Old Irish Guys: Irish wit, South Baltimore grit.
With 60 years of combined experience, John and Brendan trade jargon for straight talk. From the office to their podcast “The Penny and the Pint” their wisdom will help you build and grow a lasting financial legacy.
The Penny & The Pint: Practically Simple Financial Advice Podcast
Practical financial advice delivered in a relaxed, conversational setting. Hosted by two experienced finance dads, the podcast breaks down everyday money topics with clarity, humor, and real-world perspective. From budgeting basics to long-term planning decisions, each episode feels less like a lecture and more like a thoughtful chat over a pint—approachable, honest, and designed for busy people who want to build confidence with their finances. Listen to our podcast.
Reach Out Anytime
Got questions or comments? Email us and let’s take it from there.
Two Advisors, One Honest Conversation
Relatable Authority
60 years of combined experience means we’ve seen nearly every market mood swing. We trade the corporate jargon for straight talk and wisdom that works.
Straight Talk
Just a proper sit-down in plain English—clear and simple. Honest financial advice, shared with a wink and a smile, like a good Irish chat over a pint.
Home-Field Advantage
We’re your home-field advantage. No downtown offices or long commutes—just local wisdom right around the corner.
The Penny & The Pint
Pull up a stool for “The Penny & The Pint” podcast. Financial wisdom and South Baltimore grit, served with a splash of Irish charm.
Explore Working Together
Let’s connect for 15 minutes to evaluate fit, sharpen your strategy, and define what success looks like.
South Baltimore financial guidance with straight talk, deep experience, and relationships built to last a lifetime.
Welcome to Old Irish Guys Financial Services. We’re John Shea and Brendan O’Brien—your neighbors, not just advisors. With 60+ years of combined experience, we help families and businesses navigate life’s financial ups and downs with steady guidance and clear advice. Our approach is simple: real relationships, no jargon, honest conversations, and a commitment to you. We live here, we serve here, and we’re in it with you for the long haul.
Who We Are
Questions, partnerships, or ideas? Email us and let’s take it from there.
Brendan
Brendan’s been navigating market cycles since 1996, which means he’s seen enough “unprecedented” events to know that a steady hand and a long-term plan beat a panic every time. A Boston area native who now calls Baltimore home, he’s the co-founder of the community SmokeToberfest BBQ competition, the President of South Baltimore Little League, an Elder at GraceCity Church, he manages wealth the same way he smokes a brisket: with patience, discipline, and a refusal to cut corners. He’s here to align your money with your values—and maybe share a tip on the best local Little League snacks.
John
John is a client service expert with a 25-year legacy in financial services, including tenures at LPL Financial and State Street Bank. A Boston native turned Baltimore local, he balances his professional life with a deep commitment to the Locust Point community, serving on both the LPCA and FSK PTO boards. John is a dedicated family man, an advocate for accessible financial advice, and a perpetually struggling golfer.
FAQ
You got questions we might have answers.
Where can I find a financial advisor in South Baltimore who actually talks plain English
You’ve found the right porch. We know that searching for “financial planning in Baltimore” usually leads you to a bunch of advisors in stiff suits with even stiffer personalities. At our office, a proper sit-down means we skip the corporate speak. We’ve spent 60 years helping our neighbors in South Baltimore build legacies they can actually understand. If you want a plan explained in simple terms over a cup of coffee, pull up a chair.
What are the best retirement planning strategies for Baltimore families?
The best strategy is the one that lets you sleep at night after a long day of work. Whether you’re working downtown, the hospitals, or a home office, retirement planning isn’t just about a spreadsheet—it’s about your “why.” We specialize in building sturdy, common-sense financial plans that weather market storms. We focus on the big picture so you can focus on the family.
Are there local Baltimore investment fiduciaries who offer a ‘no-pressure’ consultation?
We offer a low-pressure chance for us to listen to your story and see if we’re the right fit for your investment goals. If our approach doesn’t match your needs, we’ll part with a wink and a firm handshake. No high-pressure sales, no “limited time offers”—just two guys with decades of experience looking out for their neighbors.
How do I start wealth management if I don’t have a ‘Wall Street’ sized account?
You don’t need a pot of gold to get a seat at our table. All of our neighbors deserve great wealth management. We believe every South Baltimore legacy starts with a single penny and a bit of grit. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to protect what you’ve built over decades, we’re here to help.
Is there a podcast where I can hear honest financial advice?
If you’re tired of the dry news on the big networks, pull up a stool for our podcast, The Penny and the Pint. We break down the complex world of finance with a splash of Irish wit and a lot of South Baltimore heart. It’s the perfect way to get expert financial advice while you’re commuting down I-95 or walking the dog around Riverside Park. We make the “big” numbers make sense for the “real” world.
What makes the ‘Old Irish Guys’ different from big Baltimore financial firms?
Most firms see you as an account number; we see you at the grocery store and on the stands at Banner field. We’re your neighbors first. Our commitment means we don’t disappear after the paperwork is signed. Whether there’s a change in the market or a change in your life, we’re right here in the community, ready to review your plan and keep your legacy on track.