The Irish FIRE Podcast
- Épisodes
- 135
- Parution
- hebdomadaire
- Dernier épisode
- 6 Nov 2026
À propos du 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.
Épisodes 135
Making Finance Simple, with Dan Malone
In this episode Michael is joined by Dan Malone, founder of Honest.ie and creator of a popular YouTube channel "Dan Malone Money", which is focused on making personal finance simple and accessible. Recorded in …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode Michael is joined by Dan Malone, founder of Honest.ie and creator of a popular YouTube channel "Dan Malone Money", which is focused on making personal finance simple and accessible. Recorded in front of a live audience, Michael and Dan explore financial education in Ireland, investing, pensions and the decisions that can help people build long-term financial security.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including what someone starting their financial journey at 30 should consider, the impact of government spending and investment on inflation, and how Irish pension fees compare with those in the UK. Dan also shares his thoughts on using personal investment accounts alongside pensions, making the most of the small gift exemption to invest for children's futures, and his recent interview with Albert Dolan.
Finally, Michael and Dan explore the FIRE movement, discussing Dan's perspective on financial independence and whether early retirement should really be the ultimate goal. With questions from the live audience throughout, this episode brings together practical financial education, different perspectives and plenty of food for thought.
Links & Resources
Dan's conversation with Albert Dolan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwCB5xtRFqkDan's YouTube video about FIRE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfQgX235oAVisit Honest.ie:
https://www.honest.ieLearn more about the 2027 FI Retreat:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/retreatTime Freedom: Rethinking Retirement, with Brian Herriot
What if retirement wasn’t the goal, and the focus was instead on building a life where work fits around what matters most? In this episode, Michael welcomes Brian Herriot, author of Time Freedom, to explore a …
Notes de l’épisode
What if retirement wasn’t the goal, and the focus was instead on building a life where work fits around what matters most? In this episode, Michael welcomes Brian Herriot, author of Time Freedom, to explore a different way of thinking about work, money and freedom.
Brian’s book explores how people can shape their work and finances around the life they want to live, creating more flexibility and choice along the way. Rather than waiting for retirement to enjoy life, the conversation considers what it means to make work part of a fulfilling life today, on their own terms.
Having enjoyed an advance copy of the book, Michael brings his own perspective as he prepares to take the leap into early retirement. Together, they explore how time freedom might change the way people think about financial independence and what comes next.
Show Notes:
Buy the book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ie/Time-Freedom-Rethink-Money-Create/dp/1774587122/
Visit Brian's website:
https://timefreedom.lifeSubscribe to the Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode is supported by Moneycube, one of the sponsors of the Irish FIRE Podcast. Moneycube is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Contracting in Ireland: Tax, Expenses and Early Retirement with Sarah Flynn
Could becoming a contractor help you earn more, gain flexibility and build towards financial independence? In this episode, Michael is joined by Sarah Flynn from Fenero to discuss contracting in Ireland and the …
Notes de l’épisode
Could becoming a contractor help you earn more, gain flexibility and build towards financial independence? In this episode, Michael is joined by Sarah Flynn from Fenero to discuss contracting in Ireland and the reasons you might consider making the move from permanent employment.
They explore how tax works for contractors, the expenses you may be able to claim and why understanding the rules matters when working for yourself. Whether you’re considering your first contract or already self-employed, this conversation will help you think about the bigger financial picture.
They also discuss retirement planning and the tax reliefs that may be available to eligible business owners when selling or winding down their business. If early retirement is your goal, understanding these options and their qualifying conditions could be an important part of your plan.
Show Notes
Follow Sarah on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahflynnireland/Follow Sarah on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahflynn_ie/
Visit Fenero:
https://www.fenero.ieJoin the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
The Coast FI Guy Stopped Coasting - So What Went Wrong?
In this episode, Anders Skagerberg returns to the show three and a half years after his first appearance as “The Coast FI Guy”. Back then, Anders was embracing Coast FI while Michael was still firmly in the …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode, Anders Skagerberg returns to the show three and a half years after his first appearance as “The Coast FI Guy”. Back then, Anders was embracing Coast FI while Michael was still firmly in the accumulation and grinding phase of his own financial independence journey.
