Irish Financial Independence Podcast
Welcome - I’m Michael Houghton, and I write and podcast about our family’s journey toward Financial Independence (FI).
In 2018, I began pursuing financial independence after growing tired of trading time for money and realising that, despite steady work and a decent income, we never felt like we were getting ahead financially. I was drawn to the idea that, through intentional living and the power of compounding, it was possible to build a different kind of life - one where work became optional and I could live on my own terms.
For me, the most valuable thing money can buy is freedom: freedom of time, freedom of choice, and freedom for my family.
Along the way, I’ve shared the journey openly through podcast episodes and detailed monthly updates, covering both the challenges and the wins as we worked toward FI.
At some point in 2025, we realised we had crossed an important milestone: our FI portfolio had grown large enough to support our relatively low-cost lifestyle if we chose to step away from full-time work. While I haven’t retired yet, we’re comfortable calling ourselves financially independent - and these days, much of what I write and podcast about is what life looks like on the other side of that goal.
You can also sign up to my monthly newsletter and receive regular updates, insights, and reflections delivered straight to your inbox.
The podcast is sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
Latest Podcast Episodes
7 Years of The Irish FIRE Podcast
Friday, 5th June 2026
In this episode, Michael marks seven years of The Irish FIRE Podcast with a personal update on how his own FIRE journey has progressed and evolved. He shares the latest developments in his property investing strategy, including the purchase of another buy-to-let property in Limerick, the use of refinancing and equity release, and how he thinks about leverage, risk and long-term financial independence.
Listen NowHaving a Blast with Alan and Katie Donegan
Monday, 25th May 2026
In this episode of The Irish FIRE Podcast, Michael speaks with Alan and Katie Donegan, who reached financial independence and retired in 2019. Since then, they have built a life around freedom, travel, creativity and purpose, living as digital nomads while continuing to teach others about money, business and lifestyle design.
Listen NowThe Ask About Wealth Interview, with Paul Overy
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Overy from Ask About Wealth - a highly experienced financial planner with decades in the industry and a growing following across social media and YouTube.
Listen NowLatest Progress Updates
June 2026 Portfolio Update
Monday, 6th July 2026
In May 2025, Metallica announced tickets to a two night Dublin show. It had been a lifetime dream of mine to see Metallica in concern, with my older son also a huge fan of anything heavy metal (Metallica is on the softer side for him), and my youngest also a huge fan, I booked seated tickets for the two day gig. Over a year later, the day came and what a weekend! We drove up and down both nights. My nine year old slept in the car on the way home, and was even such a trooper that he went to school Monday morning after getting it at 1am after the Sunday night gig.
Read MoreMay 2026 Portfolio Update
Sunday, 7th June 2026
When I was grinding in 2022, I gave up my time. I was working 12+ hours per day to put ourselves in a stronger financial position, but I sacrificed my time. I was exhausted and was in a constant state of burn out. As I slowly reduced my work hours, I had bought myself time freedom. I went from being in a constant working state, to suddenly having time to think. It was a great place to be. However, as human’s, we find that we tend to fill time as quickly as we gain it.
Read MoreApril 2026 Portfolio Update
Wednesday, 6th May 2026
Yes, hitting financial independence is a fantastic place to be. But there is one thing that isn’t often talked about - the challenges of too many options. Ever walked into a food court and you can’t decide what restaurant to pick from? So you end up ordering from Subway, then kinda wish you had gone for the KFC instead? Welcome to financial independence.
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