Latest news with #JohnLowe
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
A financial advisor's tips for handling money after a divorce
Separation and divorce mark significant emotional and logistical transitions in life, and one of the most complex challenges faced during this period is managing finances before, during, and after. Advising couples and separating persons is now part and parcel of every financial adviser's armoury. Navigating the financial landscape, in particular post-separation, requires careful planning, clear communication, and a strategic approach to ensure both parties can move forward with stability and confidence. John Lowe of explores essential steps and considerations for balancing the books financially after separation or divorce. 1. Understanding your financial position The first step toward financial stability after separation is obtaining a clear picture of your current financial situation. This involves gathering all relevant documents, including bank statements, investment accounts, retirement plans, mortgage documents, credit card statements, and any other financial assets or liabilities. Creating a comprehensive net worth statement can help you understand your financial position. List all assets—homes, vehicles, savings, investments—and subtract liabilities like mortgages, loans, credit card debts, and other obligations. This snapshot provides a baseline to plan your financial future and negotiate fair divisions of assets. 2. Clarifying property and asset division One of the most significant aspects of balancing the books involves dividing assets and property. Laws governing property division vary from court to court —some follow equitable distribution principles, while others use community property rules. Working with a financial adviser or lawyer/solicitor to determine what assets you are entitled to and how to equitably divide them is a start. Consider not only tangible assets but also intangible ones like pensions or retirement accounts, which may require a Pension Adjustment Order (PAO) for division. 3. Establishing and adjusting budget Post-divorce or separation, your income and expenses may change dramatically. Revisiting and adjusting your budget is essential. Account for new expenses such as housing costs if you are renting or paying a mortgage alone, child support, maintenance, and ongoing healthcare costs. Prioritise essential expenses—housing, utilities, food, transportation—and identify areas where you can reduce discretionary spending. Creating a realistic budget will help you avoid overspending and ensure your financial needs are met. 4. Child support and maintenance arrangements If children are involved, establishing fair child support arrangements is critical. These are often determined based on income, custody arrangements, and applicable legal guidelines. Ensure agreements are documented legally to prevent future disputes. Similarly, if maintenance is part of your settlement, understand the terms—amount, duration, and payment schedule. Both parties should keep thorough records of payments to avoid misunderstandings. 5. Managing debt Divorces often lead to the assumption or transfer of debts. Clarify who is responsible for existing debts and ensure that joint accounts are closed or transferred appropriately. Paying off high-interest debts early can reduce financial strain and improve credit ratings. It's vital to communicate with creditors if you're transferring debt responsibilities or making significant changes to account holders to prevent missed payments or credit issues. 6. Updating legal and financial documents After separation, updating legal documents is essential. This includes changing beneficiaries on insurance policies, updating wills and estate plans, and revising enduring powers of attorney. These steps ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes. Consult with legal professionals to understand the requirements for updating these documents. 7. Planning for the future: retirement and investments Divorce can significantly impact retirement planning. Review your retirement accounts and consider how to rebuild savings if needed. Sometimes, dividing retirement assets can be complex, requiring legal guidance to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. Mediation would be better if you both could agree as it will likely save you money. Establishing new investment strategies aligned with your current financial goals will help secure your long-term financial health. 8. Building emergency savings Post-divorce life can bring unforeseen expenses. Building or replenishing an emergency fund—covering three to six months of living expenses—is a wise strategy. This safety net provides peace of mind and financial stability during transitional periods. 9. Seeking professional assistance Given the complexities involved, working with financial professionals can be invaluable. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), accountants, Qualified Financial Advisers (QFAs) and divorce financial specialists can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan, navigate asset division, and plan for future needs. Legal counsel can also be essential for ensuring your financial agreements are enforceable and in your best interests. 10. Emotional and financial resilience Finally, balancing the books after separation isn't solely about numbers. It requires emotional resilience and patience. Financial decisions made during this period can have long-term consequences; therefore, approaching them thoughtfully and deliberately is vital. Building a support network of professionals, friends, and family can provide guidance and reassurance as you navigate this challenging transition. Financial stability after separation or divorce is achievable with proactive planning, informed decision-making, and professional guidance. By understanding your financial position, adjusting budgets, managing debts, updating legal documents, and planning for the future, you can regain control and lay the foundation for a secure financial future. Remember, while the process may seem daunting at first, taking systematic steps will help you balance the books and move forward with confidence.
