Investment Advice Ireland

Professional investment advice built around your goals

Investing should begin with a clear purpose.

You may be investing a lump sum, building long term wealth, planning for retirement, creating an income from existing assets or looking for an alternative to leaving money on deposit.

Before choosing an investment, it is important to understand how much risk you are prepared to take, when you may need access to the money and what level of loss you could realistically absorb.

At Dooley Insurance Group, we provide professional investment advice to individuals, families, company directors and business owners across Ireland.

We help you understand the investment options available through our agency appointments, the risks involved, the charges that apply and how each option may fit within your wider financial plan.

Arrange an Investment Consultation

What does an investment adviser do?

An investment adviser assesses your financial circumstances, goals, investment timeframe, access requirements and attitude to risk before recommending an investment strategy.

The process should consider:

• Why you want to invest
• How much you want to invest
• When you may need the money
• Your current savings and investments
• Your income and regular expenditure
• Your emergency savings
• Your ability to absorb investment losses
• Your previous investment experience
• Your tax position
• Your retirement plans
• Your family and financial commitments
• The charges attached to the investment

Investment advice is not about selecting a fund based only on recent performance.

It is about building a suitable strategy that reflects what you want the money to achieve and the level of risk you are genuinely comfortable taking.

Why are you investing?

The right investment approach depends on the purpose behind the money.

People invest for many different reasons, including:

• Building long term wealth
• Planning for retirement
• Creating a future income
• Investing an inheritance
• Investing the proceeds of a business sale
• Saving for children or grandchildren
• Funding future education costs
• Planning a property purchase
• Protecting money against the effects of inflation
• Making better use of surplus cash
• Preparing for a major future expense

A clear objective helps determine the appropriate investment timeframe, level of risk and access requirements.

Without that clarity, it is easy to select an investment that does not suit the reason the money is being invested.

Investing a lump sum in Ireland

Receiving or accumulating a substantial lump sum creates an important financial decision.

The money may have come from:

• An inheritance
• A business sale
• A property sale
• A redundancy payment
• Pension benefits
• Long term savings
• A company distribution
• A legal settlement
• The sale of another investment

Before investing a lump sum, we consider whether any of the money may be needed for short term expenditure, emergencies, tax liabilities or debt repayment.

Not every euro needs to be invested.

Depending on your circumstances, it may be appropriate to retain part of the money in accessible savings while investing another portion for longer term growth.

The investment strategy should reflect your objectives, timeframe and ability to tolerate changes in value.

Regular investment planning

Investing does not always require a large initial lump sum.

A regular investment arrangement allows you to contribute an agreed amount over time. This may suit someone who wants to build long term savings from monthly income.

Before arranging regular contributions, we assess:

• The amount you can afford
• The length of time you intend to invest
• Your existing emergency savings
• Other financial priorities
• Your attitude to risk
• The charges that apply
• Your expected access requirements
• Your long term financial objective

Regular investing should be affordable and sustainable. Contributions should not prevent you from maintaining appropriate emergency savings or meeting essential financial commitments.

Investment risk explained

All investments involve some form of risk.

The value of an investment can rise or fall, and you may receive back less than the amount invested. The level and type of risk will vary between investment funds and asset classes.

Investment risk can include:

• Market risk
• Inflation risk
• Interest rate risk
• Currency risk
• Liquidity risk
• Concentration risk
• Credit risk
• Timing risk
• The risk of withdrawing during a market decline

Taking no investment risk can also have consequences. Money held in cash for a long period may lose purchasing power where the interest earned does not keep pace with inflation.

The objective is not to eliminate every risk. It is to identify which risks are relevant and determine whether they are acceptable within your circumstances.

Understanding your attitude to risk

Your attitude to risk describes how comfortable you feel with the possibility that an investment may fall in value.

However, willingness to take risk is only one part of the assessment.

We also consider your capacity for loss.

Capacity for loss is your financial ability to absorb a decline in investment value without it affecting your standard of living or essential financial plans.

Someone may feel comfortable taking substantial investment risk but may not be in a financial position to withstand a significant loss.

A proper investment assessment considers both your attitude to risk and your ability to absorb potential losses.

