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PODCAST

The Irish FIRE Podcast

Michael Houghton

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

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All Episodes

13:17

Financial Independence VS Financial Freedom

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/10/28

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 why FI felt like a bit of a let down and shares the mindset and practical adjustments he’s making so

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14:42

What Are You Grinding For?

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/09/23

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’s journey prompted Michael to reflect on his own. Having reached financial independence himself,

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50:35

The Freedom Before FI Interview

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/08/28

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 and part-time work, and how keeping a 75% savings rate was possible while still enjoying life.The

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18:20

Life Options in a Post-FI World

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/07/25

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 brings more questions than answers. Michael unpacks: The emotional cost of being a “nice guy”

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17:22

6 Year Anniversary Special - The Community Strikes Back

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/06/05

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: https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-limerick Subscribe to the monthly

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19:49

What FIRE is Really About

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/05/19

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 criticism of their FIRE journey and offers his honest thoughts on what FIRE is really about. Show Notes:

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14:51

The €9 Cup Cakes that changed how we think about money

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/04/23

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 Ireland and answers a question he received in a WhatsApp group about being financially independent as a

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35:04

From Bucket List to Best Self with Shane O'Brien

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/03/27

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 your journey to financial independence. He also opens up about overcoming a childhood tragedy and how his

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14:39

Are We FI Yet?

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/02/27

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 reflects on the next steps in his post-FI journey, balancing work, purpose, and leisure.Show

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25:50

Become a Millionaire, with Sjoerd Bak

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/02/12

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 journey, and he shares valuable insights and advice that he offers to his clients on how to become

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12:33

The Cat is Out of the Bag

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2025/01/14

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 tasks. Looking ahead, Michael outlines his family’s plans for 2025, including a long-awaited trip to New

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13:30

The Transition to Semi Retirement

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/12/21

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 Up Group: https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-limerick/ Subscribe to the monthly

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18:05

Realisations on 100 Episodes

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/11/14

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 reaches FI. Show Notes Subscribe to the monthly newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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17:56

When FIRE Goes Horribly Wrong

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/10/15

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-Op (planting native forests): https://www.andulra.ie/co-op Youtube "Playing with Fire Full Documentary"

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13:54

What Would Ramit Say?

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/09/19

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.madfientist.com/ramit-sethi-interview/ Carl & Mindy interview with

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12:14

Da Simple Life

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/08/12

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 is the episode for you! Show Notes: Link to the Limerick FI Meet Up

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14:03

The Theory of FIRE

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/07/17

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-number-calculation.png Link to online meet up on 31st July

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20:54

The 7 Steps to FI

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/07/03

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://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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14:56

Enough is Enough

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/06/05

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

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34:54

The Mrs Smart Money Interview - Part 2

The Irish FIRE Podcast ·

2024/04/23

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 create a powerful coaching formula to help others build the lives they deserve.In part 2, Kel shares

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