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
Stress 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 NowWhat Are You Grinding For?
Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
In this episode,Michael shares the story of Anne, a woman working 65-hour weeks with a two-hour commute who came to a FIRE meet-up looking for reassurance that her grind was worth it. Instead, she walked away with a new perspective and within weeks, she handed in her notice. Anne has since transitioned into a lower-stress, family-friendly job that gave her back her time and quality of life.
Listen NowLatest Progress Updates
October 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.
Read MoreAugust 2025 Portfolio Update
Friday, 5th September 2025
I recently went back to work after a five week break. It has been interesting. Work definitely doesn’t feel so bad after giving yourself the flexibility of time off, and a five week break was the longest break I have had from work since I started my career 20 years ago.
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