This time, the roles have almost reversed. Anders is no longer coasting. After upgrading his lifestyle, returning to full-time work and increasing his income again, he discovered that going back to the grind wasn’t necessarily the answer either.
The conversation explores the balance between coasting and grinding, frugality and deliberate lifestyle inflation, and the constant tension between building more wealth and actually enjoying the life that wealth is supposed to create.
It’s a thoughtful discussion about how financial independence can evolve over time, why “enough” is rarely a fixed number, and how the real goal may simply be creating the freedom to choose how much - or how little - you want to work.
Show Notes:
Anders original interview:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/coast-fi-with-andersContact Anders on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anders-skagerberg-cfp%C2%AE-ea-631089158/Coast FI Guy on Substack:
https://andersskagerberg.substack.comSubscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by Martina Murphy Solicitor. Legal services with a personal touch.
The Questions People Ask When You Say You’re Retiring at 42
After a recent radio interview left very little time to explain the realities of financial independence and early retirement, Michael Houghton takes a deeper look at some of the questions people most often ask …
Notes de l’épisode
After a recent radio interview left very little time to explain the realities of financial independence and early retirement, Michael Houghton takes a deeper look at some of the questions people most often ask about FIRE.
Does retiring early mean never working again? Where does fulfillment come from without a traditional job? And how is it possible to build enough wealth to step away from full-time work in less than a decade? Michael discusses the intense saving years behind his family's journey, the role of investing and property, and how compound growth eventually began doing more of the work.
He also looks at the idea of "enough" - why building a larger portfolio is not necessarily better if it comes at the cost of another decade of work, and why the real goal of financial independence has always been greater control over time.
Finally, Michael explains why budgeting will remain part of life in retirement and why FIRE, for his family, has never really been about becoming rich. It has been about building enough wealth to have the freedom to choose how they spend their time.
Show Notes:
The FYI - Top 10 FIRE Podcasts:
https://the-fyi.com/money/podcasts-for-the-fire-community/Original interview on Claire Bryne:
https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/how-would-like-to-retire-early-YTYzZTQ0NTBlZGYwOTM3ZWU3MmM2YzNmNDAxOTQ1ZmY=View our monthly FI progress:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/progressSubscribe to the Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode is supported by Moneycube, one of the sponsors of the Irish FIRE Podcast. Moneycube is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Couples, Spending and the Gender Pay Gap - with Karena Duane
In this episode of The Irish FIRE Podcast, Michael is joined by Karena Duane, founder of Money, Just For Her. Karena has spent more than 25 years working in Irish financial services and now focuses on helping …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode of The Irish FIRE Podcast, Michael is joined by Karena Duane, founder of Money, Just For Her.
Karena has spent more than 25 years working in Irish financial services and now focuses on helping women build greater confidence and understanding around money.
They talk about budgeting, spending habits and our relationship with money, as well as the gender pay gap and the longer-term impact this can have on women’s finances.
They also discuss money within relationships, including what happens when couples have very different attitudes towards saving and spending, and why these conversations can be so important.
Karena also shares the story behind Money, Just For Her, why she created it, and some of the financial challenges women can face at different stages of life.
Show Notes:
You can find out more about Karena and Money, Just For Her here:
https://moneyjustforher.comSubscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by Martina Murphy Solicitor. Legal services with a personal touch.
Not All Financial Advice Is Created Equal - with Sjoerd Bak
Sjoerd Bak returns to the Irish FIRE Podcast for a conversation about financial advice and why simply speaking to a financial adviser doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the right advice for you. We talk …
Notes de l’épisode
Sjoerd Bak returns to the Irish FIRE Podcast for a conversation about financial advice and why simply speaking to a financial adviser doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the right advice for you.
We talk about why not all financial advice is created equal, what consumers should understand before sitting down with an adviser, and the knowledge Sjoerd believes you should build yourself so that you can engage with financial advice in a completely different way.
