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: M...
Feb 27, 2025•15 min•Ep. 104
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 ...
Feb 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 103
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...
Jan 14, 2025•13 min•Ep. 102
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 newsletter:...
Dec 21, 2024•14 min•Ep. 101
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...
Nov 14, 2024•18 min•Ep. 100
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"...
Oct 15, 2024•18 min•Ep. 99
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 Ramit: https://www.youtube.com/watc...
Sep 19, 2024•14 min•Ep. 98
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 Group: https://www.meetup.com/finan...
Aug 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 97
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 2024: https://www.meetup.com/financial-indepen...
Jul 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 96
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...
Jul 03, 2024•21 min•Ep. 95
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...
Jun 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 94
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 de...
Apr 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 93
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 coaching formula to help others build the lives they deserve. In part 1, Kel shares details of what led her...
Mar 27, 2024•31 min•Ep. 92
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
Feb 25, 2024•15 min•Ep. 91
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 is semi FI and he talks with Michael about how he built this lifestyle, how he will adapt with children,...
Feb 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 90
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 Andrew are not professional investors and nothing in this episode should be considered financial advise. Sh...
Jan 28, 2024•26 min•Ep. 89
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 is really just about leaving the 9-5 grind, more so than retiring in the traditional sense. - Michael com...
Jan 15, 2024•21 min•Ep. 88
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 a blue print for anyone looking to pursue financial independence at any age. There will be more to come...
Dec 15, 2023•22 min•Ep. 87
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/ The Die with Zero Calculator: https://www.moneyflamingo.com/free-resources/ The Money Flamingo Podcas...
Nov 10, 2023•16 min•Ep. 86
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 property. Show Notes: Investment Trusts with Andew: https://www.firepodcast.ie/investment-trusts-with-andr...
Oct 10, 2023•15 min•Ep. 85
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-financial-independence-with-ken-from-the-humble-penny Previous Episodes on Property: https://www.firepodca...
Sep 22, 2023•15 min•Ep. 84
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 pursuing any of these. Show Notes: Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter...
Sep 08, 2023•14 min•Ep. 83
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...
Aug 24, 2023•17 min•Ep. 82
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 Notes: Come along to an online or face to face meet up: https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-li...
Aug 11, 2023•14 min•Ep. 81
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 to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter Solar Panel Installers worth getting a quote fro...
Jul 28, 2023•11 min•Ep. 80
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 Notes: The original recording can be found at: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/high-inflation-...
Jul 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 79
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 job, to getting your partner onboard with FIRE. Show Notes: Listen to Joshua's Podcast at: https://pod...
Jun 30, 2023•31 min•Ep. 78
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 earn income and reduce expenses, ultimately is what makes ones FI journey not a linear thing. Show Not...
Jun 16, 2023•17 min•Ep. 76
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 Disclaimer: Information in this episode is for education purposes only. When it comes to mortgages, all situa...
Jun 02, 2023•30 min•Ep. 77
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 FIRE journey in life post Flamingo FIRE! Disclaimer: Michael is not a financial advisor and any investmen...
May 19, 2023•13 min•Ep. 76
