The Irish FIRE Podcast

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...

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-numb...

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.firep...

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

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 crea...

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 coachin...

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

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 i...

 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 Andr...

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 re...

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...

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/...

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 proper...

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-fina...

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 pursu...

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

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 Not...

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...

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...

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 j...

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...

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 Discla...

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...

In this episode, Michael covers his 12 FIRE rules.  In part one, he covers his 7 rules related to managing expenses.  Since 2018, Michael has actually decreased his annual expenses, even with rising inflation.  He lists his 7 rules related to how his family have reduced expenses overtime. He also provides a quick personal update on his FIRE journey, which has hit a significant milestone in May 202...

In this episode, Michael gives his five key takeaways from the book 'Die with Zero', which has because a bit of a stable for FIRE enthusiasts.  He lists his five main takeaway points from the book and gives his own take on how he has implemented changes after listening to the book. Show Notes Listen to the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCsfH3U51jA Sign up to the newsletter: https://www.fir...