Interview - Jerry Moriarty

What is the best business/investment decision you ever made?

Moving to the UK when I was 23, it opened up a lot of opportunities. Backing Galileo at 20/1for the 2001 Derby was very sweet too. Someone who worked with me had a friend who visited Ballydoyle early in the year and they said he was their best horse for that year.

What kind of car do you drive?

Mercedes CLK 200.

What is the worst financial advice that you ever received?

Not to join my DB scheme when I started working in the UK. Eventually did after a couple of years in the DC scheme.

Do you own property abroad?

No.

Should basic finance be included on primary school curriculum?

Absolutely, we need to do a lot more to help people understand the basics.

Do you contribute to a pension plan?

Yes, we have a DC scheme at work and it's my main form of savings.

What's your favourite film of all time?

It's so hard to narrow down and I change my mind a lot. Today I would say Stand By Me.

Have you ever won money?

See No. 1. I am relatively lucky and have won my local GAA Club (Sneem, Co. Kerry) lotto.

Do you own your own home?

Not fully yet,but yes.

Do you invest directly in the stock market, through funds or both?

Not directly, but I do through my DC scheme.

What is your preferred method/system of saving (Deposits, Funds,Shares, Property)?

Short term savings through deposits. Long-term by paying off mortgage as quickly as possible and pension scheme.

What financial product/s do you consider to be bad value for money?

Anything that is sold as an add-on, insurance with electrical appliances. I wouldn't buy a washing machine from an insurance company so why the other way around,

Do you trust your bank?

To a point. I still need one though and always check transactions and statements.    


Jerry Moriarty is Director of Policy at Irish Association of Pension Funds