The Irish FIRE Podcast
The Irish FIRE Podcast explores the journey to financial independence and early retirement from an Irish perspective. Hosted by Michael Houghton, the podcast covers practical strategies for saving, investing, and working towards financial independence. Each episode dives into topics like tax efficiency, property investment, pensions, and lifestyle optimization, all tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in Ireland. Whether you’re just starting out or well on your FIRE journey, The Irish FIRE Podcast offers actionable insights to help you achieve your financial goals.
Episodes
How to Make It: The Money Habits Behind Financial Independence - with David Ferns
In this episode, Michael talks with David Ferns, author of the recently released financial independence book How to Make It.
David is based in Dublin, and the conversation covers some of the practical habits and decisions that can make a big difference to your finances over time.
We discuss tracking your expenses, automating your finances, gambling and its impact on money, the true cost of car o
Early Retirement Here We Come!
In this episode Michael shares his thinking behind his decision to step away from full-time work and begin early retirement before turning 43. He reflects on two stories that have stayed with him: Norman, an 80-year-old former WWII fighter pilot who wished he could have five years of his life back, and a MrBeast contestant who turned down $500,000 rather than spend another 100 days away from his f
When Is Enough, Enough? A FI Catch-Up with Tom
Tom was last on the podcast in early 2024, when he shared his journey of going all in on property as a route towards financial independence.
In this episode, Michael catches up with Tom to hear what has changed, how his portfolio and FI plans have progressed, and whether his definition of financial independence has evolved along the way.
The conversation then turns to one of the most difficult que
7 Years of The Irish FIRE Podcast
In this episode, Michael marks seven years of The Irish FIRE Podcast with a personal update on how his own FIRE journey has progressed and evolved. He shares the latest developments in his property investing strategy, including the purchase of another buy-to-let property in Limerick, the use of refinancing and equity release, and how he thinks about leverage, risk and long-term financial independe
Having a Blast with Alan and Katie Donegan
In this episode of The Irish FIRE Podcast, Michael speaks with Alan and Katie Donegan, who reached financial independence and retired in 2019. Since then, they have built a life around freedom, travel, creativity and purpose, living as digital nomads while continuing to teach others about money, business and lifestyle design.
Michael talks to Alan and Katie about their own journey to financial ind
The Ask About Wealth Interview, with Paul Overy
In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Overy from Ask About Wealth - a highly experienced financial planner with decades in the industry and a growing following across social media and YouTube.
Paul shares his journey into financial planning, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his approach differs from traditional financial advice in Ireland. With a strong focus on transparency
FIRE VS Financial Advisors - an Interview with Robert Whelan
In this episode, Michael talks with Robert Whelan, from Rockwell Financial. Originally from Carlow and now living in Dublin, Robert shares his family background, from working with his Dad as a milkman, to working in hospitality, to eventually launching his own business in 2009 as a financial advisor.
Robert answers some tough questions around how those pursuing financial independence can work wit
8 Years Later: The FIRE Mistakes That Shaped My Journey
In this episode, Michael shares the full story of his journey to financial independence - from moving to Ireland from New Zealand in 2011, to building a life with more freedom, less money stress, and far more intention around how he lives. What started as a normal middle-class life of earning and spending gradually changed after meeting a friend living a very different kind of life - one built aro
I Hate Bidding Wars
In this episode, Michael shares why he refuses to get dragged into bidding wars and how that approach has shaped his property investing journey from accidental landlord in 2020 to closing on property number seven.
What started with refinancing a three-bed semi-D instead of selling it became the beginning of a much bigger strategy: buying carefully, focusing on yield, staying unemotional, and walki
Ireland vs New Zealand: A Cost of Living Showdown
It had been eight years since Michael was last in New Zealand - the country where he grew up before moving to Ireland in 2011. When he left, New Zealand felt significantly more expensive than Ireland. So when he returned for a three-week family trip, he decided to do what any personal finance nerd would do… he kept a money diary.
This episode breaks down his experiences with spending in New Zealan
21 tiny habits that will help you build wealth in 2026
In this episode, Michael walks through the thinking and habits behind his family’s journey from having nothing saved in 2017 to building a €800,000 investment portfolio in eight years.
