In this episode of Everlake, John McNicholas sits down with Jennifer McConnell of LivingLegacy.ie to explore a topic most of us avoid, but all of us will face: advanced planning, succession, and the legacy we leave behind.

Drawing on an extraordinary career that spans crisis management in Haiti, humanitarian work in Papua New Guinea, and leadership roles in Irish nonprofits, Jennifer brings a rare depth of experience to a subject that is as practical as it is human.

John and Jennifer unpack why planning ahead isn’t morbid—it’s an act of love. They discuss what families and business owners often overlook when preparing for the future, from enduring powers of attorney and digital assets, to succession in family enterprises and community organisations.

Jennifer also shares the surprising emotional and psychological benefits that come from getting your affairs in order: greater clarity, greater freedom, and a renewed ability to live fully in the present.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

1. Advanced planning & “death admin” – why it’s important to put wills, enduring powers of attorney, digital access and practical instructions in place long before they’re needed.
2. Redefining legacy – seeing legacy not just as what happens after you die, but the mark you’re already making through your relationships, values, choices and even things like memoir writing.
3. Succession in business and community organisations – how family businesses, SMEs and nonprofits can plan for leadership handover, avoid founder syndrome, and protect the mission beyond any one person.
4. Overcoming fear, procrastination and overwhelm – the emotional barriers to planning, and how accountability, deadlines, checklists and small steps can make the process manageable.
5. Working with advisers and support networks – how financial planners, solicitors, tax advisers, doctors and services like Living Legacy can work together to help you plan well and reduce the burden on your family.

Get in touch with Jennifer:

Website: https://www.livinglegacy.ie/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermcconnell/

Instagram: @livinglegacy.ie

Chapters:

• (00:00) – Introduction to Jennifer McConnell
• (03:00) – Crisis management lessons that shaped Living Legacy
• (07:20) – Jennifer’s accident and the “what if” moment
• (12:00) – Why we avoid advanced planning
• (15:40) – Digital legacy, passwords, and modern life admin
• (19:10) – Using birthdays as an annual planning checkpoint
• (20:40) – Succession planning in families and organisations
• (24:50) – Founder syndrome and letting go
• (28:20) – Values, communication, and organisational culture
• (32:10) – Legacy as who you are today
• (38:00) – Preparing for financial, legal, and practical realities
• (43:30) – How planning frees your present life

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

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This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

How can you support your children financially, on your terms, while optimising for tax and retaining control?

In this episode, Marc Westlake is joined by Andrea McNamara, Director of Private Client Law at EY Law Ireland, to unpack the often-overlooked but highly effective structure of family partnerships in Ireland.

There are some differences between Trusts and Family Partnerships (check out previous episodes for more from Andrea) and Andrea covers these differences, the common structures and benefits and what you should think about when considering a Family Partnership for your kids.

Marc & Andrea discuss how this flexible vehicle allows parents to transfer assets to children during their lifetime, without losing control or creating future tax headaches.

1. Understanding Family Partnerships: A practical look at what family partnerships are, how they work in an Irish context, and how they differ from more familiar structures like wills or trusts.
2. Retaining Control While Transferring Wealth: Andrea explains how parents can transfer asset growth to their children while keeping full control over decisions, timing of distributions, and investment strategy.
3. Tax Planning Through Gifts, Loans, and Exemptions: The conversation explores how combining lifetime gifts, loans, and the small gift exemption can reduce future inheritance tax and optimise long-term wealth transfers.
4. When Family Partnerships Make Sense: Marc and Andrea discuss when this structure is appropriate and how it can suit different family and financial situations.
5. Teaching Financial Responsibility Across Generations: Family partnerships can be used as a tool to gradually involve children in wealth management, helping them build confidence and capability before receiving significant assets.

Find out more about Andrea McNamara:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-mcnamara-678921130/

EY Law is independent of Everlake and the views and opinions expressed by EY Law are not necessarily the views and opinions of Everlake.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Andrea McNamara

(01:26) - What is a family partnership?

(03:04) - How equity is structured for children

(05:04) - Retaining control while gifting value

(07:02) - Using family partnerships for property

(08:59) - Gift vs loan: key distinctions

(10:44) - Planning with surplus assets only

(12:15) - Leveraging the small gift exemption

(13:45) - Tax treatment and revenue reporting

(16:06) - Administration, filings, and formality

(18:43) - Tax filing for children’s share

(20:40) - Educational benefits for next generation

(22:55) - Trusts vs partnerships: key differences

Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

In this follow-up to their in-depth conversation, Marc Westlake is joined once again by Irish tax expert and host of Taxbytes for Expats, Stephanie Wickham for Part 2 of their conversation. Together, they chat about more of the complex and often misunderstood realities facing expats and returning Irish citizens navigating the Irish tax system.

