I defaulted on a debt a few years back (couldn't afford the repayments due to covid and everything was shutdown) so I took the slap on the wrist got a much better job and started the repayments process.

About 18 months ago I fully paid the total debt via DD and didn't receive any updated letters from Cabot, this evening I logged in to my account to see exactly when my final payment was made as. I wanted a ball park figure to see when my credit rating would improve and to my surprise Cabots website said I still owe 2 outstanding payments on the debt... What the fuck, my bank account details are still on the site and I've never missed a payment or received a letter from them after I had completed the payments... Has anyone had any experiences with something similar?

Can anyone give me a clear breakdown of the Revolut plans I can’t find any information ??
Example : Basic = 2.5% to 2,500€ and then 1% after.

I can’t find anything sorry if I’m being stupid. Some people are saying
5k on some plans ? Others are saying 100k ? I’m really confused.. Trying to Calculate is it worth upgrading for the AER on savings. Thanks !!

I am an spanish woman living in Ireland for 2.5 years now, ever since I moved here all my salary has been going to my Spanish bank account (which now I regret so much) I was doing that because eventually I wanted to buy a house in my hometown.

Anyways, I have been looking to get a loan to buy a car. My Spanish bank account said that they can't give it to me because I live in Ireland, so I decided to ask AIB for one, they said that they can't give it to me because I assume of my Spanish IBAN. I still need a loan but I genuinely don't know what to do, yesterday I have opened an account with BOI, but I guess that now I need to wait 3 to 6 months to ask and get a Loan, but I still feel like they will not give it to me. idk. I make 3.5k and I save 1k each month.

I genuinely don't know what to do? Could you give your advice, please? I would like to get the loan as soon as possible.

My five year green rate with AIB is finishing in the next six months. I had it at 2.15% which was excellent. There is around 225,000 left on the mortgage, the house is valued at around 410, 420k.

I'm strongly considering the option of switching over to Avant Mortgages and locking in for 20 years at 3.4%. Is there any opinions on this, first of all? And secondly, is it wise to go through a broker? I noticed that I can't ring them to inquire about information myself, only a broker can do this, but I presume it will cost me more?. also Avant pay 1% of the mortgage back in cash so it should cover solicitor fees etc.

Hi all, I'm planning to self-fund the QFA through IOB starting with QFA Regulation and QFA Investment in the next intake, and since I'm paying out of pocket (no employer sponsorship yet), I'd love to get a head start on the reading before dropping €1,000+ on registration.

Does anyone who recently sat Regulation or Investment (ideally 2025/2026 sittings) have any digital study materials, chapter summaries, sample MCQs, or notes they don't need anymore and wouldn't mind sharing via DM?

Thanks a million!

I have around 10k in some ETFs through revolut and understand the existing tax rate is 38%, it will go down to 35% next year and the 8 year sale rule. I've only had the ETFs less then one year. I don't need the money now. I'm wondering how best to work it so I pay the least tax legally. I wonder will the % of tax need to be paid keep going down. I guess it could go back up at some point as well. Alternatively I could sell when the new investment government account reopens, pay whatever tax is needed and then lump into that account. Any other strategies? I doubt there is some kind of transfer from revolut to new investment account where the new tax rules would apply..? I have 10k in stocks as well in Revolut that is doing is doing reasonably well so I understand one way to work with that is to work with your 1270 tax free amount and offset losses versus gains and stuff.

Hi All, Back in 2005 I got one-off those PTSB Free fees Switcher Accounts and I have never ever paid banking fees. This evening I noted a notification on the App saying I would receive a statement of Fees in October. Ive gotten no correspondence about the introduction of fees and I have never gotten a fee statement or a notification like this. I cant find anything about any changes.

PTSB made attempts to get me to move to fee-paying current accounts but I have never moved.

Does anyone's have one of these accounts and has their been any changes that I haven't been notified of? Thanka

Brand new homeowner. I got the message below from Revenue and don't understand what they're trying to tell me. What do I have to do?

A review of your most recent tax clearance application shows your circumstances have changed in relation to property ownership. Therefore you must submit a new application for tax clearance if still required.

Hi everyone! 😊

I’m a final-year Accounting & Finance student in Ireland, currently working on my dissertation about how social media influences investment decisions.

I’d really appreciate it if you could spare 2–3 minutes to complete my anonymous survey. You don’t need investment experience to participate!

✅ For people born between 1981–1996 and living in Ireland.

🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdku1CFsAD8m-gfz9xFqlrUmyO3UQCmyjK2jrsiZdCDgMGlFw/viewform

Thank you so much for your support! 🙏

My wife is a very good saver and we easily have the recommended emergency funds saved.
However interest rates are pretty bad and I have been suggesting she maxes out her AVCs and was working it out that its like 66% instant interest.

If she puts in 10000, she'll get back 4000.

So 6000 became 10000 instantly which is a 66% increase. Is that correct?

I am 29, earning 70k p/a. I held off on starting a pension (stupid I know), until now. I don't own a house yet so saving a deposit was my priority. I have a decent deposit saved now and want to get a pension sorted. I currently am paying whatever the statutory amount is into my future fund but nothing else. I don't think I can expect any further employer contributions for a private pension. I am sort of at a loss as to where to start. Do I go to a broker? See a financial adviser? Should I hold off on maximising contributions until I have a house bought? Any guidance on where to begin?

(This post is targeted for folks that believe recession is around the corner; please skip if you feel otherwise.)

How are you preparing for the inevitable market collapse?

Anyone cashed out on pension funds and moved their pension from, say, risk 6/7 to a 3/4? Or started building a more significant cash buffer?

I was personally trying to pay off my mortgage asap with a sense of urgency; however, I am in two minds whether it’s better to just keep cash in hand.

Hi All,

I am the executor of my late mother, I sat with my solicitor in a recent meeting and it was proposed that I could buy out one sibling's share of an inherited house to protect another sibling.

The house could be sold at 480k as per a valution I had completed for probate purpose.

Each share is 160k

One sister(30) lives in the house with her son. Myself (26) and the eldest sibling (40F) live outside of the property.

I am 26, with 30k savings with a 45k salary. The middle sibling is working part-time and is a single parent, not on a high salary not able to pay occupancy rent to the other siblings after probate.

The pros are higher equity for a low mortgage cost, but my funds are tied to an asset, preventing myself from buying a place myself.

The only way I have an upside is agreeing to sale the house in a few years and hoping the value of the house continues to go up, receiving 66% of the sale price.

I also suspect giving my sister with her child more time will lead to complications as I dont believe 2/3 ownership gives me the right to sell the property either. And I just want peace haha

The alternative is selling the house, split 3 ways and having a lot of unrest from the middle sibling.

The matter of looking after two much older siblings, the finances and doing right by both has been exhausting. Any advise on this matter would be great as I am not solely driven by money. I just want peace and to in time buy a place of my own, with minimal bad blood.

As it stands the 40 sister would like to buy her own place and is inclinded to push for the sale of the house because it would mean a much lower mortgage on her own property 160k down. She currently doesnt have any real funds saved as a deposit on a house, in her eyest he 160k is what she needs to move on and get her own place.

The 30 sister, would like to stay since it has emotional value and is difficult, as she has explained to me.

I feel conflicted on the sale after probate is completed, the solicitor wants to know if I am interested as to sort deeds, I guess.

Thanks for taking a read,

Interested to hear from the many wise people here what things they did that they found have put them in a good or superior position to others.

EDIT: Urgh, can’t edit title. I’ll fetch my dunce hat.

Hi folks

I’ve just discovered my parents house is not insured.

House was paid off around 12/15 years ago.

I know my dad went through hard times with the recession but they are now looking at selling in the next year or 2 and this came up.

I was taken back that they hadn’t it insured given the obvious risk of something was to happen , but also they live along the coast, while it’s not completely open it’s still alarming.

Structure seems fine, it’s an old house.

Given it wasn’t insured will there be any risk or issue if they were to sell it?

Has anyone put large amounts into raisin ? Plan on putting a decent bit in across one or two banks so I’m covered one the insurance part but just slightly worried. Is there anything to worry about ?