This episode is based on his recent article for The Irish Independent and expands on the real mechanics behind wealth-building: saving first, avoiding lifestyle creep, investing consistently, and letting time do the
The Power of FIRE
What if FIRE wasn’t about retiring early... but about living a better life?
In this personal end-of-year episode, Michael reflects on what Financial Independence has actually delivered in 2025 and it's not what he originally expected. Rather than quitting work completely, FIRE has unlocked something far more powerful: choice, abundance, and the ability to say yes.
This episode explores how FIRE qu
Stress Free FIRE - with Brian & Izabela
Brian and Izabela have been active members of the Limerick FI Meet-Up Group since 2019. Recently married, they’re a fantastic example of a couple pursuing FIRE together. In this episode, Michael visits them in their home in Limerick to talk about their FIRE journey, how they work as a team on the path to financial independence, the low-stress lifestyle they’ve intentionally built, their passive, l
Financial Independence VS Financial Freedom
In this episode, Michael reflects on the difference between financial independence (FI) and financial freedom through his own post-FI transition. After reaching FI in late 2024, he eased into a seasonal work schedule in 2025 and discovered that while his basic lifestyle was fully funded, larger, less-frequent expenses (big trips, renovations, car upgrades) weren’t comfortably covered. He unpacks w
What Are You Grinding For?
In this episode, Michael shares the story of Anne, a woman working 65-hour weeks with a two-hour commute who came to a FIRE meet-up looking for reassurance that her grind was worth it. Instead, she walked away with a new perspective and within weeks, she handed in her notice. Anne has since transitioned into a lower-stress, family-friendly job that gave her back her time and quality of life.
Anne
The Freedom Before FI Interview
In this episode, Michael republishes his interview on the Freedom Before FI podcast which covers his journey to financial independence and what life looks like along the way. He shares his story of moving from New Zealand to Limerick, raising a family of five, and how he’s built up a €700k+ investment portfolio split between property and stocks. Michael also talks about lifestyle design, seasonal
Life Options in a Post-FI World
In this episode, Michael shares what life really looks like after reaching Financial Independence. Spoiler: it's not all hammocks and golf rounds.
From repainting rental properties and managing guilt over working less, to the emotional weight of holding a full time job post-FI, this episode explores the unexpected complexities that come once you hit your FI number - and why "freedom" sometimes bri
6 Year Anniversary Special - The Community Strikes Back
In this anniversary episode, Michael invites you into the heart of the Limerick FI community, sharing real stories from local members on their own FIRE journeys. You’ll hear how the Limerick WhatsApp and Meetup groups have helped people from all walks of life openly talk about money, investing, and intentional living - free from judgment or taboos.
Show Notes
Join the Limerick FI Meet Up Group:
ht
What FIRE is Really About
In this episode, Michael shares what a typical Tuesday looks like in his life now - not filled with long workdays or dramatic financial spreadsheets, but with meaningful work, family time, fitness, golf, and sunshine. He reflects on what FIRE really means to him: not quitting work, but having the freedom to design an extraordinary life on his own terms. Michael also responds to some recent critici
The €9 Cup Cakes that changed how we think about money
In this episode, Michael shares how a disagreement with his wife over a €9 cupcake sparked a deeper conversation about budgeting and money spending. He reflects on his evolving perspective on FIRE now that he’s technically financial independence, and how his life is gradually transitioning into semi-retirement.
He also discusses insights from a recent financial review with Ronan from Metis Irela
From Bucket List to Best Self with Shane O'Brien
In this episode, Michael talks with Shane O'Brien, author of From Bucket List to Best Self.
Shane, originally from Clare and now living in Castleconnell, Co. Limerick, recently wrote a book about the power of using a bucket list as a template for personal development. In the episode, he shares how FIRE and personal development go hand in hand and explains how developing a bucket list can support y
Are We FI Yet?
