The Irish FIRE Podcast

Michael Houghton
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The Irish FIRE Podcast

My name is Michael and I am on a journey towards financial independence. Originally from New Zealand and now living in Ireland, in 2018 I started my journey towards financial independence. Join me as I discuss my journey towards financial independence and hear about the challenges and successes I have along the way.

  1. MAR 27

    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 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/B0DVS1L6WKSubscribe to the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    35 min

  2. FEB 27

    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 reflects on the next steps in his post-FI journey, balancing work, purpose, and leisure.Show Notes:Michael on Ireland AM (about halfway through):https://play.virginmediatelevision.ie/watch/vod/52791801/ireland-am-fri-21-febSign up for the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    15 min

  3. FEB 12

    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 journey, and he shares valuable insights and advice that he offers to his clients on how to become financially independent. Show Notes: Connect with Sjoerd on Linked In:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoerdbak/ Visit Sjoerd's Website:https://www.bamillionaire.com/ Get Sjoerd's tracking template by subscribing to his newsletter:https://bamillionaire.kit.com/template Subscribe to The Irish FIRE Podcast Newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    26 min

  4. JAN 14

    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 tasks. Looking ahead, Michael outlines his family’s plans for 2025, including a long-awaited trip to New Zealand and paying off a personal loan for solar panels and vehicle upgrades. He explains the financial balancing act of covering these expenses, working less, and managing higher taxes while letting his FI portfolio coast.Show NotesRead The Irish Independent article here:https://archive.ph/NDQLZSubscribe to the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    13 min

  5. 12/21/2024

    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 FIhttps://www.firepodcast.ie/three-phases-of-fi Limerick FI Meet Up Group:https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-limerick/ Subscribe to the monthly newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    14 min

  6. 11/14/2024

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

    18 min

  7. 10/15/2024

    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 NotesLearn more about An Dúlra Co-Op (planting native forests):https://www.andulra.ie/co-opYoutube "Playing with Fire Full Documentary" to find the Playing with Fire DocumentaryMr Money Mustache FIRE video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Li_sFNc4QJoin the newsletter and keep in touch with monthly updates:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    18 min

  8. 09/19/2024

    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 NotesMad Fientist interview with Ramit:https://www.madfientist.com/ramit-sethi-interview/Carl & Mindy interview with Ramit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm3jlsW7W34Ramit's website:https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/Ramit's Netflix show:https://www.netflix.com/title/81410436Subscribe to the newsletter & following my FIRE progress:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

    14 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    4 Ratings

    About

    My name is Michael and I am on a journey towards financial independence. Originally from New Zealand and now living in Ireland, in 2018 I started my journey towards financial independence. Join me as I discuss my journey towards financial independence and hear about the challenges and successes I have along the way.

    Information

    • Creator
      Michael Houghton
    • Years Active
      2019 - 2025
    • Episodes
      106
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2019 - 2025 All rights reserved.
    • Show Website
      The Irish FIRE Podcast

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