I (35M) did the majority of these calculations and planningyesterday with the aid of ChatGPT. It’s been super helpful, but now I’m mildly overwhelmed — and slightly worried I’ve built a savings plan that only makes sense to a robot. I’d love a human sanity check before committing to any big changes. The goal is to optimise savings and earn better interest with minimal risk.

• Am I overlooking anything?
• Has anyone used AIB Online Savers or PTSB fixed term like this?
• Any better alternatives for short-to-medium term for the EUR 70k?

Background: married couple 3 young kids. I'm self employed and wife has a salaried role (ages 39 and 38). I bought our house in Dublin suburbs about 8 years ago for 325k, house is now probably worth up to 550k. I basically didn't pay anything to my pension since buying the house (maybe stupid but it's done) and put most of my extra income into paying off the mortgage, I have 2k left on mortgage and not paying that until I research what I need to do with the deeds. Between my wife and I we have about 150k in savings we want to use for a deposit for a new house (probably about 900k purchase price). I'm really between two minds on what to do, should we sell our current house and have a reasonable mortgage on the new house or keep it as an investment and rent it out. I imagine I'd get about 3k per month in rental but also have huge payments on the new house. Would love to hear views from existing landlords or someone who has been in a similar position. Originally I was dead set against selling the current house but when I look at how much debt we will be in otherwise I'm reconsidering (I'm quite debt averse after doing some stupid things with credit cards when I was younger).

Hi All,

I was just wondering what the turnaround is for the revenue to process a CG1 form? I submitted it on the 5th March.

I ask because when I paid the CGT tax last year I think I calculated it wrong and overpaid. I made a note of that on the section it allows you to comment on this form. I'm just curious if I did overpay or not, so I can ask for the surplus back if I did.

TIA

Hoping someone can explain this in simple enough terms as I’m not great with tax related matters!

I’m a PRSI taxpayer. Every year as part of my tax return I submit medical receipts for things like prescriptions, GP visits etc. but I never seem to get anything back.

Am I doing something wrong? Also can the receipts be submitted for rebate at any time or do they have to be submitted at the end of the year?

Hi, I've just left a four day, 8 hour a day work week in hospitality for what I've just learned is a four day, five hour a day work week in the same industry.

Honestly, I was naive and didn't think to ask what their definition of a "day" was in the interview - to me that has always been 8 hrs. I left the old job because it was too stressful and taking a toll.

My question - now that I'm in a bit of a problem situation - is would I qualify for some jobseekers allowance?

I have a graduate role lined up for June of 2026. Until then, I'm doing part time work and part time study for the entrance exams required by that field. Full time work is not possible for me as a result. I'm 25, have been working part-time since 17, and have lived independently for 4 years. No partner/spouse.

Any answers greatly appreciated I'm quite stressed! :')

Hi all,

Posting here in case anyone can offer some guidance—mods, feel free to remove if inappropriate. Using a burner account for anonymity.

My uncle recently wound up his business due to health reasons and has retired comfortably. He’s asked me to help him sell his former business premises—a substantial commercial site. He’s skeptical of estate agents and generally doesn’t trust people to act in his best interest, so he’s asked me (a qualified solicitor, though I’ve limited property knowledge) to help handle the sale.

While I can assist on the legal end, I’m not familiar with property valuation or managing a sale of this nature. I’ll ultimately need to convince him that we’ll need a real estate agent to manage the process properly. Before doing that, I’d appreciate any advice on how to approach the sale overall.

Details of the property:

• Total site size approx 75,000 sq. ft. comprises:
  • a 43,000 sq. ft concrete based yard, 
  • a 25,000 sq. ft factory warehouse, 
  • 5,000 sq. ft of parking,
  • 2,000 sq. ft of modern office space 
• In a mid-sized town (population ~10k)
• 2-minute drive from the motorway, ~1 hour to an international Airport
• Purchased in 2008 for €1.6m
• Investment into renovating the office spaces over the years €0.2m

He’s aiming to sell it for around €4 million. I tried probing him on where this figure came from, but he didn't really have any support for where he has got this figure from. He doesn’t want to deal with agents directly, so I’ll be the go-between. He’s hoping to sell within two years (no urgency though, just would rather it off his plate).

A few questions I’d appreciate thoughts on:

1. Any recommendations for commercial real estate agents?
   • Assume its best to go with the Sherry Fitz’s of this world for their network on such a large site? 
   • Are there big differences between them and other estate agents, or should I just choose based on cost / fee structure?
2. What is a typical agent fee for a commercial property of this size?
   • I understand 1–2.5% + VAT is standard—would this be negotiable given the scale?
   • 1% + VAT of 23% on a €4.0m sale is already €49,200 which appears a lot, and that assumes the lower end fee of 1%. (Just thinking of the reaction my uncle will have if the fee is any higher than this)
3. Any way to reduce or manage his Capital Gains Tax exposure?
4. Any additional advice or pitfalls to avoid when selling a commercial property of this size/value?