In this episode, Michael explores whether his family has officially reached financial independence. He breaks down their investment portfolio, rental income, and expected expenses to assess if they can sustain a €40,000 annual budget. He also considers different strategies for managing withdrawals, potential risks, and what financial independence truly means beyond just the numbers. Finally, he
Become a Millionaire, with Sjoerd Bak
In this episode, Michael sits down with Sjoerd Bak, founder of BAMillionaire.com. Originally from The Netherlands, Sjoerd moved to Ireland in 2006 and worked in the tech industry before becoming a qualified financial advisor. Today, he provides financial coaching to help professionals in the tech sector build financial literacy and achieve their financial goals.
We dive deep into Sjoerd's own FIRE
The Cat is Out of the Bag
In this episode, Michael shares the news that he has been asked to write regularly on personal finance for The Irish Independent and how writing on a main stream newspaper has meant that his near FI status is now being shared on a national scale! He discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning to semi-retirement, from embracing flexibility in his work schedule to tackling more household tas
The Transition to Semi Retirement
In this episode, Michael discusses how embracing a low-cost lifestyle has helped him and his family move closer to Financial Independence. He shares updates on his portfolio, his transition into semi-retirement, and the conscious trade-offs he's made to prioritise time freedom over material wealth.
Show Notes:
The Three Phases of FI
https://www.firepodcast.ie/three-phases-of-fi
Limerick FI Meet U
Realisations on 100 Episodes
In this episode, Michael celebrates episode 100 of The Irish FIRE Podcast by looking back over the last 7 years of his FIRE journey, and giving his reflections on a year by year basis since he started his journey in 2018.
Michael is now only a few months away from hitting FI, and Michael shares his thoughts on both how his journey has panned out, but also what he expects from the future once he r
When FIRE Goes Horribly Wrong
In this episode, Michael dives into the Playing with FIRE documentary and explores the balance between achieving financial independence and living a fulfilling life in the present. He discusses the Rieckens' journey, the challenges they face, and whether the sacrifices they make are truly aligned with their core mission of spending more time as a family.
Show Notes
Learn more about An Dúlra Co-O
What Would Ramit Say?
In this episode, Michael explores some of the ideas from Ramit Sethi and his book, podcast and TV program 'I will Teach You To Be Rich' and 'How to Get Rich'.
He challenges some of the idea's that Ramit presents when it comes to personal finance, and factors in some of the things which Ramit tends to overlook about the FIRE movement.
Show Notes
Mad Fientist interview with Ramit:
https://www.mad
Da Simple Life
In this episode, Michael explains and introduces the philosophy of 'The Simple Life' - a concept that his wife sold him on back in 2010. It is a philosophy that ensures that his family can maintain a low cost lifestyle, while ensuring maximum happiness and contentment.
If you ever wondered how Michael and his family are able to live in Ireland on approximately €40,000 euro per year - then this i
The Theory of FIRE
In this episode, Michael concludes a 3 part series on his FI calculations. He talks about how the Die with Zero Calculator is actually an improvement on the 4% rule and discusses the art of subtraction once one reaches (or gets close to) FI.
Show Notes
Link to Die with Zero Calculator:
https://www.moneyflamingo.com/free-resources/
Link to my FI calculations:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/img/fi-numb
The 7 Steps to FI
In this episode, Michael covers the 7 steps to financial independence. He also gives a personal portfolio update, as well as gives his own definition of financial independence.
Show Notes:
The Die with Zero Calculator:
https://www.moneyflamingo.com/free-resources/
The Money Flamingo Update:
https://www.moneyflamingo.com/is-this-still-semi-retirement/
Subscribe to the newsletter:
https:
Enough is Enough
It has been 5 years today since The Irish FIRE Podcast launched - what better way to celebrate with a personal update from Michael, sharing his thoughts on defining enough, as he is looking to adopt early retirement.