In Part 1, Marc and Steph discussed the mainstays of tax advice: what to do, what it costs, and why working with the right professionals matters, especially when you can get a team together.

This episode explores the real-world consequences of mismatched or incomplete advice, including probate delays, incorrect tax returns, and harsh surprises around U.S. estate tax and Irish capital acquisitions tax. And the anecdotes they share from their time working in tax and finance is invaluable. (Marc might even share a mistake he made that Steph fixed for him!)

Stephanie and Marc explore why joined-up thinking between tax and financial advisors is crucial, the costly risks of DIY compliance, and the challenges of coordinating non-Irish funds with the Irish system. Once again, having two experts in the room like this is rare - make sure you take notes!

1. Common tax mistakes for expats and returnees: Many people unknowingly fail to file correctly or assume foreign income isn’t taxable in Ireland, leading to serious consequences.
2. The importance of joined-up advice between countries: When tax and financial advisors don’t coordinate across jurisdictions, clients can face unnecessary tax bills or compliance issues.
3. How Ireland’s offshore fund regime affects investments: Non-Irish funds can trigger punitive tax treatment, and most investors don’t realise the impact until it’s too late.
4. Why doing your own tax return can backfire: Even experienced professionals make mistakes, and DIY tax filings can result in costly errors and missed reliefs.
5. The real cost of poor or incomplete financial advice: Trying to save on fees often leads to higher tax bills and long-term problems that far outweigh the initial cost of expert advice.

Find out more about Stephanie Wickham & Expat Taxes:

Expat Taxes Website: https://www.expattaxes.ie/

Subscribe to her podcast: https://expattaxes.ie/taxbytes-for-expats-podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wickham-b4aba13b/ 

Expat Taxes is independent of Everlake and the views and opinions expressed by Expat Taxes are not necessarily the views and opinions of Everlake.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

Returning to Ireland or moving here for the first time? The tax implications can be complex but with the right guidance, they don’t have to be overwhelming. In this two-part conversation, Marc Westlake sits down with chartered accountant and Expat Taxes founder, Stephanie Wickham, to unpack the critical issues facing internationally mobile families.

In Part 1, Marc and Steph explore the common crossroads expats face when seeking financial and tax advice: what to do, what it costs, and why working with joined-up professionals matters. They explain essential concepts like tax residency, domicile and the remittance basis of taxation, while also highlighting how behavioural decisions and lifestyle choices affect long-term planning. 

Having two experts like Marc and Steph available to discuss tax and finance issues is incredibly rare - that’s why this Part 1 is an ideal listen for anyone in Ireland curious about tax management and rules. And if you’re an expat thinking about a move to or from Ireland, this episode is made just for you.

1. The Power of Collaborative Advice: Marc and Steph explore how working together (tax advisor and financial planner) leads to clearer, more effective outcomes for clients, especially those with cross-border complexities.
2. Residency and Domicile Explained: A deep dive into two key tax concepts in Ireland: residency and domicile, and why understanding them is essential for any expat or returning Irish citizen planning their move.
3. Cost vs Value in Professional Advice: They discuss the true “cost” of advice and why good planning may feel expensive upfront, but often saves tens of thousands in the long run.
4. The Emotional and Lifestyle Dimensions of Tax Planning: Marc and Steph highlight how life events, family decisions, and personal intentions influence tax outcomes and why clarity about your goals is just as important as the numbers.
5. Common Mistakes Expats Make: From mishandled investments to assumptions based on home country rules, the episode outlines the avoidable traps many expats fall into and how to navigate them confidently.

Find out more about Stephanie Wickham & Expat Taxes:

Expat Taxes Website: https://www.expattaxes.ie/

Subscribe to her podcast: https://expattaxes.ie/taxbytes-for-expats-podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wickham-b4aba13b/ 

Expat Taxes is independent of Everlake and the views and opinions expressed by Expat Taxes are not necessarily the views and opinions of Everlake.

Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

In this episode, John McNicholas sits down with Gavin Francis, founder of Worthstone and a leading advocate for sustainable and impact investing in the UK. Together, they discuss what it really means to invest sustainably, the aspects of funds that are doing the right things for the planet, and how to avoid the buzzwords and glossy brochures.

They explore how individual investors can align their money with their values, the difference between “doing less harm” and “doing measurable good,” and why terms like “impact” and “additionality” matter. Gavin shares real-world examples of companies making a difference, explains how regulation is catching up with investor intent, and offers honest insight into the challenges of measuring sustainability in a meaningful way.

