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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 FIRE Podcast offers actionable insights to help you achieve your financial goals.

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#131
Friday · 41 min
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 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-anders Contact Anders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anders-skagerberg-cfp%C2%AE-ea-631089158/ Coast FI Guy on Substack: https://andersskagerberg.substack.com Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by Martina Murphy Solicitor. Legal services with a personal touch.
#130
October 9 · 15 min
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 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/progress Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode is supported by Moneycube, one of the sponsors of the Irish FIRE Podcast. Moneycube is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
#129
October 2 · 32 min
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 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.com Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by Martina Murphy Solicitor. Legal services with a personal touch.
#128
September 25 · 25 min
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 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.
#127
September 18 · 21 min
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 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/newsletter This episode is supported by Moneycube, one of the sponsors of the Irish FIRE Podcast. Moneycube is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
#126
September 11 · 31 min
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 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 hello@moneycube.ie 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.
#125
September 4 · 24 min
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 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/newsletter This 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.
#124
August 27 · 12 min
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 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/newsletter This 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.
#123
July 27 · 39 min
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 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 Notes Tom's first podcast episode: https://www.firepodcast.ie/the-gen-z-fire-blue-print Subscribe to the Irish FIRE 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. This episode has also been sponsored by Moneycube. Moneycube is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
#122
June 5 · 20 min
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 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/newsletter This 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.
#121
May 25 · 54 min
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 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-donegan Rebel Finance School: https://rebeldonegans.com/finance/rfs/ Rebel Business School: https://therebelschool.com Subscribe to the Irish FIRE 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.
#120
April 29 · 51 min
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 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.
#119
April 14 · 51 min
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 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.ie FollowRockwell on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rockwell_financial Follow 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/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
#118
March 30 · 41 min
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 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.com Get the monthly newsletter with updates on Michael's FIRE journey: 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.
#117
March 9 · 19 min
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 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/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
#116
February 17 · 16 min
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 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.
#115
January 27 · 21 min
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 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.html 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.
#114
Dec 23, 2025 · 17 min
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 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.
#113
Nov 28, 2025 · 33 min
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, 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.
#112
Oct 28, 2025 · 13 min
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 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_UswlI 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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