Show Notes
Mad Fientist Bill Perkins Interview:
https://www.madfientist.com/bill-perkins-interview/
Join the newsletter for monthly updates:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
The Mrs Smart Money Interview - Part 2
In this episode, Michael continues his conversation with Kel, AKA Mrs Smart Money, who embarked on a "No Spend Year™" in 2019. She reduced her family's expenses by over €27,000, leading her to write a best-selling book, Mindful Money: More Money, More Freedom, More Happiness, became QFA qualified and became a money coach. Since her no spend year, she has harnessed her scientific background to crea
The Mrs Smart Money Interview - Part 1
In this episode, Michael talks with Kel, AKA Mrs Smart Money, who embarked on a "No Spend Year™" in 2019. She reduced her family's expenses by over €27,000, leading her to write a best-selling book, Mindful Money: More Money, More Freedom, More Happiness, became QFA qualified and became a money coach. Since her no spend year, she has harnessed her scientific background to create a powerful coachin
Good & Bad Money Spending Habits
In this episode, Michael takes a close look at intentional money spending. He explains how becoming good at spending money is a skill and gives examples of good and bad money spending habits.
Show Notes
Join the newsletter at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
Travel & FIRE, with Stephen
In this episode, Michael talks to Stephen about travel and FIRE. Stephen is originally from Ireland but has spent time in Canada as well as countries all over the world. Stephen spent 6 and a half years back packing around the world, while saving for FIRE. Stephen works in hospitality, picking up jobs as he travels, traveling on a budget and saving for FI at the same time.
These days, Stephen i
Property VS Stocks, With Andrew
In this episode, Michael talks with Andrew, who was last on the podcast in 2021 talking about Investment Trusts. This time, Michael and Andrew compared property VS stock. Likely the most discussed topic on many FIRE groups, what is the better investment, property or stocks?
Andrew looks at the pros and cons of each and makes a conclusion about the better investment.
Disclaimer: Michael and Andr
I Don't Really Want to Retire Early - Interview with Tom - Part 2
In this episode, Michael continues his conversation with Tom, a 26 year old pharmaceutical salesperson based in Wexford.
In part two, we cover:
- Tom discussed the power of the flexible work place and reasons not to worry about retiring early if you love your job.
- Why the real journey from FIRE is to build a life you around work, rather than trying to escape from work.
- Why the RE of FIRE
The Gen Z FIRE Blueprint - Interview with Tom - Part 1
Tom, a 26 year old pharmaceutical salesperson based in Wexford, shares his FIRE story with Michael. Tom was able to save €40,000 by the time he was 25 and purchase his first house aged 26.
Tom's story is inspiring as he managed to avoid so many of the common financial pitfall's from such a young age. His story shows what it possible when making sound financial decisions from a young age and is
The Money Flamingo Tribute
In this episode, Michael pays tribute to the Money Flamingo website (https://www.moneyflamingo.com). He mentions how Tina's work has been a huge motivator for him, especially since 2021 and explores how many attributes from the Money Flamingo website are starting to apply to his own FIRE journey.
Show Notes:
Link to the Money Flamingo Article:
https://www.moneyflamingo.com/time-to-semi-retire/
Your Questions Answered 2023
In this episode, Michael answers a few questions that he has received over the last few weeks from podcast listeners.
These questions include:
- What are the best broker accounts in Ireland?
- What are the top two things Michael recommends when pursuing FIRE?
- What are some of my options around travel expenses when self employed?
- Questions around refinancing property to buy an investment prope
How to Get Started in Buying Investment Property
In this episode, Michael discusses the basic things that one needs to do to become a property investor. He covers the ins and outs of looking for the right property to buy, to negotiating through the sales process. The episode covers things such as the Rent Pressure Zone in Ireland, but is also suitable for listeners overseas.
Show Notes:
Episode with Ken:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/talking-fi
Ways to Increase Your Income - Part 4
In this episode, Michael adds another chapter to his original episodes released back in 2019 on income. He reviews various additional methods of potential ways to increase your income, including some of the recent methods being adopted by some members of the FIRE community. Some of these methods are extreme, so please do your own research and take your own circumstances into account before pursu
Introducing the 20:20 Rule
In this episode, Michael introduces the 20:20 rule. A simple concept that is a great starting point for anyone new to the FIRE movement. He also gives some quick starting points on how to reduce expenses and increase income.
Show Notes:
Interview on RTE with Brendan O'Connor:
https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22285693/
Subscribe to the Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
The Great Supermarket Ripoff
In this episode, Michael discusses some strategies around how he and his family grocery shop. He mentions some of the traps that he see's when shopping for food and shares some tips on how you can reduce your grocery bill.
