The Financial Risk of Inconsistent Pricing Across Your Business

Pricing is one of the most important decisions any Irish SME makes. It directly affects revenue, profitability and how the business is positioned in the market. Yet in many businesses, pricing is not applied consistently. Different clients, projects or products may be priced in different ways, often without a clear strategy. Over time, this inconsistency […]

Why Profitability Declines as Teams Expand and How to Prevent It

For many Irish SMEs, hiring is a natural step in growth. More staff should mean more capacity, better service and increased revenue. In practice, profitability often comes under pressure as teams expand. The business becomes busier and more capable, yet margins tighten and financial performance can stall. This is not a failure of growth. It […]

Top 5 Signs Your Business Is Growing Turnover but Losing Control

Growth is often taken as proof that a business is on the right path. Increasing sales, a fuller pipeline and a busier team all point to progress. Yet many Irish SMEs reach a point where turnover continues to rise while control begins to slip. The business looks stronger from the outside, but internally it becomes […]

The Cost of Unclear Financial Goals: Why Many SMEs Drift Without Direction

Many Irish SMEs operate with a strong work ethic, a steady flow of activity and a clear intention to grow. However, despite this effort, progress can feel inconsistent. Revenue may increase, but profit does not follow. Decisions are made, but results are mixed. Over time, the business appears to move forward without a clear sense […]

The Risk of Relying on “Gut Feel”: Why Financial Visibility Matters More in 2026

Many Irish SME owners take pride in knowing their business instinctively. Years of experience, close involvement in operations and strong customer relationships often create a sense that decisions can be made based on judgement alone. In the early stages, this approach can work well. However, as businesses grow and conditions become more complex, relying on […]

Top 5 Areas Where Irish SME Owners Are Overpaying Without Realising

For many Irish SMEs, controlling costs is seen as a priority. Expenses are monitored, budgets are reviewed and efforts are made to operate efficiently. However, despite this focus, many businesses continue to overpay in areas that are not immediately obvious. These costs rarely appear as large, single expenses. Instead, they are embedded in day to […]

Why Short-Term Decision Making Is Holding Back Long-Term Growth in Irish SMEs

Many Irish SMEs operate in a constant cycle of activity. Day to day demands, customer needs and immediate financial pressures often dominate decision making. While this focus is understandable, it can create a pattern where short-term thinking takes priority over long-term strategy. In the early stages of a business, this approach can be effective. Flexibility […]

Top 5 Warning Signs Your Business Has Outgrown Its Current Systems

As Irish SMEs grow, systems that once worked well can quietly become a limitation. What was efficient at an early stage can become slow, fragmented and increasingly difficult to manage as activity increases. The challenge is that this shift often happens gradually, making it difficult to recognise when systems are no longer fit for purpose. […]

How Overheads Quietly Creep Up and Erode SME Profit Margins

For many Irish SMEs, rising costs are not driven by one major decision. They build gradually. A small increase here, a new subscription there, an additional staff role to support growth. None of these changes feel significant in isolation. Over time, however, they combine to create a steady increase in overheads that quietly erodes profit […]

Top 5 Pricing Mistakes Irish SMEs Continue to Make in 2026

Pricing remains one of the most important and most mishandled areas within Irish SMEs. It directly affects profitability, cash flow, positioning, and long-term sustainability. Despite this, many businesses continue to approach pricing in a reactive or inconsistent way. The result is not always immediate. Businesses can operate for long periods with flawed pricing structures. They […]

Mernie joined Money Sense as a Director in 2008 and works in the area of administration and compliance.

Mernie is an Economics and French graduate from UCC.

Mernie also has a postgraduate diploma in Computing and has previously worked in the IT industry for a number of years.

Mernie’s IT experience and business acumen are invaluable in organising and managing the office and maintaining strict compliance requirements.

Mobile: 087 8364150

John is a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) who has over 40 years of experience working in the Financial Services Industry.

Having previously worked in the Banking Sector for 28 years, John has acquired significant knowledge and experience in all areas of financial planning and advice.

Establishing Money Sense Financial Services has enabled John to use his extensive experience in providing impartial and sound judgement in the pursuit of better Client solutions in the open marketplace.

John is extremely passionate and committed to his work and prides himself on a positive ‘can do’ attitude. He is very dependable and will do everything in his power to assist customers achieve their financial goals.

In his spare time, John is a staunch GAA enthusiast, being currently involved with Dr. Crokes GAA Club as Manager of their Senior Hurling Team.

Originally from Newtownshandrum, John is a proud Cork man but has settled well in his adopted County and is doing everything in his power to promote the small ball game in Kerry.

John is also a member of Killarney Golf Club with a respectable handicap. John gives 100% in every project he undertakes and exudes positive energy and enthusiasm which can be infectious.