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Money Talks

Money Talks

Irish Independent

Business

This is Money Talks - a podcast from the Irish Independent hosted by Katie Byrne, focused on our relationship with money - from the first time we discovered it right up to how we spend it today. Each week, you’ll hear anecdotes, advice, and eyebrow-raising admissions from Katie's guests as they delve into their finances and how it impacts their lives – the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, if that sounds like a show worth investing in, you can follow Money Talks wherever you get your podcasts... new episodes land on Wednesdays.

Episodes

Mortgage rate spikes, airfare increases and soaring fuel prices – how the Iran war could hit your pocket

Mortgage rate spikes, airfare increases and soaring fuel prices – how the Iran war could hit your pocket

Have you been noticing price hikes at the petrol pump? Or perhaps you’re second guessing your travel plans? No matter what your lifestyle is, it seems likely that the ongoing conflict in Iran will impact your household budget. ­ In this episode of Money Talks, Katie Byrne chats with Saoirse Hanley about the many ways – some obvious, others surprising – that events in the Middle East will have a financial ripple effect across the world. ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Saoirse Hanley, Money writer and columnist at the Irish Independent The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19min•Mar 18, 2026
Escaping burnout: ‘I threw up on my way to work out of sheer stress and panic’ 

Escaping burnout: ‘I threw up on my way to work out of sheer stress and panic’ 

A lot of people dream of packing in their corporate job and starting an off-the-grid business adventure, but Rosanna Irwin actually did it, trading in an ultra-demanding tech gig for Samsú, a cabin-based digital detox space in the heart of Irish nature. On this episode of Money Talks, Ms Irwin explains how burnout led to her carving out her own path, how she managed to bootstrap the project, and what she misses from her previous day-to-day job. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Rosanna Irwin The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22min•Mar 11, 2026
Andrew Lynch on Homely, the rent-to-buy startup designed to help ‘quirky’ mortgage cases

Andrew Lynch on Homely, the rent-to-buy startup designed to help ‘quirky’ mortgage cases

When Andrew Lynch moved back to Ireland after a number of years living abroad, coming home and buying a home should have been relatively straightforward. Instead, he found himself among those whose personal circumstances mean they have little hope of buying a home in Ireland today. So began Homely, a company geared towards people who find themselves locked out of buying. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Andrew Lynch ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27min•Mar 4, 2026
Heir Hunting: Maeve Mullin of Finders International Ireland on her unique and rewarding career

Heir Hunting: Maeve Mullin of Finders International Ireland on her unique and rewarding career

Have you ever needed to track down a long-lost relative for inheritance purposes? If you have, you’ll know that it’s not the easiest job in the world. Thankfully, for people like you, it’s one that Maeve Mullin, Director of Finders International Ireland, has mastered. In this episode of Money Talks, Katie Byrne chats with Mullin about her unusual line of work and asks: how does one become an heir hunter, what does an average week look like and how do people react when they learn that they might be entitled to a surprise windfall? Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Maeve Mullin, Director of Finders International Ireland The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24min•Feb 25, 2026
‘The art of the possible’ – Martina Hennessy on getting a mortgage over 40

‘The art of the possible’ – Martina Hennessy on getting a mortgage over 40

With people embarking on major life events that little bit later, the idea of taking out a mortgage in your 40s is becoming increasingly common. In fact, Martina Hennessy of Doddl.ie has worked with clients who are a decade older than that. But what are the potential pitfalls, long-term implications and difficulties involved in securing a mortgage in your 40s and beyond? ­ Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Martina Hennessy (Doddl.ie) The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25min•Feb 18, 2026
“The forehead doesn’t age on its own”: Liz Dwyer on a holistic approach to Botox budgeting 

“The forehead doesn’t age on its own”: Liz Dwyer on a holistic approach to Botox budgeting 