He also shares the one item in Aldi that hasn't gone up in price for many years, as well as another item which has increased in price by 500% over the last year or so!
Show
Are Solar Panels a Good Investment?
In this episode, Michael discusses everything solar panels related! He goes through his own experience of having solar panels installed 12 months ago and lists the pro's and con's of installing solar panels. Solar panels can be a great investment, but what factors should you consider before installing solar panels? Michael looks to answer these questions in this episode.
Show Notes
Subscribe
The Art of Money and Communication Interview
In this episode, Michael is interviewed by Joshua from The Art of Money and Communication Podcast. The interview covers various aspects, from trying to FIRE with children, embracing FIRE in a high inflation environment, discussing other FIRE influences and discussing some of the core aspects of FIRE - such as being uncomfortable and compounding your ability to earn, save and reduce expenses.
Show
FIRE is for Everyone - Interview with Joshua
In this episode, Michael interviews Joshua from The Art of Money & Communication Podcast.
Joshua is originally from Wales and now living in London. He is an Opera Singer and has been pursing FIRE for a number of years.
Michael & Joshua talk about a range of FIRE topics, from happiness in your career, trying to FIRE in the arts industry, following a simple investment strategy, how to decide to a j
The Elephant in the Room
In this episode, Michael responses to a listener email. The email asked Michael why he doesn't look to apply more moderation and consistency to his FI journey. Michael responses by talking about the elephant in the room - that FIRE is extreme and that to make it work long term, it often needs to be done in phases.
He also talks about how compounding not only investments, but also our ability to
Mortgages with Laura Mansbridge
In this episode, Michael talks with Laura Mansbridge, a mortgage broker based in Limerick. Michael and Laura talk everything mortgages, including mortgages for first time buyers, equity release, buying property through a company and a pension, advantages of using a mortgage broker and associated costs.
Show Notes:
Laura can be reached at:
Email - laura@mortgageabc.ie
Phone - 087 942 1243
Discla
My 12 FIRE Rules - Part 2
In this episode, Michael covers the second part of his 12 FIRE rules. In part two, he covers his 5 rules related to income and investing. Michael shares his advise around why income is the most important FIRE attribute, the importance of an emergency fund, why keeping investing simple is the best approach and that average market returns are OK!
He also provides a quick personal update on his FIR
My 12 FIRE Rules - Part 1
In this episode, Michael covers his 12 FIRE rules. In part one, he covers his 7 rules related to managing expenses. Since 2018, Michael has actually decreased his annual expenses, even with rising inflation. He lists his 7 rules related to how his family have reduced expenses overtime.
He also provides a quick personal update on his FIRE journey, which has hit a significant milestone in May 2
5 Takeaways from ’Die With Zero’
In this episode, Michael gives his five key takeaways from the book 'Die with Zero', which has because a bit of a stable for FIRE enthusiasts. He lists his five main takeaway points from the book and gives his own take on how he has implemented changes after listening to the book.
Show Notes
Listen to the book:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCsfH3U51jA
Sign up to the newsletter:
https://www.
The Element of Luck
In this episode, Michael discusses one of the hidden secrets of the FIRE movement - the element of luck, or chance! Luck (both good and bad) plays a huge role in one's ability to hit FIRE and is often underrated. Michael gives examples of those in the FIRE community that have experienced good luck on their journey, as well as giving examples of his own good luck from the last 5 years.
Show Note
The Truth About Work
In this episode, Michael talks about how his perception of work as changed as his progress towards FI has progressed. He mentions that there is a great sense of irony that the closer he moves to early retirement, the more he is enjoying work. He talks about why this is and how work can still play an important part of your life in early retirement.
Show Notes
Blog Article One on Money Flamingo:
Planning for Withdraws in Early Retirement
In this episode, Michael provides insights into his thinking around how to plan for withdrawals in early retirement. He discusses the challenge of working out whether to pay down current mortgages on investment properties, or continue to buy new properties.
He also provides a work update as he looks to scale back him working hours in 2023.
Show Notes
The Die with Zero Calculator:
https://www.m
Is the Traditional FIRE Movement Dead?
