Insights - Contracting PLUS Financial

Illustrated contractor reviewing a calendar with a gap between two blocks of assignments.

Between contracts in Ireland: a five-step financial plan

Financial Planning

A contract ending and the next payment arriving are different dates. Use these five checks to organise household cash flow, pensions and protection during a gap.

Bills, a car key and a home sketch grouped under Now, Next year and Longer term, representing different financial timeframes.

Saving or investing in Ireland: matching contractor money to its timeframe

Investment Advice

Money for a contract gap, a planned purchase and a longer-term goal has different jobs. Use this contractor-focused guide to compare access, risk and timeframe before choosing savings or investments.

Illustrated contractor considering paths towards a horizon, for a pension contribution review.

Pension contributions through a limited company: questions for Irish contractors

Retirement Planning

A contractor's company and personal pension contributions are not the same decision. Use these questions to prepare for a discussion with your adviser and accountant.

Two people organising several unbranded pension folders into one financial overview

What Should You Do With Pensions From Previous Employments?

Retirement Planning

Old workplace pensions remain part of your retirement plan after contributions stop. Understand the information and options to review before making a decision.

Abstract stepped forms representing a stable emergency reserve around variable income

How to Plan an Emergency Fund When Your Income Varies

Financial Planning

A contractor emergency fund should reflect essential spending, payment timing and gaps between assignments. Build a realistic target in manageable layers.

Slate pension review folder with organised dividers on a modern desk

A Contractor’s Pension Review: Questions to Ask Before Year-End

Retirement Planning

A year-end pension review should connect contributions, tax rules, investment risk and retirement goals. These are the questions contractors should ask.

Editorial illustration of a contractor working beneath a protective canopy

Income Protection for Contractors in Ireland: What Should You Consider?

Financial Planning

Contractors may have little or no employer sick pay if illness or injury stops them working. Here are the key questions to consider when reviewing income protection.

Professional reviewing a checklist at a home office desk before moving into contracting

Moving from PAYE to contracting: a financial planning checklist

Financial Planning

Moving from PAYE employment into contracting? Use this practical checklist to organise your income, safety net, protection and pension planning.

5 Financial Goals for 2026 You Can Actually Stick To

5 Financial Goals for 2026 You Can Actually Stick To

Financial Planning

Financial goals 2026 should not be vague promises to “do better with money.” They should be clear, measurable actions that move you forward. Spring is a natural reset point and the perfect time to review where you stand financially and decide…

The Cost of College Education in Ireland 2025

The Cost of College Education in Ireland 2025: Why Parents Should Start Saving Now

Financial Planning, Investment Advice

Each August, families across Ireland celebrate the release of Leaving Certificate results. For students, it’s about securing a coveted place at university. For parents, it sparks a very different reality: how will we afford it? The Zurich…

What the New Tariffs Mean for Your Investments

Market Update – What the New Tariffs Mean for Your Investments

News, Investment Advice

You may have seen some headlines about new US tariffs — part of what’s being called ‘Liberation Day’ — and how markets have reacted. The news went further than expected, and global markets have responded negatively, at least in the…

Eliminate Financial Stress for Self-Employed Professionals and Contractors

Eliminate Financial Stress for Self-Employed Professionals and Contractors

Financial Planning

Financial stress is a common challenge for many, particularly when struggling to meet basic financial commitments. Even those with a steady income can experience stress if they don’t manage their finances effectively. Here, we offer insights…

Preparing for Maternity Leave: Financial Planning for Self-Employed Professionals

Preparing for Maternity Leave: Financial Planning for Self-Employed Professionals

Financial Planning

Navigating maternity leave as a self-employed professional or contractor presents unique financial challenges. While Ireland offers generous maternity leave in terms of time, the financial support available is often insufficient. Carol Brick,…

10 Ways to Better Budgeting in 10 Days for Self-Employed Professionals

Making Back-to-School Finances Work for Self-Employed Professionals and Contractors

Financial Planning

It's that time of the year again: the new school year is suddenly on our doorstep. According to this year’s excellent Irish League of Credit Unions Survey, 62% of parents say that covering the costs of back-to-school is a financial burden.…