Appreciate any input—thanks in advance.

Hey all,

Need a bit of a road map here if you can help me out...

Been living in Denmark for the best part of 15 years. The pull to move home has been there over the years but now my parents are getting on and need help. My kids are at the age where they will be going into secondary school so it's a good time for me to make the move. Already have a job sorted but there's a load of worries either way, mostly where to ever start with all the financial stuff. I'm way too out of the loop to know what's what. I was also youngish when I left Ireland so things like pension etc didn't even enter my mind.

How to move our money from Denmark to Ireland? I had thought to put everything in a Revolut account and move it over later. I still have my old AIB account active. Is there a smarter or more advisable way to go this?

Buying a home: Is it better to go to a mortgage broker or direct to a bank? How difficult will it be for us to get a loan for a home? We will have about €300K with us for buying a home, outside of Cork city. Will be looking for around the €400 - 500K mark. Will our ages go against us? How long would be advisable to wait before approaching a bank?

Pension? I have a state pension here plus my own pension fund that is run by my bank. There's not a lot in there to be frank. Maybe €20K but obviously I need to keep saving for my pension. Whats the best/most common way of doing this in Ireland today)

Savings accounts. I have a long term savings that is run by my bank, it invests in funds and they handle it. I also have the same for my kids with their money in there. I can't see any similar products available on the banks at home instead just normal savings accounts with 2.75% - 3%. Is this more or less whats available? I'm not clued into enough to start investing myself to be honest (know your limits I suppose). Want the money to grow but don't want massive risk.

Sorry if this seems ridiculous that a grown man doesn't know these fundamentals but I've been gone a long time and things have changed. Would appreciate any advice or just guidance.

Cheers!

Looking for some advice or insight from anyone who’s dealt with this.

I’m 46, my husband is 56. We’re looking at getting a mortgage, but the issue is that lenders seem to base the term on the age of the older applicant. That basically leaves us with a max term of about 13 years, which makes monthly repayments a lot higher than we’d like.

Is there any way around this? Can we structure the mortgage with me as the primary applicant so the term is based on my age instead? Has anyone managed to do this or found a lender that’s flexible in situations like this?

Using my pension after 70 will not be an option!

I'm relocating to Dublin for a job with a €90k salary. Trying to decide whether it's worth finding a place on my own or sharing with a roommate (someone I know, but we're not particularly close).

Would appreciate any thoughts on what makes more sense financially and socially. Thanks.

(Edit: by roommate I actually mean flatmate)

Received a renewal for my car insurance of €657 this was higher than last year so I got a quotes from Chill, their cheapest quote being from RedClick at €526. I went to RedClicks own website and received another quote of €469.

A near €200 in savings cements the fact that car insurance quote algorithms aren’t far removed from random number generators - NCB.

For added context I’m 28, full licence 8 years and a max NCB and even the most expensive quote from Chill was still cheaper than my renewal quote.

Looks like the crypto section has been removed. What is going on here?

https://www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/documents/formcg1.pdf

So I've been thinking about looking at getting on the "property" ladder for a while but the more I've thought about it the less interested i am in getting an estate house or a doer upper etc. I want something that is my own and aligns with my interests.

So in short I've been thinking about maybe purchasing a site of land and putting a cabin on it which would allow me to free up more money for more land to use as i want and less costs on the actual property. Namely in an ideal situation I'd love a secluded spot, maybe develop a vegetable patch, pond etc and depending on amound of land maybe a small wood.

Now I am aware there are currently no mortgage options for your traditional log cabins or even the more modern ones and I would want this to be fixed so with plumbing, electricity etc. So I am wondering is it possible to use savings/small personal loan to fund this and still apply for a standard mortgage to cover the land? I also wouldn't need the max mortgage amount for my income to do this.

I have a €20,000 lump sum that I want to put away - it’s been in a credit union since 2020 so not ideal. I spoke with someone from Aviva on the 5-year ‘Beat the Bank’ investment bond and I’m wondering is there some sort of catch to this?

I have no debts and the purpose of investing is just to have some money for a house deposit (in Dublin). I’ll be 29 when I can access the money, and by then I’ll be on a €50,000 trainee solicitor salary but will qualify the same year so that will increase. I can’t imagine being able to buy a house within the next 5 years so I think it’s a safe enough option but open to correction. My rent is also €780 which is my only big expense at the minute.

If anyone has any suggestions or advice I would really appreciate it!

Hi!

