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
The Power of FIRE
Tuesday, 23rd December 2025
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.
Listen NowStress Free FIRE - with Brian & Izabela
Friday, 28th November 2025
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.
Listen NowFinancial Independence VS Financial Freedom
Tuesday, 28th October 2025
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.
Listen NowLatest Progress Updates
November 2025 Portfolio Update
Tuesday, 9th December 2025
This update might come as a bit of a surprise, but we went ‘sale agreed’ recently on another investment property - number five this time! We last purchased a buy to let property in 2023 and I had promised my wife we wouldn’t purchase any more, however with me now working with a property manager, buying more property felt a lot more scalable.
Read MoreOctober 2025 Portfolio Update
Friday, 7th November 2025
I recently spoke about this on a podcast episode, but thought I would expand on this a little more in this month’s update. Bottomline - I have decided to stop taking withdrawals from my portfolio! Yes, I know, I only lasted two months, but something didn’t feel right.
Read MoreSeptember 2025 Portfolio Update
Saturday, 4th October 2025
Since hitting our “enough” at the end of 2024, I have been finding my focus shift away from money towards other pursuits. Health has become a big goal of mine - it can be funny how as human’s, we tend to work better when we have a goal.
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