If you're committed to ESG investing or curious about what it all means, this conversation will help you decide where your money goes to make the biggest impact to your portfolio and the planet.

1. What Sustainable and Impact Investing Really Mean: Gavin Francis breaks down the core concepts—intentionality, additionality, and impact—and explains how these differ from traditional ESG labels.
2. How to Tell if a Sustainable Investment Is Making a Real Difference: John and Gavin discuss the importance of measurable outcomes, the challenges of greenwashing, and how investors can look beyond marketing to assess true impact.
3. Balancing Morals and Money: Can You Do Both?: The conversation explores how sustainable investing isn't just about values—it can also be about smart economics and long-term resilience.
4. Investor Psychology and Behaviour in Sustainable Markets: They examine how emotions, expectations, and FOMO (fear of missing out) influence decisions—and why time in the market still matters more than timing it.
5. Why Financial Advisers Play a Key Role—and Why Many Are Hesitant: Gavin reflects on the advice gap, why some advisers are slow to adopt sustainable strategies, and how client interest may actually be outpacing adviser confidence.

Find more about Gavin Francis and his work:

Worthstone Website: https://worthstone.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-francis-worthstone/ 

Worthstone is independent of Everlake and the views and opinions expressed by Worthstone are not necessarily the views and opinions of Everlake.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

In this episode, Marc Westlake is joined once again by Andrea McNamara, Director of Private Client Law at EY Law Ireland, for a deep dive into the world of trusts in Ireland. They explore when and why trusts are used, the differences between discretionary, bare, fixed, and life interest trusts, and the common misconceptions that can lead families astray.

Andrea explains how trusts can be vital tools for protecting young children, providing for loved ones with additional needs, and ensuring smoother, more flexible estate planning. Marc and Andrea also discuss the pitfalls of outdated trust structures, the tax implications families need to be aware of, and the importance of tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

Whether you're thinking about your will, planning for your family's future, or simply want to understand how trusts really work in Ireland, this conversation offers clear, practical insights to help you make more informed decisions.

1. The Role of Trusts in Modern Estate Planning: Why Irish trust law is outdated, and how trusts are still critical tools for protecting beneficiaries and managing estates flexibly.
2. Discretionary Trusts and Their Practical Uses: Protecting young children, vulnerable beneficiaries, and enabling post-death tax planning through discretionary structures.
3. Bare Trusts and the Risks of Early Access: How bare trusts are often created unintentionally (e.g., saving for minors) and why parents need to plan for children gaining control at 18.
4. Fixed Trusts: Pitfalls and Tax Inefficiencies: Why fixed trusts can lead to rigid outcomes and higher tax bills, and why they're generally unsuitable for young beneficiaries.
5. Life Interest Trusts for Second Marriages and Family Homes: Structuring inheritances for blended families, protecting a surviving spouse, and using life interest trusts for tax-efficient property planning.

EY Law is independent of Everlake and the views and opinions expressed by EY Law are not necessarily the views and opinions of Everlake.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

When it comes to investing, what should you really understand? And how much detail is enough?

In this episode, Marc Westlake and John McNicholas unpack the importance of “Investor Literacy” - not in terms of mastering jargon or market timing, but in having the clarity and confidence to ask the right questions, understand the basics, and tune out the noise. From overconfidence and anxiety to tax traps and hidden costs, they explore how better knowledge (not more information) can help you become a more resilient, empowered investor.

Whether you're just getting started or you've been investing for years, this conversation is a reminder that it's your money — and having some informed oversight can make all the difference.

Main Topics:

1. Financial News and Investor Anxiety: How headlines and constant media exposure can heighten emotional responses, distort perceptions of risk, and lead to poor decision-making — and why turning down the noise is often the best financial advice.
2. The Spectrum of Investor Literacy: Exploring the risks at both ends: blind trust in advisors versus overconfidence in DIY investing. The sweet spot lies in having just enough knowledge to stay engaged, ask good questions, and make informed decisions.
3. Core Pillars of Investment Success: Marc and John walk through the three pillars every investor should understand: cost, diversification, and tax — and how these factors drive long-term outcomes far more than market timing or “hot tips.”
4. How to Identify Red Flags and Hidden Costs: Why transparency is essential when dealing with advisors or products — and how to spot vague explanations, bundled fees, and pre-packaged solutions that don’t reflect your personal goals or values.
5. The Value of Asking the Right Questions: You don’t need to be an expert in tax law or fund structure — but knowing what to ask (and why it matters) can protect your wealth, build confidence, and ensure your financial plan is truly bespoke.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

In this episode, John McNicholas is joined by Phil Wellington of PortfolioMetrix to explore the often-overlooked subject of teaching children about money. From pocket money ledgers to the challenges of a tap-to-pay world, they share personal stories, practical strategies and lessons passed down from their own parents to help teach kids about money management.

