Irish Financial Independence Podcast
Welcome! I’m Michael Houghton, and I write and podcast about our family’s FIRE journey.
In 2018, I began my journey toward financial independence. I was tired of trading time for money and inspired by the idea that, through intentional living and the power of compounding, I could build a different kind of life - one where work became optional and I could live on my own terms.
For me, the most important thing my money can buy is freedom for myself and my family.
I record podcast episodes and provide monthly updates on my FI progress. Join me as I discuss my journey towards financial independence and hear about the challenges and successes I have along the way.
You can also sign up to my monthly newsletter and receive regular updates from me to your inbox!
Latest Podcast Episodes
6 Year Anniversary Special - The Community Strikes Back
Thursday, 5th June 2025
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.
Listen NowWhat FIRE is Really About
Monday, 19th May 2025
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.
Listen NowThe €9 Cup Cakes that changed how we think about money
Wednesday, 23rd April 2025
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.
Listen NowLatest Progress Updates
May 2025 Portfolio Update
Wednesday, 4th June 2025
I always wondered why so many FIRE influencers never actually took the plunge and retired once they hit their FI number. It was a question that eluded me for many years as I pursued my own FIRE journey. I wanted to be different. I wanted to hit the number, and be done - leaving the 9-5 and maybe just moonlighting the odd hour or ten in the evenings. It wasn’t until we found a way to generate €40,000 a year from our portfolio, and hit a stage where we technically could retire if we wanted to, that I realised why no one really retires early.
Read MoreApril 2025 Portfolio Update
Sunday, 4th May 2025
In August last year, we booked a sun holiday. We were off to Lanzarote for a week over the 2025 Easter break. We came back a couple of days ago. We had a wonderful time, got plenty of sun, got to experience a cheaper, slower pace of life, and got to spend loads of quality time with my wife and kids. Over the week, there were several key thoughts I had that related to both money and life in Ireland.
Read MoreMarch 2025 Portfolio Update
Saturday, 5th April 2025
My wife came home from town one Friday afternoon carrying a 3 pack of cupcakes. I didn’t think much of it, they were small but fancy, I assumed she had found herself a bargain somewhere, after all, how much would 3 small cupcakes be? My younger two loved them, so excited when they saw them, chocolate eggs on top, and fancy. My oldest boy ate it in one clean bite, not appreciating how fancy the cupcake was. He finished it, and asked straight away “is there any more?”
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