Show Notes:
Sjoerd's first interview:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/become-a-millionaire-with-sjoerd-bak
Connect with Sjoerd on Linked In:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoerdbak/
Connect with Sjoerd on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sjoerd.bak/
Visit Sjoerd's Website:
https://www.bamillionaire.com
Sjoerd's founding cohort closes Friday 25 September at midnight: bamillionaire.com/founding50
Book a free clarity call with Sjoerd for one-to-one coaching: go.bamillionaire.com/apply
Subscribe to The Irish FIRE Podcast Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.Ireland’s New Personal Investment Account: Is It Really That Simple? - With Michael Healy of IG
Ireland is planning to introduce a new Personal Investment Account (PIA), designed to make investing easier and encourage more people to move some of their savings out of cash and into investments. On the …
Notes de l’épisode
Ireland is planning to introduce a new Personal Investment Account (PIA), designed to make investing easier and encourage more people to move some of their savings out of cash and into investments. On the surface, it sounds like a welcome step, but will it really be as simple as it sounds?
In this episode, Michael is joined by Michael Healy, CEO of IG Consumer, to look at the detail behind the proposed PIA. They discuss the possible tax treatment, what investments could be included, how the account might compare with systems in the UK and Sweden, and why Michael is concerned that Ireland could end up creating something far more complicated than investors are expecting.
They also discuss what the Government needs to get right if the PIA is genuinely going to encourage more ordinary Irish people to invest and whether this could finally be the beginning of a simpler investment system in Ireland.
Show Notes:
Learn more about IG: www.ig.com.
Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode is supported by Moneycube, one of the sponsors of the Irish FIRE Podcast. Moneycube is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Am I Really Ready to Retire at 42? - with Ralph Benson from Moneycube
Seven years ago, I sat down with Ralph Benson from Moneycube to talk about pensions, investing and financial independence. Exactly seven years later, Ralph joins me again to look back at what's changed - both …
Notes de l’épisode
Seven years ago, I sat down with Ralph Benson from Moneycube to talk about pensions, investing and financial independence. Exactly seven years later, Ralph joins me again to look back at what's changed - both in my own financial journey and in the wider world of pensions and financial planning.
This time around, we talk about my plans for early retirement and some of the questions Ralph typically asks clients when they're trying to work out what they actually want from their money. We also explore the money-time-health triangle, what retirement might actually look like for me, and perhaps most importantly, what Plan B looks like if things don't quite work out as expected.
Show notes:
The original interview with Ralph:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/talking-pensions-with-ralph-benson-from-moneycube
Pensions Awareness Week:
https://pensionsawarenessweek.ie
Check out Moneycube:
www.moneycube.ie or email [email protected]Sponsorship disclosure: This episode includes sponsorship from Moneycube, but the interview with Ralph Benson itself was not sponsored or commissioned. I invited Ralph onto the podcast independently and received no payment for interviewing him. I retained full editorial control, including over the questions asked and the final edit, and Moneycube had no approval or influence over the interview or its content. For more information on how we work with sponsors, please click here.
Moneycube is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 ownership, teaching children about money, and having better financial conversations with your partner.
It’s a wide-ranging conversation about building healthier habits around money and making financial independence feel more achievable.
Show Notes:
Buy the book at:
Amazon Ireland (paper back):
https://www.amazon.ie/How-Make-Simple-Financial-Independence/dp/B0H2YTJRPH/
Amazon UK (Kindle version):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-Simple-Financial-Independence-ebook/dp/B0GZGS5JBS/Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
This episode has also been sponsored by Moneycube. Moneycube is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 family. For Michael, both stories underline the same lesson: there comes a point when more money simply isn't worth trading away more time.
After spending much of the summer living a slower, simpler life with his family in West Clare, Michael realised that many of the things that make life enjoyable cost very little - trips to the beach, football in the garden, cooking at home, building a treehouse and simply having time together. With the family investment portfolio now approaching €1 million, he explains the numbers behind his retirement plan, including the proposed sale of their first investment property, drawing income from their rental-property company, and using the money from the property sale to help bridge the years until their longer-term investments and pensions become accessible.
After eight years of pursuing financial independence, Michael believes he has finally reached the point where the most valuable thing his money can buy is time.
Show Notes:
Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
This episode has also been sponsored by Moneycube. Moneycube is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 questions on the FI journey: when is enough, enough?
