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Engaging with a financial broker like Blueprint Financial Planning offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your financial well-being. According to research conducted by Brokers Ireland, individuals who consult with financial brokers experience notable benefits in various aspects of their financial lives.

Enhanced Savings and Investments Individuals who have received financial advice from a broker have an average of €81,890 in savings and investments, compared to €53,200 for those without such advice – a 53% increase.

Improved Pension Outcomes

The impact of financial advice is also evident in retirement planning. Approximately 73% of those who have used financial advice own a pension, compared to 34% who have not. Moreover, the average pension pot for advised individuals is valued at €128,933, while those without advice have an average of €62,600 – a 106% difference.

Greater Financial Protection

Financial brokers assist clients in securing appropriate protection products. For instance, 55% of advised individuals hold life assurance policies, compared to 24% of non-advised individuals. Similarly, 26% of those with financial advice have critical illness cover, whereas only 10% without advice have such coverage.

Increased Financial Confidence

Engaging with a financial broker not only bolsters financial portfolios but also enhances clients’ confidence in managing their finances. More than half (55%) of those who sought financial advice feel more in control of their finances, and 13% feel financially better off as a result.

Access to Impartial and Professional Advice

Financial brokers provide impartial advice, offering clients a comprehensive view of the market and recommending products best suited to their needs. They are not tied to any specific provider, ensuring that the advice given is in the client’s best interest.

In summary, consulting with a financial broker can lead to improved savings, better retirement planning, enhanced financial protection, and increased confidence in financial decision-making. The impartial and professional advice we offer is instrumental in helping individuals achieve their financial goals.

The global economy and financial markets experienced a year marked by geopolitical volatility, rapid technological advancements, and significant political transitions.

Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Impact

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza continued to weigh on global stability. The war in Ukraine disrupted energy markets in Europe, leading to sustained high energy prices, particularly in the first half of the year. Efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure gained momentum as governments sought to reduce reliance on Russian energy. Meanwhile, the Gaza conflict exacerbated regional instability in the Middle East, keeping oil prices elevated and contributing to inflationary pressures globally.

Major Political Events

The U.S. election in November saw Donald Trump reclaim the presidency, signaling a potential shift toward protectionist policies. His proposed tariffs on China and other trade restrictions created uncertainty in global trade markets, potentially raising inflation and dampening growth. Financial markets initially rallied on expectations of corporate-friendly tax policies and deregulation but faced volatility as the implications of trade policies unfolded. The UK elections earlier in the year resulted in continued political wrangling over fiscal policies, impacting investor sentiment in European markets.

Tech and AI Drive Market Gains

Tech stocks, particularly in artificial intelligence and blockchain, dominated market gains in 2024. Companies leveraging generative AI and automation technologies saw exponential growth, reflecting their increasing influence on various industries. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rebounded sharply, fueled by broader acceptance of digital assets and advancements in decentralized finance.

Global Economic Trends

The global economy displayed resilience despite challenges. The U.S. Federal Reserve paused interest rate hikes early in the year, providing relief to equity markets. However, the rise in U.S. Treasury yields later in the year pointed to concerns over fiscal deficits exacerbated by Trump’s tax cut proposals. In Europe, sluggish growth and high inflation created a challenging environment, while China’s recovery from prolonged COVID-19 measures remained slower than anticipated, dampening global trade.

Investment Outlook

Investors faced a dichotomy between opportunities in burgeoning tech sectors and risks stemming from geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties. While U.S. equities outperformed, driven by tech and deregulation expectations, European and emerging markets struggled with slower growth.

Conclusion

The events of 2024 underscored the interconnectedness of geopolitics, economics, and technological innovation. As the world transitions into 2025, key questions remain about the long-term impacts of AI integration, the sustainability of crypto market gains, and the geopolitical stability required for economic growth. For investors, staying diversified and adaptive remains essential in navigating this complex environment.

This year has been a reminder of the delicate balance between opportunity and risk in a rapidly changing world.

At Blueprint Financial Planning, we’re proud to announce a significant milestone: we’ve surpassed €40 million in client funds under management, encompassing investments and pension funds. This achievement reflects the trust and confidence our clients have placed in us since our founding in 2018.

From the outset, our mission has been to provide impartial, tailored financial advice to help you achieve your goals and secure your financial future. Reaching this milestone is not just about numbers—it’s about the relationships we’ve built and the shared success we’ve achieved together.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you, our clients, for your ongoing support, trust, and loyalty. Your commitment drives us to continue refining our services and delivering the highest level of guidance and expertise.

As we look to the future, our dedication to your financial well-being remains unwavering. Whether it’s planning for retirement, investing wisely, or securing your family’s future, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Blueprint Financial Planning journey. Here’s to continued success together.

As a financial adviser with over 16 years of experience, I’ve had countless conversations with clients about what money means to them. The topic often circles back to a profound truth: money doesn’t buy health, and it doesn’t guarantee happiness. However, what money does offer is options—the freedom to make choices that can profoundly influence your quality of life.

Many people equate wealth with happiness, believing that a certain income level or net worth will bring ultimate contentment. Yet studies consistently show that happiness doesn’t increase proportionately with wealth once basic needs are met. After a certain point, the emotional return on additional income diminishes.

Happiness stems from relationships, purpose, and personal fulfillment—not from the size of your bank account. As an adviser, I’ve seen individuals with modest means live deeply fulfilling lives, and I’ve seen high-net-worth individuals struggle. Health is another area where money often falls short. Wealth may grant access to top-tier medical care, but it can’t undo the effects of years of neglect or stress. No amount of money can replace exercise, balanced nutrition, or meaningful rest.

Still, money can make a difference in how we approach health. It allows for regular check-ups, gym memberships, healthy food choices, and early interventions when problems arise. These choices can enhance and extend life, even if they don’t guarantee perfect health.

The Power of Choice

So, if money doesn’t directly buy health or happiness, what does it do? It provides options. These options give you control over where and how you live, work, and play.

They allow you to:

• Choose where you live.
• Decide how you spend your time. Financial independence lets you explore hobbies, travel, or spend quality time with loved ones instead of being tied to a job out of necessity.
• Invest in yourself. Money enables you to pursue education, start a business, or take risks you believe in.
• Provide a safety net. Having savings can help you weather life’s storms without overwhelming stress.

In essence, financial stability allows you to make decisions aligned with your values rather than being constrained by circumstances.

Designing Your Financial Future

Understanding the role of money in your life is key to building a financial plan. As your adviser, I encourage you to focus not just on accumulating wealth but on aligning your finances with your goals and values. Think of money as a tool, not an end in itself.

Ask yourself:

• What does financial freedom mean to me?
• What choices would I like to have that I don’t have now?
• How can I use my resources to improve my life and the lives of others?

Final Thoughts

Money doesn’t buy health or happiness, but it undeniably creates opportunities. By managing it wisely, you can shape a life that reflects your aspirations and values. Remember, it’s not about the money itself—it’s about what money allows you to do. Choices, after all, are the true wealth of life.

Blueprint Financial Planning was founded in 2018 and over the last 6 years has grown significantly both in client numbers and assets under management. The company was founded on the principals of honest, integrity, impartiality with a client centric approach. I have been the sole adviser since inception and have often thought of adding an adviser, the opportunity to bring on an experienced adviser who shares the same principals as myself presented its self in May of this year and to that extent I am delighted to welcome Tom Barry to Blueprint Financial Planning. Tom is a native of Bantry in West Cork and has worked as a financial adviser since 2007 in a variety of senior advisory roles. Tom is very well known and respected in the West Cork area and his advice to clients is synonymous with honesty and integrity.