Together, they unpack the importance of giving children a tangible understanding of spending, saving, and delayed gratification — even in an increasingly digital financial environment. 

As parents in the modern world, Phil and John’s advice can help you start early with your own kids and help them build healthy financial habits that will last a lifetime.

Main Topics:

1. Pocket Money and Early Savings Lessons: Phil shares how his father sparked a lifelong interest in money through simple tools like ledgers and upfront interest — a playful but powerful introduction to saving.
2. Why Tap-to-Pay Makes Money Feel Invisible: The conversation highlights how digital payments can obscure the real value of money for children — and what parents can do to make it more tangible.
3. Cash, Consequences, and Making It Real: From handing over €20 in cash before a shop visit to choosing what to put back at the till, Phil and John discuss ways to help kids grasp the idea of limits and trade-offs.
4. Turning Everyday Questions into Financial Education: Whether it’s “How much do you earn?” or “How much did the oven cost?”, John shows how family conversations can build financial literacy in a natural, age-appropriate way.
5. The Power of Repetition, Routine, and Humour in Financial Learning: From piggy banks to “coin jar” app ideas, the episode explores how small, regular money habits can grow into lifelong skills — with room for humour and mistakes along the way.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

In this episode, Marc Westlake and John McNicholas discuss the practical considerations of managing financial risk, a continuation of their previous discussion on understanding financial risk in Ireland.

They emphasise the importance of understanding personal risk factors and the bespoke nature of risk management in wealth management and investment. They also highlight the dangers of relying on presumed ‘low-risk’ assets like cash, bank deposits, or property, which may not keep pace with inflation.

Instead, they advocate for a diversified investment strategy that is aligned with an individual's specific financial situation and goals. This discussion highlights the importance of consulting with a wealth management adviser to navigate these risks and make informed decisions that align with your personal circumstances.

Main Topics:

1. Financial Risk Management - distinguishing between low-risk assets like cash and annuities versus property, and the risks associated with inflation over the long term.
2. Investment Strategies for Retirement - the importance of managing risk leading up to and following retirement. The risk of stock market fluctuations is less significant for those who are still decades away from needing to access their savings.
3. Personal Rate of Inflation - how it varies depending on individual lifestyle choices, spending habits, and life stages, contrasting with the general EU inflation rates.
4. Individual Financial Circumstances - the importance of understanding personal financial risks, which vary greatly depending on factors such as pension types, anticipated inheritance, and personal health.
5. Role of Financial Advice - Financial Advisers help individuals understand and plan for their specific financial risks and avoid common pitfalls like treating investing as gambling.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.

Estate planning isn’t just about writing a will—it’s about securing your financial future, protecting your loved ones, and making informed decisions that minimise tax liabilities.

In this episode, Marc Westlake sits down with Andrea McNamara, Director of Private Client Law at EY Law Ireland, to explore the crucial role estate planning plays for individuals and business owners alike. As a chartered tax advisor, trust and estate practitioner, and qualified barrister, Andrea brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation.

Together, Marc and Andrea discuss common estate planning pitfalls in Ireland, the importance of working with specialists, and how Everlake collaborates with professionals like Andrea to provide a seamless, strategic approach to wealth management. They also highlight key considerations around wills, trusts, enduring powers of attorney, and intergenerational wealth planning.

1. Why estate planning matters – The key benefits of structuring your wealth for future generations.
2. Common mistakes people make – From delaying a will to overlooking tax implications.
3. Enduring Powers of Attorney – Why recent legal changes have made this more complex but even more essential.
4. How Everlake & EY Law collaborate – A joined-up approach to wealth and estate planning.
5. The best estate planning advice? – Spend your money wisely and enjoy it while you can!

EY Law is independent of Everlake and the views and opinions expressed by EY Law are not necessarily the views and opinions of Everlake.

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Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Everlake podcast!

If you'd like to work with us, head to https://www.everlake.ie/ and follow the instructions to book a consultation.

If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend or colleague and leave us a rating & review on your podcast app.

LinkedIn || YouTube || X (Twitter) || Bluesky

This podcast is intended for information and educational purposes only and does not represent a specific recommendation or advice for an individual to follow. Speak to your financial adviser, in the context of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decisions.