RTÉ News
27-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Financial tips for making the most of your food shop
In today's world, many families find themselves confronting the harsh reality of limited finances, especially when it comes to providing enough food - and nutritious food at that - for their loved ones. Food insecurity is a challenge that affects millions globally and can be a source of stress, anxiety, and hardship. If you find yourself with little money to buy food for your family, understanding how to make the most of your resources and access available support can make a significant difference. John Lowe of explains. Understanding food insecurity Food insecurity occurs when individuals or families lack reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food. It's not just about hunger but also about the quality of the food available. When finances are tight, families often have to make difficult choices, sometimes sacrificing nutritious options for cheaper, less healthy foods, which can impact overall health and well-being. Strategies for managing limited food resources 1. Create a budget and meal plan. Start by assessing your income and expenses. Determine how much you can allocate to food each week. Then, plan meals around affordable ingredients. Focus on simple, nutritious dishes that can be made in bulk, such as rice, beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables. 2. Prioritise nutrient-dense foods. Choose foods that provide maximum nutrition for the least cost. Legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, are inexpensive sources of protein and fibre. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh and retain most of their nutrients. Whole grains like oats and brown rice are filling and affordable. 3. Shop smart. Buy in bulk: Purchasing staples like rice, beans, and oats in bulk can save money over time. Use coupons and discounts: Look for store promotions, discounts, and loyalty programs. Compare prices: Check different stores or markets for the best deals. Buy store brands: Generic brands often offer quality comparable to name brands at a lower price. 4. Utilise food assistance programmes. Many communities offer programmes to support families during tough times. Food banks and pantries: Local organisations often provide free or low-cost food. Food stamps: The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Food and Basic Material Support helps support people take their first steps out of poverty and social exclusion. Ninety per cent of the funding comes from the EU, with the balance coming from the Irish Exchequer. The Department of Social Protection manages this programme in Ireland. Community meals and soup kitchens: These offer free hot meals for those in need. 5. Cook at home and avoid eating out. Preparing meals at home is generally more economical than eating out. It allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes, reducing overall costs. 6. Involve the whole family. Engage children and other family members in meal planning and preparation. This not only teaches valuable skills but also makes them more invested in healthy eating habits. 7. Grow your own food. If possible, start a small garden or allotment with herbs, vegetables, or fruits. Even a few containers on a balcony can yield herbs or salad greens, reducing grocery costs. Maintaining physical and mental well-being Food insecurity can take a toll on mental health. It's important to seek support from community resources, friends, or family members. Staying connected and sharing your concerns can provide emotional relief and practical advice. Getting involved in community efforts or advocacy groups can help raise awareness about food insecurity and influence policies to improve food assistance programs. Long-term solutions While immediate strategies are vital, consider long-term plans: Enhance skills: look for job training programmes or educational opportunities to increase income. Financial planning: seek free financial counselling to better manage your money. Community support: build relationships with local organisations that can provide ongoing assistance. Facing food scarcity with limited funds is undeniably challenging, but with resourcefulness, community support, and strategic planning, families can navigate these difficult times. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Local food banks, assistance programmes, and community networks are there to support you. Prioritise nutritious, simple meals, make informed shopping choices, and engage your family in meal preparation. By taking these steps, you can ensure your loved ones are fed and cared for, even when money is scarce.
RTÉ News
13-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Is it too early to think financially about next Christmas?