Your investment timeframe

The length of time you intend to invest can influence the level of risk that may be appropriate.

Money that may be needed within a short period should not normally be exposed to the same investment risk as money intended for a much longer term.

Your timeframe may be influenced by:

• Your age
• Retirement plans
• Expected major purchases
• Education costs
• Family commitments
• Property plans
• Business plans
• When you expect to begin taking income
• How long the investment needs to last

Your investment strategy should be reviewed as the date at which you need the money gets closer.

Access to your money

Before investing, it is important to understand when and how your money can be accessed.

Some investments may allow withdrawals at any time, while others may contain minimum terms, early withdrawal charges or restrictions.

We will explain:

• How withdrawals work
• How long withdrawals may take
• Whether penalties apply
• Whether a minimum balance is required
• The tax treatment of withdrawals
• The effect a withdrawal may have on the remaining investment
• Whether the investment is suitable for emergency access

Money required for emergencies or short term commitments should generally remain accessible.

Diversification

Diversification means spreading money across different investments rather than relying entirely on one company, market, asset type or geographical region.

A diversified investment portfolio may include exposure to:

• Company shares
• Government and corporate bonds
• Property
• Cash
• Different industries
• Different geographical markets
• Different investment management styles

Diversification does not prevent an investment from falling in value. It can, however, help reduce dependence on the performance of one individual asset or market.

The appropriate level of diversification depends on the amount being invested, the available funds and your overall financial position.

Active and passive investment funds

Investment funds may be managed actively or passively.

An actively managed fund has a fund manager or investment team making decisions about which assets to buy, hold or sell.

A passive fund generally aims to track the performance of a particular market index rather than trying to outperform it through individual investment selection.

Both approaches have advantages, limitations and charges.

The appropriate approach will depend on your investment goals, preferred level of management, risk profile and the options available within the investment product.

Investment charges

Charges can have a significant effect on the value of an investment over time.

Before proceeding, you should understand:

• Initial contribution charges
• Allocation rates
• Annual management charges
• Fund management charges
• Adviser charges
• Policy fees
• Withdrawal charges
• Early encashment penalties
• Performance related fees where applicable
• The potential tax treatment of returns

A lower charge does not automatically make an investment more suitable, but all charges should be clearly explained before a decision is made.

Investment tax in Ireland

The tax treatment of an investment depends on the product, assets, ownership structure and the investor’s personal circumstances.

Possible taxes may include:

• Income Tax
• Capital Gains Tax
• Exit Tax
• Dividend Withholding Tax
• Capital Acquisitions Tax
• Other taxes or levies

Different investment products can be taxed in different ways.

Tax should form part of the investment decision, but it should not be the only reason for selecting a product. Where specialist tax advice is required, we may recommend that you speak with an accountant or tax adviser.

Investment advice for retirement planning

Investments can form an important part of retirement planning, particularly where someone has assets outside a pension.

These investments may be used to:

• Supplement pension income
• Provide access to capital
• Bridge the period before pension benefits become available
• Build an emergency reserve
• Support discretionary retirement spending
• Provide for family members
• Diversify sources of retirement income

As retirement approaches, the level of investment risk and the need for access should be reviewed carefully.

Money needed during the early years of retirement may require a different approach from money intended to remain invested for a longer period.

Investment advice for company directors

Company directors may accumulate personal savings, pension assets, retained profits or proceeds from the sale of a business.

Investment planning for a director should consider:

• Personal and company finances
• Existing pension arrangements
• Business cash flow
• Tax liabilities
• Planned company contributions
• Future business investment
• Personal investment objectives
• Retirement planning
• Business exit strategy
• Family and estate planning

Company funds and personal funds have different legal and tax considerations. Professional financial, accounting and tax advice may be required before money is removed from or invested through a company.

Investment advice for business owners

A business owner may have a significant amount of personal wealth tied to the value of the business.

This creates concentration risk.

If the business experiences difficulty or cannot be sold for the expected value, personal retirement and investment plans may also be affected.

We help business owners consider how personal investments, pensions, savings and protection arrangements can provide greater financial balance outside the business.

Investing an inheritance

An inheritance can create both financial opportunity and pressure to make a quick decision.

