Pre-Children Tune Up

Ha, was thinking more like a tune up of the car! Appreciate the sentiments.
Those are really good pointers, thank you. I think we made a particular point to go over exposed to North America, as that's where the outsized returns are - The Irish Life fund for NA has returned 35% over the past 12 months vs 27% for the global index, and I believe that the performance delta was similar when we "set and forget" it. That being said, I'm sure we keep a good thread going in the investments forum for quite a while on the correct strategy here, and perhaps you're right to look again and move stuff around.
michaelm said:
They do read a bit like that alright, not intended to be. But a rational behind them. Trying to tiptoe in what could be a minefield.
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Thank you, and to others who have commented on the whole childcare thing - it is a valid question worth exploring and I'm sure we'll have to make some decisions here.
huskerdu said:
Maybe , the OPs wife would like to make a decision on whether she wants to work full time, part time or take a career break herself and maybe, its got nothing to do with any of you.
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On all of these points, there's a lot to unpick yes that's non-financial as well as financial. Of course the advice has been solicited and is welcome in all cases, and ultimately we'll make a decision that's right for us in that sphere. But I do appreciate all the points of view offered on it.

Same for the sentiment about planning the timing of this - as I said, if we are lucky enough for it to go smooth as clockwork, perhaps it won't be.
 
jujubes said:
I think we made a particular point to go over exposed to North America, as that's where the outsized returns are
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Well, that's where the outsized returns have been over the last decade but there's no particular reason to believe that will continue indefinitely.

The US actually underperformed the rest of the world during the first decade of this century.
 
Don't underestimate the stress having children can put on you both and on your relationship with each other. The decision about both parents working or one working part time or one staying at home fulltime should be informed primarily by what arrangement produced the least stress on the parents as if you're no good to yourself you'll certainly be no good to your children.

Time will become a much more important commodity.

On the financial side you are doing really well. Well done. Spend your money to create quality time and good memories rather than on 'stuff'.
 
Sarenco said:
Well, that's where the outsized returns have been over the last decade but there's no particular reason to believe that will continue indefinitely.

The US actually underperformed the rest of the world during the first decade of this century.
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That's very sound advice, thank you.
Very wise and much appreciated.
 
Wow! That's a fantastic salary! (well done you) I am dying to know your occupation
That's a great position to be in. Great to be able to still enjoy life whilst still saving. So important.
 
Given what 1.1m now buys in parts of the country the house could needs 100s of thousands spent on it, also i disagree that kids mean that your nice clean house goes out the window.

I do agree with the general advice that your outlook, and your plans may well change when kids come along. its one thing to theorise what you might do and look at the financial impact but its quite something else when they are actually there and you realise what it all entails.

We were in a similar position financially, albeit my wife earned a bit more, when the chance came to take redundancy she took it and will take at least 3 or 4 years out and see how we go, it has improved our quality of life a lot, but she wanted to do it, its not for everyone.

Also, having kids in your mid 30s isnt always straightfoward so maybe consider how you are covered for fertility treatments if required.
 
Annual income €303,000.00 and a home worth €1.100,000.00 along with investments and the OP is asking us mere mortals with incomes of <€50,000.00 and mortgaged homes valued @ <€300,000.00 to give him financial advice. We've spent more time keeping the wolf from the door and trying to keep food on the table from meal to meal but perhaps some of us can actually give some advice?

But, I won't leave him go away emptyhanded. Beware of the two words "Hey Dad!" and of course the old chestnut "Some day dad I'll pay it all back." Get over those two statements and count your lucky stars.
 
Speak for yourself, pal.
 
Purple said:
No we’re not. There are enough resources on the planet to support a population of over 10 billion if we choose not to waste those resources.
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With no other species left and the biosphere destroyed; but that's ok because we're special and have the right to choose
 
ATC110 said:
With no other species left and the biosphere destroyed; but that's ok because we're special and have the right to choose
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Well this has gone off topic, even by my standards. I’ll not continue down that rabbit hole.
 
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