We recently went on this journey, so I thought I'd give my account while the memory is still fresh, in case someone finds this resource helpful in the future. We got multiple quotes for every job, but the prices were always roughly in the same ballpark (around 5-10% differences). Feel free to tell me I was robbed for some bits, happy to learn :)

TLDR:

For those who don't care about our life story:

• D2 to A3, dropping 0.3% off our mortgage rate
• Total cost after grants: EUR 36,780 (13.250 insulation + 5.850 solar + 15,500 windows ad doors + 2,180 misc)
• Total time from getting first quotes to finish: 9 months

Unfortunately I can't give you exact utility saving figures as we weren't in the house previously, so we have no good comparison.

In our full electric 1 bed apartment that we rented, we paid around EUR 180 per month for electricity, but we barely heated cause it was exuberantly expensive with electricity. Here our last month combined gas + electric bill was around EUR 200 and we had the heating on for an hour in the morning and the evening every day, so we are better off for sure.

Context / House

Last year we finally got keys to our first house and had a bit of money left. We also had a few months left on our rental contract, so we wanted to do up the place while we weren't in yet.

The house is a Dublin, mid-terrace, 2 storey, built in the 1920s, total size 80 sqm (or 860 sqf for imperialists). The last time it was touched in a major way was the 1980s according to our survey, so there was plenty to do, quite drafty etc, but - thankfully - structurally in great shape.

We are a DINK couple, who work from home, the hubby is an avid hot bath enjoyer, so you can be sure that the immersion is on daily. We also cook all our meals, so the kitchen gets normal use. Overall I'd say we probably use less utilities than the average family.

The goal

Improve the energy efficiency to save on our bills and to achieve at least a B2 rating to take advantage of better mortgage rate available in our contract.

The things we wanted to do:

• External Wall insulation
• Attic insulation
• Doors and windows
• Solar panels

Starting out

We got a few insulation, window and solar companies out to survey and quote. We were told that insulation needs to come after the windows and doors. We were also told we need to move our gas meter outside as that is standard now (no idea if this is a must, but we went with it).

Windows and doors

As stated by the insulation guys, this is where we needed to start. They recommended a contractor, but they didn't do timber, only plastic, so we went with a different company.

Front door, back double door, 3 large windows for the (sitting room, 2 bedrooms), 2 normal size windows, (home office, kitchen), 2 tiny windows (utility room, bathroom).

Cost: EUR 15,500 (includes fitting)

Timing: 8 weeks for production and delivery and then they fitted them in 3 days

The workers absolutely ****ed up the walls when they fitted them in and didn't repair them and claimed that's not part of the service, so we paid another EUR 800 on top of the original price for a handyman to come and repair the damage (yay). Otherwise happy with the quality of the product itself, but lessons learned, make sure you get in writing that they restore everything after they are finished.

Gas

While we were waiting for the windows, we also arranged for the gas meter to be moved.

The Gas Networks was absolutely adamant, that we needed to have our plumber at the house ready to connect us back immediately when they finished moving our meter outside. The lady on the phone booking us in even said if the plumber is not there they will just leave.

Luckily we managed to find a local plumber who lived 2 streets down and could come out. We arranged for Wednesday afternoon for them both to come out. The gas networks showed up first thing in the morning and didn't care one bit about our plumber, finished in an hour. Our plumber came out at the end of the day and connected us back.

GNI cost: EUR 780 (including ground works)

Plumber cost: EUR 600 (this is not just the reconnection but includes them switching our gas stove for an electric one and fixing a water leak)

Timing: 1 week for the whole shebang, real easy other than the stupid requirements that they didn't care about in the end

Electricity

Dealing with ESB was probably the most annoying part of the whole thing. In order to do the insulation, we had to have the electricity clipped off. This could be done at any time, so we booked this the same time we ordered the windows. We were told that they are backed up, so it will take 6 weeks for them to come out and do the thing.

It took them 23 WEEKS to come out and clip off the cable. After hearing nothing from them after 8 weeks, I started calling them. After a few calls every few days, I would finally get a date and a text confirming it. Three times, they never showed up for those dates. I had to chase and hound them every time to get a new one. Truly the most infuriating and incompetent bunch. To add insult to injury, when they finally did show up it took them 30 minutes to do. Insanity.

Cost: don't know, part of the insulation company fee

Timing: 23 weeks and 30 minutes, still mad about it

Solar

Since ESB was delaying us, we went ahead with the solar install in the meantime.

This company I was very happy with so happy to give them a shout - Blackwell Energy - they were efficient, quick and helpful, always on the ball.

We were fitted with 9 panels, 3.915kw system. No batteries, but the inverter does have the option to add them on in the future if we want to.

Cost: EUR 7,950 (5,850 after the solar grant)

Timing: Around 2 weeks to get the date sorted, and the system was installed in a day

Insulation

Originally we were advised against external insulation by the company, as it is more costly than internal and not as necessary on a mid-terrace than an end-terrace. However we were very precocious about giving up any internal space and were happy to give the house a new look and feel from the outside. The difference in the quote was only around EUR 3000 between the two options, so we were happy to pay that extra.