Before investing inherited money, it is important to establish:

• Any tax liability
• Whether debt should be repaid
• How much should remain accessible
• Your short and long term goals
• Your existing savings and investments
• Your attitude to risk
• Whether family members depend on the money
• Your future income requirements

There is no requirement to invest immediately. Taking time to understand your position can help prevent unsuitable or rushed decisions.

Investing for children or grandchildren

Parents and grandparents may want to invest money for education, a first home or future financial support.

Before arranging an investment, consideration should be given to:

• Who legally owns the investment
• When the money will be required
• The level of investment risk
• Access to the money
• Tax treatment
• Gift and inheritance rules
• Control of the funds
• The effect of charges

Investment and gifting arrangements should be structured carefully, with tax or legal advice obtained where appropriate.

Our investment advice process

Understanding your financial position

We review your income, expenditure, savings, investments, pensions, debts and financial commitments.

Defining your investment goal

We establish what you want the investment to achieve and when the money may be required.

Assessing risk

We assess both your attitude to investment risk and your financial capacity to absorb potential losses.

Reviewing the available options

We review suitable investment options available through our agency appointments and explain the relevant risks, charges and conditions.

Making a recommendation

Any recommendation is based on the information you provide, your financial objectives and the products available to us.

Ongoing investment reviews

Investments should be reviewed as markets, personal circumstances and financial objectives change.

Why choose Dooley Insurance Group?

Dooley Insurance Group has supported individuals, families and Irish businesses since 1957.

Our financial services team provides advice across investments, pensions, retirement planning, income protection, life assurance and business protection.

This allows us to consider an investment within your complete financial position rather than treating it as a standalone product.

Our financial services team includes Conor Swan, QFA, RPA and SIA, Director, and David Renwick, Senior Financial Consultant.

With offices in Naas, County Kildare and Edenderry, County Offaly, we provide investment advice to clients locally and throughout Ireland.

Investment advice questions

What is the best investment in Ireland?

There is no single best investment for everyone. The most suitable option depends on your goals, timeframe, access requirements, financial position and attitude to risk.

How much money do I need to start investing?

Minimum investment amounts vary between products and providers. The amount invested should be affordable and should not include money required for emergencies or short term expenses.

Can I lose money when investing?

Yes. The value of an investment can fall as well as rise, and you may receive back less than the amount invested.

Should I invest a lump sum all at once?

That depends on your circumstances, market concerns, timeframe and access requirements. Some investors may invest at once, while others may prefer to invest in stages.

Is investing better than leaving money on deposit?

Deposits and investments serve different purposes. Deposits can provide stability and access, while investments may offer growth potential but involve a risk of loss.

How long should I invest for?

The appropriate timeframe depends on the investment and your financial objective. Money needed in the short term may not be suitable for market based investment.

What is a diversified investment?

A diversified investment spreads money across different assets, industries or markets to reduce dependence on one individual investment.

How are investments taxed in Ireland?

Tax treatment depends on the investment product, underlying assets and your circumstances. Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax or Exit Tax may apply.

How often should I review my investments?

Investments should generally be reviewed regularly and whenever your goals, income, family circumstances or access requirements change.

Can I take a regular income from an investment?

Some investments may allow regular withdrawals. The sustainability and tax treatment of those withdrawals will depend on the product, performance, charges and amount withdrawn.

Are investment returns guaranteed?

Investment returns are not normally guaranteed unless a specific guarantee applies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Should I invest or repay my mortgage?

The answer depends on your mortgage interest rate, financial security, access to savings, tax position and attitude to investment risk.

Arrange an investment consultation

A suitable investment should reflect what you want to achieve, when you may need the money and how much risk you can afford to take.

Whether you are investing a lump sum, building long term savings, preparing for retirement or reviewing existing investments, Dooley Insurance Group can help you understand your options.

Contact our financial services team to arrange an investment consultation.

The information on this page is general and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. Investment values can fall as well as rise, and you may receive back less than the amount invested. Investment products, charges and tax treatment may change. Recommendations can only be provided following an assessment of your individual circumstances and the products available through our agency appointments.

Dooley Insurances Ltd t/a Dooley Insurance & Mortgage Brokers and Dooley Insurance Group is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.