Liz Dwyer is a familiar face to those interested in Ireland’s aesthetic economy, and hers is also a face that’s no stranger to a needle, a nip or tweakment. It’s all in pursuit of knowledge for the Future Beauty Show, an annual event co-founded by Dwyer and her sister Nikki. Their goal? To educate Irish consumers on the cost and effectiveness of treatments offered by Ireland’s ever-growing cosmetic industry. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Liz Dwyer of the Future Beauty Show The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20min•Feb 11, 2026
‘The day we got back to zero was one of the best days of my life’ – Kel Galavan on climbing out of negative equity and learning to invest

‘The day we got back to zero was one of the best days of my life’ – Kel Galavan on climbing out of negative equity and learning to invest

Today, Kel Galavan is a popular money coach and author, but 10 years ago, her financial situation was far from perfect. Having climbed out of negative equity and saved over €27,000 during a no-spend year, Ms Galavan is living proof we can overcome even the most trying financial situations. She also knows a thing or two about investing and the rookie mistakes that beginner investors tend to make. But what is it about our own specific Irish nature that affects our relationship with investing? Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Kel Galavan, aka Mrs Smart Money The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30min•Feb 4, 2026
“ Nothing grows in the comfort zone”: Dan Malone on making your savings work for you

“ Nothing grows in the comfort zone”: Dan Malone on making your savings work for you

Interest rates in Irish legacy banks aren't particularly enticing for savers, so are there other avenues that will get you more bang for your buck? Dan Malone is a regular contributor to Indo Money, a qualified financial adviser and accountant and he has just launched Honest.ie. He’s here to tell us how and why we need to pay attention to financial literacy. His goal is to offer unbiased advice on savings and investments in Ireland and to improve on the generally poor levels of financial literacy he sees here. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Dan Malone of Honest.ie The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28min•Jan 28, 2026
‘I start saving in February for next Christmas’: Irish Budgeting Mammy on her savings journey 

‘I start saving in February for next Christmas’: Irish Budgeting Mammy on her savings journey 

We’re into the January crunch now, and chances are you’re counting the days, hours and minutes until payday. It’s a familiar problem, but does it always have to be like this? When it comes to hard times, Ann-Marie Gaynor walked the walk before she talked the talk. You may recognise her by her online “Irish Budgeting Mammy” handle, where she teaches others how to take control of their finances. On this episode, she takes us through her savings journey. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Ann-Marie Gaynor The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25min•Jan 21, 2026
“Forget loyalty”: How you could save thousands by switching your service providers  

“Forget loyalty”: How you could save thousands by switching your service providers  

We often hear that switching to a different service provider can save you hundreds, if not thousands. And yet, many people are reluctant to make the move. Is it the effort? The research required? The mere thought of it? Or are we just stubbornly set in our ways? On this episode of Money Talks, we look at how to go about making the big switch. ­ Host: Katie Byrne. Guests: Charlie Weston and Sinéad Ryan ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
35min•Jan 14, 2026
‘If you can’t afford to buy it twice, you can’t afford to buy it’: Getting to grips with debt in 2026

‘If you can’t afford to buy it twice, you can’t afford to buy it’: Getting to grips with debt in 2026

As the new year gets underway, how do we get our heads together and manage our money, particularly if we find ourselves in a state of difficult debt? Not to mention all the natural anxieties that accompany it. On this episode, we look at one person’s tricky experience with debt and examine how it speaks to universal issues, learning curves and the argument that if you can’t afford to buy it twice, you can’t afford it at all. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Eoin McGee The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26min•Jan 7, 2026
“Get uncomfortable with it”: How to conquer your new year money resolutions 

“Get uncomfortable with it”: How to conquer your new year money resolutions 

It’s that time of year again, in that it’s time for a brand-new year and all the guaranteed positive life changes that will definitely come with it. Even if you don’t believe in the concept of calendar-bound resolutions, it’s human nature to try and get our house in order. So, what does that mean for your bank balance? When is the best time to start properly looking at your finances? And are fewer takeaway coffees really the answer? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Cian Carolan The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28min•Dec 31, 2025
‘Fairytale of New York’ and the commerce of Christmas songs – how much money do they make?

‘Fairytale of New York’ and the commerce of Christmas songs – how much money do they make?

Merry Xmas Everybody, Fairytale of New York, and of course Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You - genuinely iconic Christmas songs, all, but how much cash do they rake in, who gets the money and why have we not had any newly profitable festive smashes in recent years? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: John Meagher The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20min•Dec 24, 2025
“There is a grief there”: Eoin McGee on how winning the Lotto changes lives forever

“There is a grief there”: Eoin McGee on how winning the Lotto changes lives forever

Congratulations, you've won the Lotto. Now, what exactly do you do next? One of the most important things a new winner will do is sit down and speak with a financial planner to guide them through the process – after all, the life they knew is forever changed. One such planner is Eoin McGee, founder of Prosperous Financial Services, who visits the Money Talks studio this week to pull back the curtain on the admin of cashing in a golden ticket, and the perhaps unexpected existential pressures that come with it. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Eoin McGee The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31min•Dec 17, 2025
The biggest financial fights of Christmas - and how to avoid them

The biggest financial fights of Christmas - and how to avoid them

’Tis the season for giving, goodwill and some gruelling financial headaches that can lead to heated arguments. There is rarely a good time for a row, but surely we all want Christmas to be full of joy and free of stress. So what are the biggest money-related fights of the festive season? And how can you avoid them altogether? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Maxine Walsh The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20min•Dec 10, 2025
Fly In, Fly Out: ‘I made $141,000 in nine months - and had two months off at Christmas’ 

Fly In, Fly Out: ‘I made $141,000 in nine months - and had two months off at Christmas’ 

Fly In, Fly Out – or ‘FIFO’ for short – is all about taking up temporary employment in a remote location where the demands are extremely intense, but the rewards are hugely lucrative. It’s not for everyone and valid questions have been raised about safety. For Irishman occasionally abroad Cal McIlwaine, FIFO has become a way of life. On this episode of Money Talks, he breaks down his FIFO journey, the hard hours and the big-money payoffs. ­ Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Cal McIlwaine ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33min•Dec 3, 2025
Crime World’s Nicola Tallant: ‘There’s no insurance policy – if a criminal is shot dead, their family is left with nothing'

Crime World’s Nicola Tallant: ‘There’s no insurance policy – if a criminal is shot dead, their family is left with nothing'

SundayWorld.com is getting a new look by rebranding to CrimeWorld.com - your inside track on Ireland’s criminal underworld. To mark the occasion, acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Nicola Tallant visits the Money Talks studio to talk through her relationship with money while also shining the spotlight on the high-wire finances of crime – from lavish spends to deep regrets to incredible danger. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Nicola Tallant The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32min•Nov 26, 2025
Are you wealthy or affluent? How to spot the difference

Are you wealthy or affluent? How to spot the difference

Do you consider yourself wealthy or affluent? Do you know the differences between the two? Does it all come down to human nature? On this episode of Money Talks, host Katie Byrne is joined by Irish Independent personal finance columnist Sinéad Ryan to examine the financial divide between the people who look like they have it and those who actually do. ­ Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Sinéad Ryan ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23min•Nov 19, 2025
‘Money makes money’ – how to invest your child benefit with Sinead Ryan

‘Money makes money’ – how to invest your child benefit with Sinead Ryan

Child benefit is one of Ireland’s few universal payments, but how you use that €140 a month could change your child’s future. Financial expert Sinead Ryan joins Katie Byrne to break down the smartest approaches to saving or investing it, from deposit accounts to managed funds and compound growth. Whether you’re starting on day one or your child’s already in secondary school, it’s not too late to build a meaningful nest egg. Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Sinead Ryan ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21min•Nov 12, 2025
Helen Steele: ‘In 2014, when my investors pulled out, I was broke...  I had also started going down the route of separation, so I was extremely broke’ 

Helen Steele: ‘In 2014, when my investors pulled out, I was broke...  I had also started going down the route of separation, so I was extremely broke’ 

Warned at a young age that the art world was unlikely to yield much fortune, Helen Steele nonetheless committed to her dream and adopted a fearless approach that led to success and acclaim. On this episode of Money Talks, she paints a picture of a most vivid life; from dazzling career highs to personal and professional lows, including her struggles with ADHD and marriage separation. ­ Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Helen Steele ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36min•Nov 5, 2025