In this episode, Michael asks the question, is the traditional FIRE movement dead? With so many great FIRE alternatives available now, he considers if the traditional route of work hard and retire is no longer applicable, especially in a post COVID world, where so many other income alternatives are available.
Show Notes:
Read the Money Flamingo Blog Article on the real definition of early retir
Coast FI with Anders, The Coast FI Guy
In this episode Michael talks with Anders Skagerberg, AKA The Coast FI Guy. Coast FI is the concept of building a smallish portfolio and let it compound in the background, while you work part-time and wait until your portfolio grows enough large enough to fully retire.
Quotes from the episode:
"I don't have to do work that I hate for the rest of my life."
"I think some of the most important wo
Why I Buy Property
In this episode, Michael shares his reasons why he has been buying rental properties. He explains that while landlords are currently leaving the property market, he is buying and his reasons for doing so.
Quotes from the episode:
"I think landlords are forgetting that a tenant is paying down a mortgage. Landlords fail to release the difference between cashflow and profit."
"I remember looki
The Great FIRE Myth
In this episode, Michael discusses the great myth or lie about the FIRE movement, the notion of early retirement. He mentions that most people that achieve FIRE don't actually retire in the traditional sense and continue bringing in some form of income.
While they might retire from the traditional corporate world, chances are income will still come in one way or another, so we should plan for th
Money Principles with Jesse Borst
In this episode, Michael talks with Jesse Borst from Money Principles. Jesse is a professional investor and has his own Youtube Channel, where he shares tips on financial freedom, personal finance and covers topics such as generational wealth.
In this interview, Jesse talks about investing in 2022/23, the importance of building an investing strategy and offers great advice on how to think like a
My Property Strategy
In this episode, Michael discusses how he goes about buying investment property in Ireland. He lists the requirements from the banks, to working with auctioneers, to the in's and out's of putting a property deal together in Ireland.
He highlights the 9 steps he takes when it comes to working through a property deal and shares his experience of buying property in Ireland.
To sign up for the news
A FIRE Conversation with Alva Damon
In this episode, Michael has a conversational style catch up with Alva Damon, who last appeared on the podcast back in early March 2020. We talk everything FIRE from:
- FIRE strategies
- Investing strategies
- Property VS Index Funds
- FIRE alternatives
- Travel Hacking & Travel Tips
- Enjoying the FIRE journey & more.
Show Notes:
Flight Deals: www.kiwi.com
Apply for a European Health Card: https
My Top 10 FIRE Regrets
In this episode, Michael reflects on his FIRE journey over the last 5 years and lists the top 10 regrets that he has had to date.
From Peer to Peer Lending, too much money in his pension, Forex Trading, Passive Income, Scalable Businesses, having to many companies and more!
Show Notes
Check out the Co-Op I Co-Founded:
https://www.andulra.ie
Company Strike of Services for €200 or so:
https://www.c
All Roads Lead to Semi Retirement
In this episode, Michael gives an update on his overall FIRE progress and explains why semi-retirement will likely be the best path for his FIRE journey.
Michael has spent the last 12 months increasing his savings rate considerably and with that, he has been focusing on FIRE shortcuts. However, in 2022 with high inflation, it has made it more and more difficult when it comes to planning for early
Dealing with the Daily Grind
In this episode, Michael describes daily working life for him. He briefly described what has happened to him work life over the last 12 months or so and explains how he handles getting through the daily grind. He discusses how he views work and how he comes up with early exit strategies in the event that he decides that the daily grid isn't worth it.
Show Notes
Follow the Newsletter at:
https
12 Inflation Busting Money Saving Tips
In this episode, Michael shares a list of 12 ideas to help reduce expenses.
With inflation running at 40 year highs, reducing expenses can be a great way to tackle the impact on inflation.
Be sure to subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter to keep up with Michael's latest portfolio updates:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
Show Notes
Article on upgrading to a more economic car:
https://www.f
Buying Property in 2022
In this episode, Michael shares his story of buying an investment property in 2022.
He shares his high's and low's of activity looking for an investment property in Limerick - and explains what has changed in 2022 when buying a property.
