Meet the Team
Paul
Certified Financial Planner
I am a Certified Financial Planner, a Fellow of the Life Insurance Association by diploma and a Qualified Financial Adviser. I joined the Financial Services business in 1985 and have worked at senior management level both in Ireland and the UK with a number of leading life companies prior to setting up Optimum Pensions Company (now Lifestyle Financial Planners) in 1997. I’m a strong advocate of continuous professional development and completed my Masters in Finance & Risk Management through UCD in 2015 with a 1st class honours.
Helen
Office Administrator
“With over two decades of management experience spanning recruitment, global technology, and artisan retail, I bring a broad and well-rounded skillset to the Lifestyle Financial Planners team.
My background includes branch management in leading recruitment firms, executive PA and office management at an international technology company — where I oversaw facilities and travel budgets running to seven figures — and most recently, twelve years as a store manager in Sligo. Throughout, my focus has been on operational excellence, people management, and building strong working relationships.
I joined Lifestyle Financial Planners in February 2026 and am currently working towards my QFA. Outside of work, I enjoy travel and the outdoors with my husband and twin girls from our home in Easkey, one of Ireland’s premier surf destinations”.
Amanda
Qualified Financial Advisor
A QFA with a BA (Honours) in Business in Insurance Practice, I have been an integral part of Lifestyle Financial Planners since 2008, bringing a depth of knowledge that only comes from living and breathing a business over the long term.
My role spans far more than most might assume, from managing the company accounts and overseeing our IT infrastructure, to ensuring full compliance with Central Bank of Ireland regulatory requirements. Behind the scenes, I keep the whole operation running smoothly.
Outside work, I love walking our three dogs, travelling to visit our daughter in Perth and our son and two granddaughters in Canada. Life is good!
Paula
Client Engagement Officer
Since moving from the Royal County (Meath) to Ballina in 2007 with my Mayo born husband Tony and our four sons, I haven’t looked back. I love the proximity to the mountains, beaches and to crown in it all, the trails in Belleek Woods. I hold a BBS (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and qualified with CIMA as a chartered management accountant. I am currently studying for my QFA. During my career I worked at roles in both information systems and accounting in large multi-nationals within the manufacturing sector. I lectured at third level in accounting and finance for many years and since relocating to Ballina was employed with GMarshTV Limited in the role of Production Accountant. I am very excited to have joined the team at Lifestyle Financial Planners in March 2025 as a Client Engagement Officer and look forward to further utilising my financial skills.
Advisor Financial Qualifications
Specialist Investment Advisor (SIA) – The Life Insurance Association of Ireland
Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) – The Life Insurance Association of Ireland
Fellow of the LIA (FLIA) – The Life Insurance Association of Ireland
Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning – University College Dublin
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CFP® – Financial Planning Standards Board Ireland
Masters Degree in Finance – University College Dublin
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We are proud of our Certified Status – The ultimate symbol of professionalism
