By Mary Burke BA (HONS), QFA RPA
If you’re in your 40s, 50s or early 60s, there’s a good chance your financial life has become more complex than you expected – even if you’ve done well for yourself.
You’ve worked hard, built up savings, perhaps bought property, maybe even grown a business. The kids are either gone or going. Retirement doesn’t feel far off anymore – but neither does the uncertainty.
Most clients who come to us at O’Leary Financial Planning aren’t looking for flashy investment tips. They want clarity. Control. Confidence. They want to know that the decisions they make now will hold up – not just on spreadsheets, but in real life.
Because the truth is, the real ROI of financial planning isn’t just about higher returns. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing you’re doing the right things with your money – not second-guessing every move or procrastinating because you’re overwhelmed.
And yet, that’s exactly where many people get stuck.
“I should have sorted this years ago…”
We hear that line almost every week. There’s a particular mix of frustration and guilt that creeps in when people feel they’re behind – even if, in reality, they’re doing just fine.
Sometimes, the hesitation comes from a quiet fear: What if I’ve left it too late? What if I make the wrong move now? What if I don’t really understand this stuff as well as I thought I did?
These aren’t financial questions – they’re emotional ones. And they’re incredibly common among successful, capable people.
Others say they’ve been meaning to “get it all sorted” but just haven’t had time. Or they’ve started looking into pensions, ARFs, CAT thresholds – only to end up more confused than when they started. There’s so much conflicting advice out there. So many forms. So many options. And not a lot of plain English.
It’s no wonder people put it off.
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What’s really stopping people from taking action?
For many, the biggest barrier isn’t the numbers. It’s the mental weight.
Juggling competing priorities: wanting to enjoy life now, but also secure your future. You might be helping ageing parents. Still giving your adult children a leg up. Aware that your time horizon is shifting – but you’re not sure what that means in practice.
You’ve probably thought things like:
- “I don’t want to rely on anyone, but I also don’t want to over-save and never enjoy it.”
- “I’ve done well, but I don’t actually know how it all fits together.”
- “I’m not sure who to trust, and I don’t want to be sold to.”
And here’s another common one: “I should be able to figure this out myself.”
That mindset – while admirable – often leads to delayed decisions and missed opportunities. Especially when there’s no clear strategy tying it all together.
Clarity beats complexity
What most people need at this stage isn’t more financial products or technical jargon. They need a joined-up view of their situation, and a trusted guide to help them make good decisions.
That includes the emotional and practical stuff.
Emotionally, they need space to explore what financial independence actually looks like – not just how to retire, but how to live the life they want without worry. Practically, they need help untangling things like legacy planning, tax liabilities, pension consolidation, investment risk, and how much they can safely draw down without jeopardising the future.
It’s not unusual for a new client to walk in with six pension pots, three life assurance policies, and no will. Not because they’re disorganised – but because real life is messy. Life doesn’t come with a checklist, and most people don’t know what they don’t know until it’s too late.
The real return: peace of mind
When we talk about the real ROI of financial planning, it’s not just a tagline.
It’s what we see every time a client walks out of our office with a proper plan.
It’s the relief of knowing where everything stands – and where it’s going. It’s the comfort of having answers to questions that have been quietly weighing on your mind for years. It’s the confidence to enjoy your money today, knowing your future self is taken care of.
No more “I’ll look at it next year.” No more late-night googling. Just a clear, confident way forward – built around you, not some generic template.
We know what this chapter means
At OLFP, we work with financially focused individuals all over Ireland who are entering this next chapter – empty nests, peak careers, retirement on the horizon – and want to do it with their eyes wide open.
It’s not about being wealthy. It’s about being intentional. It’s about directing the wealth you’ve built toward the life you want – and removing the hidden friction that keeps so many people stuck.
If you’ve been meaning to sort it all out, now’s the time. Not because there’s a rush – but because the sooner you start, the clearer it all becomes.
Let’s uncover the real ROI of your financial planning. You might be closer to clarity than you think.
For personalised advice on pension and retirement planning or any other financial advice question, book a Quick Chat at O’Leary Financial Planning.
Alternatively email us at advice@olearys.ie for more information.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always seek professional guidance before making decisions.