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 NotesSubscribe the the monthly newsletter

Today marks six years since the launch of the FIRE Podcast Ireland, and to celebrate, we're doing something special. 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-limerickSubscribe to the monthly newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/financial-independence-limerick/A breakdown of Michael's family monthly budget:https://www.firepodcast.ie/monthly-budget.pngSubscribe to the monthly newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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-independence-limerick/events/301861738/ Link to Mad Fientist Article:https://www.madfientist.com/happiness-through-subtraction/ Become a subscriber to the monthly newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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

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 NotesMad Fientist Bill Perkins Interview:https://www.madfientist.com/bill-perkins-interview/Join the newsletter for monthly updates:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 details of what happened after her no spend year and how she was able to follow her passion to help more people take control of their finances. Show Notes Learn more about Kel at her website:https://www.mrssmartmoney.com Or you can catch up with her daily insights over on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrssmartmoneyhq Or on Linked In:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kel-galavan-money-mindset-coach/ Subscribe to The Irish Fire Podcast Newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter    

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 to adopt the no spend year and how things played out as she embarked on this unconventional path.Show NotesLearn more about Kel at her website:https://www.mrssmartmoney.com Or you can catch up with her daily insights over on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrssmartmoneyhqSubscribe to The Irish Fire Podcast Newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 NotesJoin the newsletter at:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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, offers travel advise and how he defines his FIRE lifestyle. Show Notes: Follow Stephen at: https://www.youtube.com/@outoftheboxtraveler https://www.instagram.com/outoftheboxtraveler JL Collins new book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pathfinders-Extraordinary-Stories-Financial-Independence/dp/B0CKWFWF95/ https://mrsmoneyhacker.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter