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There is wide consensus among economists in a recent poll conducted by Reuters that the ECB will not increase rates this week. Although the consensus is not maintained when predicting rate changes in the future. The details of the poll are contained in an article in the Irish Examiner, see full article here.

This is a link to a stroy in the Irish Times today regarding a “glitch” with the Revenue Online System which led to refunds to tax payers who weren’t due refunds! So thats what happened! I had to ring Revenue to tell them unforntunately I was not due the refund! Click here for the link.

PENSIONS MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PENSION FUND Changes to be put in place in 2014 to reduce the maximum allowable pension fund (the Standard Fund Threshold) in order to reduce the maximum tax relieved pension to €60,000 p.a. ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS Individuals will be allowed a once-off option to withdraw up to 30% of the …

There has been a lot of bad press for pensions in the media over the last number of years. With poor investment manager performance, high charges attached to older schemes and now with the issues surrounding defined benefit schemes it is increasing the publics percerption that pensions are bad! There are a number of reasons …

This is a blog by independent trustee limited. It focuses on the recent OECD review of pensions in Ireland. One of the major points of the blog highlights the difference in the projected deficit for 2010 (as projected in 2007) and the actual deficit that materialised in the social insurance fund for 2010. The deficit …

According to a recent report commissioned by the government (The report was drafted by audit firm KPMG and was completed in June but has yet to be published. source Irish Times). the social insurance fund may not be adequately funded into the future and may have a massive deficit (by 2066) if nothing is done …

This is an article by John Walsh in todays Irish Examiner. It outlines the results of a survey conducted by the Irish Association of Pension Funds. The worrying part is that 62% in the 55-64 age group category said they would be depending on the State for their income. This comes at a time when …

This is an article by Charlie Weston which outlines the reduction in interest rates being offered by the banks on deposit and savings accounts. This was published 18 July 2012. SAVERS who leave cash sitting in a bank account are losing money as banks slash the rates they pay. Experts yesterday warned that unless you …

Todays Connacht Tribune featured a piece on Shane Donnellan achieving his designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ CFP®. The text of the article is copied below. Shane Donnellan of Donnellan & Co, Accountants, Tax Consultants & Financial Advisors has recently received the Prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ designation. CFP® certification is the world’s most widely …

Insurers cannot charge different premiums to men and women because of their gender, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in March 2011. The decision means that women can no longer be charged lower car insurance premiums than men, and the cost of buying a pensions annuity and other products will change. What will this …