10 Ways to Better Budgeting in 10 Days for Self-Employed Professionals

10 Ways to Better Budgeting in 10 Days for Self-Employed Professionals

Financial Planning

Whether you prefer a budgeting app, a computer spreadsheet, or a notebook and pen, it's crucial to get a handle on your personal and family finances sooner rather than later. Without proper budgeting and forecasting, even the smallest business…

Mastering Financial Wellness for Self-Employed Professionals

Mastering Financial Wellness for Self-Employed Professionals

Financial Planning

Achieve Financial Wellness Staying on top of personal or family finances is crucial for self-employed professionals and contractors. It reduces money worries and creates less stressful lives. Achieving true financial wellness, however,…

How Contractors Can Benefit from Recent Changes to Irish Pension Funding Rules

Irish pension funding rules: what contractors need to know in 2026

Retirement Planning

Irish pension funding rules have changed. Review the employer PRSA salary limit, personal contribution relief and the 2026 Standard Fund Threshold with your adviser.

CWM Rebrand to Contracting PLUS Financial

Introducing Contracting PLUS Financial

Cork, Ireland – In a significant move that redefines financial advisory services for professional contractors across Ireland, CWM Wealth Management is proud to announce its rebranding to Contracting PLUS Financial, effective from the 1st…

Five Resolutions to Boost your Financial Fitness

Financial Planning

Financial resolutions will never be as exciting as planning to climb Mount Everest, or learning Mandarin or Tai Chi. But, careful money management is the route to financial freedom, and to peace of mind, so don’t underrate it! Many of…

Family Financial Planning for Future Security

Financial Planning

Family financial planning is crucial for securing financial freedom and peace of mind. This guide outlines practical steps for families to strengthen their financial planning for 2024, from reviewing household expenditures to establishing…

Maximizing Your Inheritance: Investment Strategies for Financial Growth

Investment Advice

Navigating inheritance investments can be complex, but with the right strategy and professional guidance from Contracting PLUS Financial, you can significantly enhance your financial stability. This post delves into the importance of seeking…

Are Your Retirement Dreams Affordable?

Retirement Planning

We can all dream of the day when our time is our own, and paid work is a distant memory. But, the question, according to finance advisor, Carol Brick of Contracting PLUS Financial, is can we afford the dream? Retiring to the sun,…

Illustrated contractor reviewing a calendar with a gap between two blocks of assignments.

Between contracts in Ireland: a five-step financial plan

Financial Planning

A contract ending and the next payment arriving are different dates. Use these five checks to organise household cash flow, pensions and protection during a gap.

Bills, a car key and a home sketch grouped under Now, Next year and Longer term, representing different financial timeframes.

Saving or investing in Ireland: matching contractor money to its timeframe

Investment Advice

Money for a contract gap, a planned purchase and a longer-term goal has different jobs. Use this contractor-focused guide to compare access, risk and timeframe before choosing savings or investments.

Illustrated contractor considering paths towards a horizon, for a pension contribution review.

Pension contributions through a limited company: questions for Irish contractors

Retirement Planning

A contractor's company and personal pension contributions are not the same decision. Use these questions to prepare for a discussion with your adviser and accountant.

Two people organising several unbranded pension folders into one financial overview

What Should You Do With Pensions From Previous Employments?

Retirement Planning

Old workplace pensions remain part of your retirement plan after contributions stop. Understand the information and options to review before making a decision.

Abstract stepped forms representing a stable emergency reserve around variable income

How to Plan an Emergency Fund When Your Income Varies

Financial Planning

A contractor emergency fund should reflect essential spending, payment timing and gaps between assignments. Build a realistic target in manageable layers.

Slate pension review folder with organised dividers on a modern desk

A Contractor’s Pension Review: Questions to Ask Before Year-End

Retirement Planning

A year-end pension review should connect contributions, tax rules, investment risk and retirement goals. These are the questions contractors should ask.

Editorial illustration of a contractor working beneath a protective canopy

Income Protection for Contractors in Ireland: What Should You Consider?

Financial Planning

Contractors may have little or no employer sick pay if illness or injury stops them working. Here are the key questions to consider when reviewing income protection.

Professional reviewing a checklist at a home office desk before moving into contracting

Moving from PAYE to contracting: a financial planning checklist

Financial Planning

Moving from PAYE employment into contracting? Use this practical checklist to organise your income, safety net, protection and pension planning.

