Irish Financial Advice Hub

Get mortgage approval in principle first

Central Bank rules cap borrowing at 4x income for most buyers, know your limit early.

Use the Help to Buy scheme

First-time buyers of new homes can reclaim up to €30,000 in tax paid.

Save the full deposit before applying

10% for first-time buyers, 20% for second-time buyers, under Central Bank rules.

Check the First Home Scheme

A state equity-share scheme that can bridge the gap between your mortgage and the price.

Claim your full tax credits

The personal and PAYE credits are worth €2,000 each in 2026, check your payslip.

Know the USC bands

USC runs from 0.5% to 8% in separate bands, it is charged even where income tax is not.

Use the Small Benefit Exemption

Employers can give up to €1,500 tax-free per year in vouchers or non-cash benefits.

File a tax return if you have extra income

Rental, dividend or side-hustle income must be declared via Revenue myAccount or ROS.

Deposit interest is taxed at 33% DIRT

Compare that to exit tax on funds (41%) before choosing where to save long-term.

State Savings are DIRT-free

An Post state savings products avoid deposit interest retention tax entirely.

Watch the 41% exit tax on funds

Irish-domiciled ETFs and funds are taxed differently to direct shares, know before you invest.

Use compounding early

Even small regular contributions grow significantly over 20-30 years.

Avalanche method saves the most interest

Pay minimums everywhere, then attack your highest-APR debt first.

Credit union loans often beat bank rates

Irish credit unions frequently offer lower APRs than mainstream banks for personal loans.

Check your Central Credit Register record

You can request your own credit report free once a year.

Consolidate high-interest credit card debt

A personal loan at a lower fixed rate can cut years off repayment.

Always take the full employer pension match

It is an instant guaranteed return, never leave matched contributions unclaimed.

Check your State Pension contribution record

You need 40 years of PRSI contributions for the maximum Contributory State Pension.

Know your age-related tax relief limits

Pension contribution relief limits rise with age, from 15% of income under 30 to 40% over 60.

Consider a PRSA if self-employed

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts let the self-employed claim the same tax relief as PAYE workers.

Build 3-6 months of essential expenses

Keep it in an easy-access account, not tied up in investments.

Use the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point

50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment.

Shop around at renewal for utilities and insurance

Switching provider often unlocks the best available rate in Ireland.

Audit subscriptions and bank fees every quarter

Small recurring charges add up fast over a year.