What FIRE is Really About

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. Show Notes: Brian and Izabela's Passive Property Builder: https://www.facebook.com/ktgriffinltd Join the Limerick FI Meet Up Group: https://www.meetup.com/financial-indepdence-limerick/ Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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. He unpacks why FI felt like a bit of a let down and shares the mindset and practical adjustments he’s making so compounding can carry him from FI toward true financial freedom. Show Notes: Interview with Paul Overy - Ask About Wealth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwo_Z_UswlI Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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. Anne’s journey prompted Michael to reflect on his own. Having reached financial independence himself, Michael explains why he has chosen not to walk away from work. He discusses the benefits of public sector contracting, how flexibility and balance have transformed his relationship with work, and why sometimes continuing to work on your own terms can be more rewarding than leaving altogether. FIRE, Michael argues, isn’t about never working again. It’s about freedom, balance, and choice. For Anne, that meant walking away. For Michael, it means staying but in a way that no longer feels like a grind. Show Notes Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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