The memories of tinsel, Christmas pudding and presents feel very far away from us as summer gets into full swing, so thinking financially about next Christmas might feel utterly preposterous - like suggesting you start planning your retirement on your first day of work. However, while it might seem premature, it's absolutely not too early to start considering your financial approach to the next festive season. In fact, it's arguably the most strategic time to do so. John Lowe of explains. The months following Christmas offer a unique perspective. The reality of post-holiday debt might still be palpable as you start thinking about summer holidays, communions, birthdays and more, and the resolutions for a more financially disciplined year are often at their peak. This is a prime opportunity to analyse what went right and what went wrong. Most importantly, it's a chance to think about how to make the next Christmas less of a financial strain and more of a joyous occasion. One of the most significant benefits of thinking ahead is the power of compounding savings. Even small, consistent contributions throughout the year can add up to a substantial sum by December. Imagine setting aside just €20 a week starting now. By the time next Christmas rolls around, you'll have saved over €600. This might not cover everything, but it's a significant chunk that can alleviate the pressure of a last-minute spending spree. This approach transforms Christmas spending from a sudden, overwhelming expense into a manageable, gradual process. Early financial planning allows for strategic budgeting. Instead of a reactive, panicked approach in December, you can calmly assess how much you realistically want to spend on gifts, food, decorations, travel, and other festive activities. You can create a detailed budget, allocate funds to different categories, and track your progress throughout the year. This proactive approach provides a sense of control and prevents the common pitfall of blindly overspending. Thinking ahead also opens the door for smarter shopping. Sales and discounts happen throughout the year, not just in the mad rush of Black Friday. By planning early, you can take advantage of off-season deals, clearance sales, and promotional events. That perfect gift for 'Aunt Carol' might be significantly cheaper in July than in December. This not only saves money but also reduces the stress of last-minute gift hunting in crowded stores. Beyond just saving money, early financial planning for Christmas allows for a more thoughtful and personalised approach to gift-giving. With time on your side, you can consider handmade gifts, experiences, or gifts that are truly meaningful rather than resorting to rushed, generic purchases. This can lead to more cherished presents and a deeper connection with loved ones, all while potentially saving money. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, thinking financially about next Christmas now can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during the holiday season itself. Knowing you have a plan, that you've been saving, and that you're not facing a mountain of debt can make the festive period much more enjoyable and less about worrying about the financial aftermath. Of course, it's important to be realistic. You don't need to have every single gift planned and purchased by the end of June. The goal is to establish a foundation, a mindset of preparedness. Start with small steps: set a preliminary budget, open a dedicated Christmas savings account, and commit to putting aside a small amount regularly. While the idea of contemplating next Christmas's finances might feel premature in the immediate post-holiday period, it's actually the most opportune time to do so. The lessons learned from the recent festive season are fresh, and the opportunity to leverage the power of consistent saving and strategic planning is at its peak. By taking a proactive approach now, you can transform next Christmas from a potential financial headache into a truly joyful and stress-free celebration. So, no, it's not too early. It's precisely the right time to start thinking financially about next Christmas.
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CPI Card Group Inc. Announces Acquisition of Arroweye Solutions, Inc.
LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CPI Card Group Inc. (Nasdaq: PMTS) ('CPI' or the 'Company'), a payments technology company providing a comprehensive range of payment cards and related digital solutions, today announced it has acquired Arroweye Solutions, Inc. ('Arroweye') for a purchase price of $45.55 million. Arroweye is a leading provider of digitally-driven on-demand payment card solutions for the U.S. market. The company's technology-driven platform and production capabilities eliminate the need for customers to hold inventory and allow for hyper-personalization and rapid turnaround times. The addition of Arroweye's on-demand payment card solutions to CPI's portfolio of payment card production, personalization, instant issuance, prepaid, and digital solutions will allow CPI to offer more choices to a larger combined base of thousands of customers. In addition, CPI anticipates leveraging its resources and market position to increase Arroweye's share and expand penetration of its solutions to new customers. Arroweye's revenues are expected to be in the mid-$50 million range in 2025, on an annualized basis. 'Adding Arroweye's digitally-driven on-demand payment card solutions to the CPI portfolio supports our strategic focus of putting our customers first, while aiding long-term growth and diversification,' said John Lowe, President and Chief Executive Officer of CPI. 'This transaction brings us additional capabilities, advanced technology, and increased capacity, and complements the existing offerings we currently provide to our extensive customer base.' Lowe added, 'We believe this transaction will generate a strong return for CPI and our shareholders, and we're excited to welcome the Arroweye team to the CPI organization.' 'We are very pleased to be joining forces with a U.S. industry leader in payment card technology solutions,' said Dan Oswald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arroweye. 'We believe CPI is the best home for Arroweye's solutions, operations, and employees. CPI's strong market position, customer relationships, and financial resources will enable Arroweye to expand its offerings to its existing clients while continuing to build on our long-term growth and development.' Arroweye has approximately 200 employees, with its headquarters and 75,000 square foot production facility located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The all-cash transaction was completed upon signing on May 6, subject to customary closing adjustments. CPI funded the acquisition with a combination of cash and borrowings from its $75 million ABL revolver. CPI will not assume any Arroweye debt or cash in the transaction. Dorsey and Whitney LLP served as legal counsel to CPI in the transaction. Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to Arroweye and Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP served as legal counsel. About CPI Card Group Inc. CPI Card Group is a payments technology company providing a comprehensive range of payment cards and related digital solutions. With a focus on building personal relationships and earning trust, we help our customers navigate the constantly evolving world of payments, while delivering innovative solutions that spark connections and support their brands. We serve clients across industry, size, and scale through our team of experienced, dedicated employees and our network of high-security production and card services facilities, all located in the United States. CPI is committed to exceeding our customers' expectations, transforming our industry, and enhancing the way people pay every day. Learn more at About Arroweye Arroweye Solutions is a leading provider of dynamic, just-in-time payment card production and fulfillment services. Using patented technology, Arroweye offers a fully customizable and scalable solution that eliminates the need for pre-printed card inventory, enabling financial institutions, fintechs, prepaid programs and others to respond quickly to market demands and customer needs. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and information in this release (as well as information included in other written or oral statements we make from time to time) may contain or constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). The words 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'affirm,' 'plan,' 'intend,' 'foresee,' 'should,' 'would,' 'could,' 'continue,' 'committed,' 'attempt,' 'aim,' 'target,' 'objective,' 'guides,' 'seek,' 'focus,' 'provides guidance,' 'provides outlook' or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements, including statements about our strategic initiatives and market opportunities, are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us and other information currently available. Such forward-looking statements, because they relate to future events, are by their very nature subject to many important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or other events to differ materially from those contemplated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) risks relating to our business and industry, such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, including due to inflationary conditions, resulting in reduced consumer confidence and business spending, and a decline in consumer credit worthiness impacting demand for our products; the unpredictability of our operating results, including an inability to anticipate changes in customer inventory management practices and its impact on our business; our failure to retain our existing key customers or identify and attract new customers; the highly competitive, saturated and consolidated nature of our marketplace; our inability to develop, introduce and commercialize new products and services, including due to our inability to undertake research and development activities; new and developing technologies that make our existing technology solutions and products obsolete or less relevant or our failure to introduce new products and services in a timely manner or at all; system security risks, data protection breaches and cyber-attacks; the usage, or lack thereof, of artificial intelligence technologies; disruptions, delays or other failures in our supply chain, including as a result of inflationary pressures, single-source suppliers, failure or inability of suppliers to comply with our code of conduct or contractual requirements, trade restrictions, tariffs, foreign conflicts or political unrest in countries in which our suppliers operate, and our inability to pass related costs on to our customers or difficulty meeting customers' delivery expectations due to extended lead times; changes in U.S. trade policy and the impact of tariffs on our business and results of operations; interruptions in our operations, including our information technology systems, or in the operations of the third parties that operate computing infrastructure on which we rely; defects in our software and computing systems; disruptions in production at one or more of our facilities due to weather conditions, climate change, political instability, or social unrest; problems in production quality, materials and process and costs relating to product defects and any related product liability and/or warranty claims and damage to our reputation; our inability to recruit, retain and develop qualified personnel, including key personnel, and implement effective succession processes; our substantial indebtedness, including the restrictive terms of our indebtedness and covenants of future agreements governing indebtedness and the resulting restraints on our ability to pursue our business strategies; our inability to make debt service payments or refinance such indebtedness; our inability to successfully execute on acquisitions, including the acquisition of Arroweye, or divestitures or strategic relationships; our status as an accelerated filer and complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the costs associated with such compliance and implementation of procedures thereunder; our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and risks relating to investor confidence in our financial reporting; environmental, social and governance ('ESG') preferences and demands of various stakeholders and the related impact on our ability to access capital, produce our products in conformity with stakeholder preferences, comply with stakeholder demands and comply with any related legal or regulatory requirements or restrictions; negative perceptions of our products due to the impact of our products and production processes on the environment and other ESG-related risks; damage to our reputation or brand image; the effects of climate change on our business; our inability to adequately protect our trade secrets and intellectual property rights from misappropriation, infringement claims brought against us and risks related to open source software; our inability to renew licenses with key technology licensors; our limited ability to raise capital, which may lead to delays in innovation or the abandonment of our strategic initiatives; costs and impacts related to additional tax collection efforts by states, unclaimed property laws, or future increases in U.S. federal or state income taxes, resulting in additional expenses which we may be unable to pass along to our customers; our inability to realize the full value of our long-lived assets; costs and potential liabilities associated with compliance or failure to comply with laws and regulations, customer contractual requirements and evolving industry standards regarding consumer privacy and data use and security; our failure to operate our business in accordance with the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council