Life Options in a Post-FI World

In this episode, Michael republishes his interview on the Freedom Before FI podcast which covers his journey to financial independence and what life looks like along the way. He shares his story of moving from New Zealand to Limerick, raising a family of five, and how he’s built up a €700k+ investment portfolio split between property and stocks.  Michael also talks about lifestyle design, seasonal and part-time work, and how keeping a 75% savings rate was possible while still enjoying life. The interview also considers the human side of FI - how financial freedom has improved family life, the way he teaches his kids about money and investing, and what purpose looks like once work is optional. Michael shares what it’s like writing for The Irish Independent, filling his days with meaningful projects, and the habits and lessons that have shaped his path. Stick around until the end for a fun quick-fire round where Michael reveals the book that changed his perspective, the small things you can do this week to start investing, and the lessons he wishes he’d known ten years ago. Show Notes: Here are the links to the original interview: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XxPgEeuGayTqaEwUE19mk See the interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndeNIEUwtn0 Become an Irish FIRE newsletter subscriber: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael shares what life really looks like after reaching Financial Independence. Spoiler: it's not all hammocks and golf rounds. From repainting rental properties and managing guilt over working less, to the emotional weight of holding a full time job post-FI, this episode explores the unexpected complexities that come once you hit your FI number - and why "freedom" sometimes brings more questions than answers. Michael unpacks: The emotional cost of being a “nice guy” landlord Delegating property tasks and embracing manual labour Feeling out of sync with the 9-5 life (even when it’s “flexible”) The surprise guilt of working less - and still feeling overcommitted The temptation and reality of buying a holiday home Lessons learned from an entrepreneurial brother-in-law Why retirement isn't the answer - and FIRE is more about framework than finality Show Notes Subscribe the the monthly newsletter

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. Show Notes Join the Limerick FI Meet Up Group: https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-limerick Subscribe to the monthly newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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. Michael also responds to some recent criticism of their FIRE journey and offers his honest thoughts on what FIRE is really about. Show Notes: Join the newsletter at: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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. He also discusses insights from a recent financial review with Ronan from Metis Ireland and answers a question he received in a WhatsApp group about being financially independent as a landlord. Show Notes: Follow Alan & Katie's Youtube Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/@rebeldonegans Become a newsletter subscriber: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael talks with Shane O'Brien, author of From Bucket List to Best Self. Shane, originally from Clare and now living in Castleconnell, Co. Limerick, recently wrote a book about the power of using a bucket list as a template for personal development. In the episode, he shares how FIRE and personal development go hand in hand and explains how developing a bucket list can support your journey to financial independence. He also opens up about overcoming a childhood tragedy and how his bucket list played a key role in helping him learn to swim” Show Notes Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bucket-List-Best-Self/dp/B0DVS1L6WK Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael explores whether his family has officially reached financial independence.  He breaks down their investment portfolio, rental income, and expected expenses to assess if they can sustain a €40,000 annual budget.  He also considers different strategies for managing withdrawals, potential risks, and what financial independence truly means beyond just the numbers. Finally, he reflects on the next steps in his post-FI journey, balancing work, purpose, and leisure. Show Notes: Michael on Ireland AM (about halfway through): https://play.virginmediatelevision.ie/watch/vod/52791801/ireland-am-fri-21-feb Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael sits down with Sjoerd Bak, founder of BAMillionaire.com. Originally from The Netherlands, Sjoerd moved to Ireland in 2006 and worked in the tech industry before becoming a qualified financial advisor. Today, he provides financial coaching to help professionals in the tech sector build financial literacy and achieve their financial goals. We dive deep into Sjoerd's own FIRE journey, and he shares valuable insights and advice that he offers to his clients on how to become financially independent. Show Notes: Connect with Sjoerd on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoerdbak/ Visit Sjoerd's Website: https://www.bamillionaire.com/ Get Sjoerd's tracking template by subscribing to his newsletter: https://bamillionaire.kit.com/template Subscribe to The Irish FIRE Podcast Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael shares the news that he has been asked to write regularly on personal finance for The Irish Independent and how writing on a main stream newspaper has meant that his near FI status is now being shared on a national scale!  He discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning to semi-retirement, from embracing flexibility in his work schedule to tackling more household tasks. Looking ahead, Michael outlines his family’s plans for 2025, including a long-awaited trip to New Zealand and paying off a personal loan for solar panels and vehicle upgrades. He explains the financial balancing act of covering these expenses, working less, and managing higher taxes while letting his FI portfolio coast. Show Notes Read The Irish Independent article here: https://archive.ph/NDQLZ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael discusses how embracing a low-cost lifestyle has helped him and his family move closer to Financial Independence.  He shares updates on his portfolio, his transition into semi-retirement, and the conscious trade-offs he's made to prioritise time freedom over material wealth. Show Notes: The Three Phases of FI https://www.firepodcast.ie/three-phases-of-fi Limerick FI Meet Up Group: https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-limerick/ Subscribe to the monthly newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter