Most people’s first experience of savings is putting a little aside into An Post, the credit union or on deposit with the local bank. These are good safe places to keep your money in the short term. However, the rate of interest paid is generally very low, which can mean your money won’t keep pace with inflation over time. Regular savings plans are very flexible you can make regular or lump sum investments and you can stop, start, reduce or increase your savings to suit you. The term is open ended and you can save for as long as you like depending on your individual goals. You choose where your money is invested. This type of financial planning is essential for the future, both to achieve your goals and to take action against financial pressure in the future
Investors share a common objective – they want to achieve the best return on their money. For the inexperienced investor, the world of investment can be a daunting place – with the choice to invest in various asset classes; Equities, Government Bonds, Cash, Property and Commodities. Where do you start? Our investment planning process helps ensure you make investment decisions which fit your own risk profile. We go through all of the options available to you to ensure your money is invested wisely and safely.
The reintroduction of university fees is a topical issue at present. Parents are looking for ways to have the necessary finances available in advance. Saving regularly as early as possible relieves the burden of having to try and find the money each year to fund school/university fee’s.
The average undergraduate fee for UCD in 2014 is €2,981* (Source: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/undergraduate2014.html)
These fee’s are likely to increase in the future, prudent financial planning in advance of children starting third level courses is a must for families.
It is always advisable to have access to a sufficient deposit fund, as a financial safety net, in case of emergency and unforeseen financial setbacks. There are a number of key factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate deposit account for your cash. Obviously the rate of return is crucial. However, so too are the security, accessibility and quality of expertise and advice you receive. We constantly research the deposit market in order to provide you with a comprehensive analysis, ensuring your portfolio is optimised to provide the best return for you
With the increases in Capital acquisition taxes over the last number of years and the reduction in the gift thresholds there is a growing need for inheritance tax planning to ensure wealth gets passed to the next generation in the most tax efficient way. Capital Acquisitions Tax / Gift Tax legislation allows for an exemption from Gift Tax for the first €3,000* of any gift taken by a beneficiary from any one ‘donor’. What this means is that a beneficiary can receive up to €3,000 tax free in any one year from any donor, or even multiple donors, and this gift will not impact on their appropriate Group tax free threshold this is known as Section 73 relief.
*Information correct as at 10/07/2014. Source : http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/cat/leaflets/cat1.html