At what point have we built a portfolio that is genuinely sufficient? When should we stop focusing so heavily on accumulating more wealth and start putting more of our time, energy and attention into actually living?
Michael and Tom discuss the temptation to keep moving the goalposts, the difference between financial security and endless accumulation, and the importance of understanding what all this wealth-building is ultimately for.
Are you building wealth so you can live your best life now - or simply creating a future inheritance tax problem for your children?
This is an informal and honest conversation about property, financial independence, defining enough and learning when it might finally be time to take your foot off the accelerator.
Show NotesTom's first podcast episode:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/the-gen-z-fire-blue-printSubscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
This episode has also been sponsored by Moneycube. Moneycube is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 independence.
Michael also reflects on what it actually feels like to reach financial independence. Rather than a clean break from work, he talks about the slower transition towards more freedom, seasonal work, taking more time off, and the challenge of deciding what “retirement” really means when you still enjoy the work you do. He also shares an update on the podcast itself, including reaching 400,000 lifetime downloads and welcoming Moneycube as a new podcast sponsor.
Finally, Michael explores one of the biggest lessons of the past year: time freedom only matters if you protect it. After taking on a major hockey coaching commitment, he reflects on the impact it had on family life, the importance of learning to say no, and why FIRE is ultimately about creating more space for the things that matter most - family, freedom, calmness and time.
Show Notes:
Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
This episode has also been sponsored by Moneycube. Moneycube is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 independence, how they approached saving, investing and building a life that was not dependent on traditional employment. They also discuss what life has looked like after reaching FI, including the realities of early retirement, travelling full-time, and finding meaningful projects after stepping away from conventional work.
This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in financial independence, lifestyle design, digital nomadism, or simply hearing from people who have actually reached FI and are living life on their own terms.
Show Notes:
Alan’s previous interview from 2020:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/financial-independence-with-alan-doneganRebel Finance School:
https://rebeldonegans.com/finance/rfs/Rebel Business School:
https://therebelschool.comSubscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 and client-first thinking, Paul explains how a fee-based model can align incentives and lead to better long-term outcomes.
The conversation also explores what people are really chasing when it comes to money. While early retirement often grabs the headlines, Paul makes the case that financial freedom - having control over your time and choices - is the goal that truly resonates with most people.
Finally, Michael and Paul dive into the often-overlooked topic of estate planning - how to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently and in line with your wishes, and why this is a critical part of any long-term financial plan.
What We Cover:
- Paul’s journey into financial planning and building his platform
- The difference between financial planners and traditional financial advisors
- How fee-based financial planning works (and why it matters)
- Financial freedom vs early retirement — what are we really aiming for?
- Estate planning: protecting and passing on your wealth
Show Notes:
Ask About Wealth website:
https://askaboutwealth.ie
Ask About Wealth on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AskAboutWealth
Ask About Wealth on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ask.about.wealth
Paul's Youtube video on Inheritance tax:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WYamFXk928
Michael's original interview with Paul:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwo_Z_UswlI&t=2813s
Join The Irish FIRE Podcast newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 with a financial advisor to make the journey easier.
He also shares his wisdom around starting his own business and discusses typical advice he would give for those in the “boring middle”.
Show Notes:
Rockwill Financial:
https://rockwellfinancial.ieFollowRockwell on Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@rockwell_financialFollow Rockwell on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rockwellfinancialmanagement/Connect with Robert on Linked In:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-whelan-3baa4120/Join the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 around time freedom rather than consumerism. That experience opened his eyes to the FIRE movement and set him on a very different path over the next 8 years.
Michael talks about the mistakes he made early on, from poor pension decisions to chasing high returns through unregulated investments that ultimately cost him time, money, and peace of mind. Looking back, one of the biggest lessons was that investing does not need to be exciting to work. The more he chased shortcuts, the more complicated things became. Real progress came when he focused on the basics: tracking spending, saving consistently, automating where possible, thinking long term, and keeping investing simple.