5 Financial Goals for 2026 You Can Actually Stick To

5 Financial Goals for 2026 You Can Actually Stick To

Financial Planning

Financial goals 2026 should not be vague promises to “do better with money.” They should be clear, measurable actions that move you forward. Spring is a natural reset point and the perfect time to review where you stand financially and decide…

The Cost of College Education in Ireland 2025

The Cost of College Education in Ireland 2025: Why Parents Should Start Saving Now

Financial Planning, Investment Advice

Each August, families across Ireland celebrate the release of Leaving Certificate results. For students, it’s about securing a coveted place at university. For parents, it sparks a very different reality: how will we afford it? The Zurich…

What the New Tariffs Mean for Your Investments

Market Update – What the New Tariffs Mean for Your Investments

News, Investment Advice

You may have seen some headlines about new US tariffs — part of what’s being called ‘Liberation Day’ — and how markets have reacted. The news went further than expected, and global markets have responded negatively, at least in the…

Eliminate Financial Stress for Self-Employed Professionals and Contractors

Eliminate Financial Stress for Self-Employed Professionals and Contractors

Financial Planning

Financial stress is a common challenge for many, particularly when struggling to meet basic financial commitments. Even those with a steady income can experience stress if they don’t manage their finances effectively. Here, we offer insights…

Preparing for Maternity Leave: Financial Planning for Self-Employed Professionals

Preparing for Maternity Leave: Financial Planning for Self-Employed Professionals

Financial Planning

Navigating maternity leave as a self-employed professional or contractor presents unique financial challenges. While Ireland offers generous maternity leave in terms of time, the financial support available is often insufficient. Carol Brick,…

10 Ways to Better Budgeting in 10 Days for Self-Employed Professionals

Making Back-to-School Finances Work for Self-Employed Professionals and Contractors

Financial Planning

It's that time of the year again: the new school year is suddenly on our doorstep. According to this year’s excellent Irish League of Credit Unions Survey, 62% of parents say that covering the costs of back-to-school is a financial burden.…

10 Ways to Better Budgeting in 10 Days for Self-Employed Professionals

10 Ways to Better Budgeting in 10 Days for Self-Employed Professionals

Financial Planning

Whether you prefer a budgeting app, a computer spreadsheet, or a notebook and pen, it's crucial to get a handle on your personal and family finances sooner rather than later. Without proper budgeting and forecasting, even the smallest business…

Mastering Financial Wellness for Self-Employed Professionals

Mastering Financial Wellness for Self-Employed Professionals

Financial Planning

Achieve Financial Wellness Staying on top of personal or family finances is crucial for self-employed professionals and contractors. It reduces money worries and creates less stressful lives. Achieving true financial wellness, however,…

How Contractors Can Benefit from Recent Changes to Irish Pension Funding Rules

Irish pension funding rules: what contractors need to know in 2026

Retirement Planning

Irish pension funding rules have changed. Review the employer PRSA salary limit, personal contribution relief and the 2026 Standard Fund Threshold with your adviser.

CWM Rebrand to Contracting PLUS Financial

Introducing Contracting PLUS Financial

Cork, Ireland – In a significant move that redefines financial advisory services for professional contractors across Ireland, CWM Wealth Management is proud to announce its rebranding to Contracting PLUS Financial, effective from the 1st…

Five Resolutions to Boost your Financial Fitness

Financial Planning

Financial resolutions will never be as exciting as planning to climb Mount Everest, or learning Mandarin or Tai Chi. But, careful money management is the route to financial freedom, and to peace of mind, so don’t underrate it! Many of…

Family Financial Planning for Future Security

Financial Planning

Family financial planning is crucial for securing financial freedom and peace of mind. This guide outlines practical steps for families to strengthen their financial planning for 2024, from reviewing household expenditures to establishing…

Maximizing Your Inheritance: Investment Strategies for Financial Growth

Investment Advice

Navigating inheritance investments can be complex, but with the right strategy and professional guidance from Contracting PLUS Financial, you can significantly enhance your financial stability. This post delves into the importance of seeking…

Are Your Retirement Dreams Affordable?

Retirement Planning

We can all dream of the day when our time is our own, and paid work is a distant memory. But, the question, according to finance advisor, Carol Brick of Contracting PLUS Financial, is can we afford the dream? Retiring to the sun,…