security standards or other industry standards; the effects of trade restrictions, delays or interruptions in our ability to source raw materials and components used in our products from foreign countries; the effects ongoing foreign conflicts on the global economy; adverse conditions in the banking system and financial markets, including the failure of banks and financial institutions; our failure to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that apply to our products and the raw materials we use in our production processes; (ii) risks relating to ownership of our common stock, such as those associated with concentrated ownership of our stock by our significant stockholders and potential conflicts of interests with other stockholders; the impact of concentrated ownership of our common stock and the sale or perceived sale of a substantial amount of common stock on the trading volume and market price of our common stock; potential conflicts of interest that may arise due to our board of directors being comprised in part of directors who are principals of or were nominated by our significant stockholders; the influence of securities analysts over the trading market for and price of our common stock, particularly due to the lack of substantial research coverage of our common stock; the impact of stockholder activism or securities litigation on the trading price and volatility of our common stock; certain provisions of our organizational documents and other contractual provisions that may delay or prevent a change in control and make it difficult for stockholders other than our significant stockholders to change the composition of our board of directors; and (iii) general risks, such as relating to our ability to comply with a wide variety of complex evolving laws and regulations and the exposure to liability for any failure to comply; the effect of legal and regulatory proceedings and the adequacy of our insurance policies; and other risks that are described in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025, in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'). We caution and advise readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. These statements are based on assumptions that may not be realized and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or other events to differ materially from the expectations and beliefs contained herein. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information: CPI encourages investors to use its investor relations website as a way of easily finding information about the Company. CPI promptly makes available on this website the reports that the Company files or furnishes with the SEC, corporate governance information and press releases.
RTÉ News
06-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
A financial expert's guide to Ireland's Abhaile Scheme
It has been 17 years since the financial crash of 2008, when the landscape of home ownership in Ireland was irreparably transformed. While recent rising house prices have pulled many out of that zone, there are still many mortgage holders locked into loans that have been in arrears for over five years – and many more for two years or more. With negative equity - where you owe more than the property is worth - still very much present, and a continuing inability to meet repayments for many mortgage holders, the need for support services is still crucial in surviving these challenging times. But there is help and support available, no matter how bleak your situation, particularly in relation to your mortgage. John Lowe of reports. The Abhaile Scheme The Abhaile Scheme, created in 2016 and co-ordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE) and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) is operated by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) in conjunction with the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI), the Legal Aid Board (LAB), and the Citizens Information Board (CIB). The Insolvency Service of Ireland, itself set up by the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 and 2015, and the Abhaile Scheme are still there to help debtors cope with their financial situations. How does it work? Abhaile - for those not fluent in the Irish language, it means "home" - exists to help people in serious mortgage arrears who are still unable to settle their debts, or those who are facing legal action or home repossession. The goal of the scheme is simple: to keep people in their own homes. It is 100 per cent funded by the state: eligible applicants are provided with vouchers entitling them to free, expert legal and financial advice, which can be accessed through MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. There are five advice and assistance services provided by the Abhaile scheme: Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) service Accountancy service Consultation solicitor service Duty solicitor service Personal insolvency court review service Don't worry if you're not sure which applies to you, each person who avails of the scheme is assigned an adviser to refer them to the right expert for their case, and to help them to communicate with their lender to work towards a solution. This is vital: while the desire can, understandably, be to hide away from the reality of being unable to meet your mortgage repayments, burying your head in the sand is the worst thing you can do. From 2010, the implementation of the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) outlined five steps for lenders to operate when dealing with those in arrears or close to arrears: Communication Financial information Assessment Resolution Appeals This framework has become compulsory under the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA), with a view to helping the borrower as much as possible. However a huge number of cases are outside the MARP guidelines. Can I avail myself of it? To be eligible for the Abhaile scheme, you must meet four criteria: Be in mortgage arrears on your home Be at serious risk of losing your home due to arrears Be insolvent (unable to pay your debts in full) Be reasonably accommodated: that is, that your accommodation is suited to the needs of you and your dependents and is not disproportionately expensive. Remember, the scheme exists to help keep people in their homes, so if your arrears are on an investment or buy-to-let property, you will not qualify (although those in arrears on their home while also owning a buy-to-let property may be eligible). Who should I contact? You can find your local MABS office on contact the MABS helpline from Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm, on 0761 07 2000; or arrange a call back by emailing helpline@ Alternatively, you could also go directly to a Personal Insolvency Practitioner – yours truly is one of 114 PIPs around Ireland. Access the full list from the Insolvency Service of Ireland or click on this link: Remember: you are not alone, and support is available.
