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
When Is Enough, Enough? A FI Catch-Up with Tom
Monday, 27th July 2026
Tom was last on the podcast in early 2024, when he shared his journey of going all in on property as a route towards financial independence. In this episode, Michael catches up with Tom to hear what has changed, how his portfolio and FI plans have progressed, and whether his definition of financial independence has evolved along the way.
Listen Now7 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 NowLatest Progress Updates
July 2026 Portfolio Update
Tuesday, 4th August 2026
As July came around, we packed up our busy lives in Limerick and moved to Carrigaholt, Co, Clare, to spend most of the next two months down in West Clare. We went from having loads of shops and supermarkets within 1 kilometer of our house, to being a 50 minute round trip to the nearest Aldi (in Kilrush). We found fun in things like going to the beach, playing soccer in the back garden, lighting our outdoor stove and toasting marshmallows, watching the football world cup on the TV or building a tree house.
Read MoreJune 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.
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