Show Notes
Join The Irish FIRE Newsletter by visiting:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
Flamingo FIRE - The Money Flamingo Interview
In this episode, Michael talks to the author of the Money Flamingo Blog. Tina is originally from Europe and is now living in Australia. She become "Flamingo FI" in 2020 and has been living a semi retired lifestyle since then.
Tina tells her own story, and shares her wisdom of why she adopted Flamingo FI. As she mentions, "the real goal is the happiness that you can achieve along the path [to FI
Some Things Are More Important Than Money!
In this episode, Michael takes a moment to reflect on the Ukraine War. He mentions that it is hard to discuss personal finance when there is a war going on in Europe. He talks about luck and the impact that that has on one's FIRE journey.
He mentions that it has become difficult to try to forecast investment returns over the next number of years and this makes planning for early retirement nearl
The Three Phases of FI
In this episode Michael discusses the three phases for FI. Michael shares how he is currently at a full throttle FIRE stage, where he is looking to maximise his income potential.
He mentions that working hard for a full months can be worth it, if it helps you move along quickly in your FI journey, or helps to secure another significant asset, such as an investment property.
He mentions concept
Investment Trusts with Andrew
In this special two year anniversary episode, Michael interviews Andrew. Andrew has been investing for a number of years and is well on his way to FI.
In the interview, we talk about Investment Trusts, which are a great way to get around the horrid Deemed Disposal tax that exists in Ireland. Invest Trusts are taxed at 33% and dividends are taxed at your Income Tax Rate - so they are a tax effici
The Barista FIRE Approach
In this episode, Michael discusses The Barista FIRE Approach - the concept of building a small portfolio and letting compounding grow the portfolio while not withdrawing from the portfolio until when you retire.
Barista FIRE is a great approach to FIRE in Ireland, as its an extremely tax efficient way to approach early retirement, and still allows for an early retirement age of 55.
Subscribe to th
What Should I Be Investing In?
In this episode, Michael discusses the options around what he invests in 2021 and provides an update on how his investments has changed over the last 3 years.
He answers questions such as:
- Do I still invest in Peer to Peer Lending?
- What is the best way to save for my children's college fund?
- What is the most tax efficient way to invest as a sole trader?
- Why do I say that Cryptocurrency loo
Selling up and moving to the Canaries
In this episode, Michael answers a question from Sinead, who has recently sold up her property in Ireland and has moved to the Canaries.
Michael works through the numbers, to see if it is possible for Sinead to be financially independent within 5 years.
To keep up to date with Michael's journey, subscribe to the monthly newsletter at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/members
The Irish Savers Action Group Interview
In this episode, Michael interviews Sean and Sinead from The Irish Savers Action Group (ISAG) Interview. They are on a mission to promote financial literacy and to push positive progressive changes in the Irish investment tax rates.
You can learn more about ISAG at the following places:
ISAG Website:
https://isag.ie
ISAG Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/255087048882194
Join The Iri
Passive Income - The Alternative Way to FIRE?
In this episode, Michael explores an alternative way to becoming financially independent - by building passive income streams.
Michael defines passive income as any income that isn't generated directly to your time (e.g. selling your time for money).
Michael compares some recent passive income that he has started to generate for himself against a traditional FIRE portfolio, to show how passive i
Should I set up a company for my investments?
In the first episode of 2021, Michael announces that the format of the show for 2021 will change slightly. Michael will answer questions he gets on financial independence from listeners this year - typically answering two or three questions per episode.
Michael gives a quick update on his own financial journey, before answering the following questions in this episode:
1. Should I set up a compa
Saying No to 50% Tax
In this episode, Michael discusses the strategies he has adopted to reduce his tax bill. He explains how he is able to reduce his actual effective personal tax rate to less than 9% living in Ireland (a high tax country).
He also gives an update on his investment portfolio as at December 2020.
Show Notes:
Learn more at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie
Financial Independence with Dave G
Michael interviews Dave G, a co-host of the Limerick FI meet up group.
Dave is based in Newcastle West, in Co. Limerick. Dave is originally from the UK and is a PAYE earner. He has a unique FIRE journey is looking to become FI through real estate investing.
During the interview, we talk mindset, investing and how Dave keeps motivated on this FIRE journey.
Show Notes:
Check out Dave's website
