“You’ll put in €30,000, but you’ll end up with about €41,500.” Personal finance columnist Sinead Ryan doesn’t mince her words when it comes to the potential power of child benefit, if it’s saved strategically.
On the latest episode of Money Talks, she explains to Katie Byrne why this €140 monthly payment is one of the most misunderstood parts of family finances. For some households, it’s essential income. For others, it becomes a missed opportunity simply because life with children is expensive, chaotic and full of surprises.
But for parents who can put even part of it aside, Ryan outlines how time, consistency and compound growth can turn a modest monthly amount into a substantial 18-year fund. She explores everything from deposit accounts to unit-linked investment products, the pros and cons of risk, and why choosing a bank other than the one you use daily might be the smartest move of all.
She also breaks down the practical questions parents should ask early, long before CAO forms, textbooks and student accommodation become real costs, and why it’s never too late to start saving, even if your child is already in secondary school.
To hear the full conversation with Sinead Ryan, check out the latest episode of Money Talks wherever you get your podcasts.
The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product.