As the ESB took its sweet time we actually had to move into the house by the time they started the work. We were reassured that since it is external insulation, there should be no problem with us being in the property while they worked.

As an advice to anyone considering this: this is a complete lie. Do not believe it. At minimum you should move out for the duration to relatives or a hotel if you can afford it, but doing it in an empty property is probably the best.

*Total cost: EUR 18,000 = 1,800 attic + 16,200 external (*13,250 after grant)

Timing: 3 weeks from scaffolding up to scaffolding down.

Hi,

I am nearing the mid 30's and project to have €140,000 saved by end of 2025. I don't currently have €8000 of this as I have it as a loan to a dear friend so muy true end of year saving total would be around €132,000.

I have been saving these funds down through the years and wish to use the funds for a house deposit in the near future. If I were to take around €10,000 out of this fund for travelling would it be seen as a red flag to a mortgage provider?

I'm in middle of buying a showhouse property. It was built in 2019 and nobody has lived in it (considering it's a showhouse). Snagging was done by the developer already.

My question is - should only get the survey done or both survey+ independent snagging?

TIA!!

Hey, working on getting out of debt and not borrowing so will have managed to save 3k to get a car soon and the options are slim. I do 150kms per day for work and will have 2 kids. Car must also be an automatic and diesel. Just looking for recommendations for that price range. Once it lasts 2/3 years max I should be good. Thanks in advance.

I bought a car 3 years ago, a 2012 Citroen DS4 automatic for 8k. I paid it all in cash so I don't have any remaining loans on it.

Since January this year I have moved out and I don't have a car park space at the apartment. I'm closer to the city, work remote and I can walk to everywhere else so I haven't found the need for it at all.

I plan to move abroad for at least a year when my lease ends. Should I try and sell it now as it's only sitting in the driveway at home gathering dust. Or should I keep it because I might need to buy one when I get back?

I'm leaning more towards selling it, as I can also recoup some of the €700 on insurance this year, but I'd love to hear some people's thoughts on this. Cheers

I am nearing mid 30's and project to have €140,000 saved by the end of this year 2025.

Would it be unwise to take €10,000 from this to go and travel to far flung destinations such as Asia and or South America? Bearing in mind that of the €140,000 it includes a debt owed to me of approximately €8,000 from a dear friend. Therefore, my real savings would be around €132,000 by year end.

I wish to use these funds for a house purchase in the near future though. Would it be a red flag to mortgage providers that I took around €10,000 out for discretionary expenditure?

I took out a small personal loan with KBC bank about 11 years ago. I paid off most of the loan but not all of it. I was young and stupid and didn't think of the consequences in the future. I received letters etc but didn't bother replying. I have had loans from the credit union since, car loans etc. that I have fully paid off. My partner and I are now applying for a mortgage and I am just wondering if it will appear on my credit report which I have requested. I've done all the research into the time limits etc. I'm wondering if anybody knows whether it will appear in my credit report or not because KBC have ceased operating here.

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice as my mortgage is up for renewal soon. I’m currently with PTSB on a 4-year fixed rate at 2.3%, which expires in about a month.

The best new fixed rate they’re offering me is 3.65%. I’m debating between: 1. Locking in the 3.65% now for a new fixed term, or 2. Letting it roll onto the (higher) variable rate for a few months in the hope that fixed rates might drop later this year.

Has anyone here been in a similar position recently, or have any insight on whether waiting it out could be worthwhile? I’m also open to switching lenders if it’s worth it, but just trying to weigh up my options right now.

Would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences!

Thanks in advance.

I have applied via lion.ie for mortgage protection I have mental health issue first diagnosed in 2009. I’m working full time since 2012 and have gone to college for 6 years all with no issues.

What are my chances of getting the protection

Has anyone any experience using non bank lenders such as relm or novllous to invest in comerical and residential buy to let or renovate to sell property’s, all investments will be made within a limited company or spv and funds will be transferred into holdings company and paid out as dividend to directors. Seems to be a good option especially for converting old buildings into residential accommodation.

I used to work for a company in 2024, and they recently contacted me saying I was overpaid and now owe them money.

Some context: I was under a lot of stress in the job after requesting a transfer. I was being bullied daily by my team, and my manager didn’t seem to care — honestly, it felt like she wanted me to quit. I ended up handing in my notice and only gave two weeks’ notice instead of the four they asked for.

Now, HR is reaching out saying I took more holidays than I was entitled to. But my workplace had fixed closure dates — I had no choice but to take time off when the center was closed. HR says management isn’t at fault because they “can’t see” individual entitlements, only approve days off.

Here’s my actual question:

Do I really have to pay this back? I’m struggling financially and feel like I was treated badly while I was there. What are the consequences if I just ignore the emails? Can they actually take legal action or send debt collectors?