He also reflects on what life looks like today, how money stress affected relationships in the early years, and how even reaching the first stages of financial independence can transform your life long before retirement. This conversation covers the hard lessons, the funny stories, the mindset shifts, and the practical habits that shaped his journey. If you’re new to The Irish FIRE Podcast, this is the perfect place to start.
Show Notes:
Money Bootcamp with Justin:
https://www.moneybootcamp.comGet the monthly newsletter with updates on Michael's FIRE journey:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 walking away when the numbers stop making sense.
Michael breaks down why the Irish property buying process is stacked against buyers, why he now makes one strong offer only, and why “coming second” can often be the smartest move in the market.
He also explains the key metric he uses to assess every deal - rental yield - and why purchase price alone tells you very little about whether a property is actually good value.
Along the way, he shares:
why ex-rentals often no longer work for investors
how RPZ rules distort buying decisions
why owner-occupied properties can now make more sense for landlords
how rising rents and rising prices in Limerick have broadly kept yields steady
the frustration of painfully slow finance approvals
why leverage and refinancing are central to his current strategy
what recent rental law changes mean for larger landlords
and why respecting a deal once you go sale agreed really matters
This is a property episode about discipline, patience, and resisting the pressure to “win” at all costs.
Show Notes:
Get notified when The Irish Property Podcast launches - https://www.propertypodcast.ie
Get the monthly newsletter with updates on Michael's FIRE journey:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 Zealand and whether his long-held assumptions about the cost of living in both countries still hold true.
Show Notes:
Join the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 heavy lifting.
If you've ever felt that FIRE sounds unrealistic, extreme, or only achievable for high earners - this episode is for you.
Show Notes:
The original article:
https://www.independent.ie/business/money/21-tiny-habits-that-will-help-you-build-wealth-in-2026/a2046147432.htmlJoin the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 quietly transforms everyday life - from paying the bill without stress, to redefining work, supporting family, buying coastal property, and embracing opportunity without fear.
Show Notes
Subscribe to the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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, low-cost home design, and how they managed to save thousands of euro on their wedding.
Show Notes:
Brian and Izabela's Passive Property Builder:
https://www.facebook.com/ktgriffinltd
Join the Limerick FI Meet Up Group:
https://www.meetup.com/financial-indepdence-limerick/
Sign up for the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 compounding can carry him from FI toward true financial freedom.
Show Notes:
Interview with Paul Overy - Ask About Wealth:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwo_Z_UswlISubscribe to the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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, Michael explains why he has chosen not to walk away from work. He discusses the benefits of public sector contracting, how flexibility and balance have transformed his relationship with work, and why sometimes continuing to work on your own terms can be more rewarding than leaving altogether.
FIRE, Michael argues, isn’t about never working again. It’s about freedom, balance, and choice. For Anne, that meant walking away. For Michael, it means staying but in a way that no longer feels like a grind.
Show Notes
Join the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 interview also considers the human side of FI - how financial freedom has improved family life, the way he teaches his kids about money and investing, and what purpose looks like once work is optional. Michael shares what it’s like writing for The Irish Independent, filling his days with meaningful projects, and the habits and lessons that have shaped his path. Stick around until the end for a fun quick-fire round where Michael reveals the book that changed his perspective, the small things you can do this week to start investing, and the lessons he wishes he’d known ten years ago.
Show Notes:
Here are the links to the original interview:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0XxPgEeuGayTqaEwUE19mk
See the interview on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndeNIEUwtn0Become an Irish FIRE newsletter subscriber:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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” landlord
Delegating property tasks and embracing manual labour
Feeling out of sync with the 9-5 life (even when it’s “flexible”)
The surprise guilt of working less - and still feeling overcommitted
The temptation and reality of buying a holiday home
Lessons learned from an entrepreneurial brother-in-law
Why retirement isn't the answer - and FIRE is more about framework than finality
Show Notes
Subscribe the the monthly newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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:
Join the newsletter at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 landlord.
Show Notes:
Follow Alan & Katie's Youtube Chanel:
https://www.youtube.com/@rebeldonegans
Become a newsletter subscriber:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 bucket list played a key role in helping him learn to swim”
Show Notes
Buy the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bucket-List-Best-Self/dp/B0DVS1L6WK
Subscribe to the newsletter:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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