The Irish FIRE Podcast
Episodes
I Hate Bidding Wars
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares why he refuses to get dragged into bidding wars and how that approach has shaped his property investing journey from a...
Ireland vs New Zealand: A Cost of Living Showdown
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It had been eight years since Michael was last in New Zealand - the country where he grew up before moving to Ireland in 2011. When he left, New Zeala...
21 tiny habits that will help you build wealth in 2026
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael walks through the thinking and habits behind his family’s journey from having nothing saved in 2017 to building a €800,00...
The Power of FIRE
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if FIRE wasn’t about retiring early... but about living a better life? In this personal end-of-year episode, Michael reflects on what Financial...
Stress Free FIRE - with Brian & Izabela
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pu...
Financial Independence VS Financial Freedom
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael reflects on the difference between financial independence (FI) and financial freedom through his own post-FI transition. Afte...
What Are You Grinding For?
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 reassu...
The Freedom Before FI Interview
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael republishes his interview on the Freedom Before FI podcast which covers his journey to financial independence and what life l...
Life Options in a Post-FI World
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares what life really looks like after reaching Financial Independence. Spoiler: it's not all hammocks and golf rounds. Fro...
6 Year Anniversary Special - The Community Strikes Back
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this anniversary episode, Michael invites you into the heart of the Limerick FI community, sharing real stories from local members on their own FIR...
What FIRE is Really About
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares what a typical Tuesday looks like in his life now - not filled with long workdays or dramatic financial spreadsheets, ...
The €9 Cup Cakes that changed how we think about money
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares how a disagreement with his wife over a €9 cupcake sparked a deeper conversation about budgeting and money spending....
From Bucket List to Best Self with Shane O'Brien
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Castleconne...
Are We FI Yet?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explores whether his family has officially reached financial independence. He breaks down their investment portfolio, renta...
Become a Millionaire, with Sjoerd Bak
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael sits down with Sjoerd Bak, founder of BAMillionaire.com. Originally from The Netherlands, Sjoerd moved to Ireland in 2006 and...
The Cat is Out of the Bag
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Transition to Semi Retirement
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses how embracing a low-cost lifestyle has helped him and his family move closer to Financial Independence. Â He shares...
Realisations on 100 Episodes
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael celebrates episode 100 of The Irish FIRE Podcast by looking back over the last 7 years of his FIRE journey, and giving his re...
When FIRE Goes Horribly Wrong
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael dives into the Playing with FIRE documentary and explores the balance between achieving financial independence and living a f...
What Would Ramit Say?
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explores some of the ideas from Ramit Sethi and his book, podcast and TV program 'I will Teach You To Be Rich' and 'How to Ge...
Da Simple Life
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explains and introduces the philosophy of 'The Simple Life' - a concept that his wife sold him on back in 2010. It is a phi...
The Theory of FIRE
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael concludes a 3 part series on his FI calculations. Â He talks about how the Die with Zero Calculator is actually an improvemen...
The 7 Steps to FI
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael covers the 7 steps to financial independence. He also gives a personal portfolio update, as well as gives his own definitio...
Enough is Enough
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It has been 5 years today since The Irish FIRE Podcast launched - what better way to celebrate with a personal update from Michael, sharing his though...
The Mrs Smart Money Interview - Part 2
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael continues his conversation with Kel, AKA Mrs Smart Money, who embarked on a "No Spend Yearâ„¢" in 2019. She reduced her famil...
The Mrs Smart Money Interview - Part 1
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Kel, AKA Mrs Smart Money, who embarked on a "No Spend Yearâ„¢" in 2019. She reduced her family's expenses by over ...
Good & Bad Money Spending Habits
25 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael takes a close look at intentional money spending. He explains how becoming good at spending money is a skill and gives exam...
Travel & FIRE, with Stephen
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks to Stephen about travel and FIRE. Â Stephen is originally from Ireland but has spent time in Canada as well as countrie...
Property VS Stocks, With Andrew
28 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
 In this episode, Michael talks with Andrew, who was last on the podcast in 2021 talking about Investment Trusts.  This time, Michael and Andrew com...
I Don't Really Want to Retire Early - Interview with Tom - Part 2
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael continues his conversation with Tom, a 26 year old pharmaceutical salesperson based in Wexford. In part two, we cover: - ...
The Gen Z FIRE Blueprint - Interview with Tom - Part 1
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tom, a 26 year old pharmaceutical salesperson based in Wexford, shares his FIRE story with Michael. Tom was able to save €40,000 by the time he wa...
The Money Flamingo Tribute
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael pays tribute to the Money Flamingo website (https://www.moneyflamingo.com). He mentions how Tina's work has been a huge mot...
Your Questions Answered 2023
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael answers a few questions that he has received over the last few weeks from podcast listeners. These questions include: - What...
How to Get Started in Buying Investment Property
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses the basic things that one needs to do to become a property investor. He covers the ins and outs of looking for th...
Ways to Increase Your Income - Part 4
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael adds another chapter to his original episodes released back in 2019 on income. Â He reviews various additional methods of pot...
Introducing the 20:20 Rule
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael introduces the 20:20 rule. A simple concept that is a great starting point for anyone new to the FIRE movement. He also g...
The Great Supermarket Ripoff
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses some strategies around how he and his family grocery shop. He mentions some of the traps that he see's when shopp...
Are Solar Panels a Good Investment?
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses everything solar panels related! He goes through his own experience of having solar panels installed 12 months ag...
The Art of Money and Communication Interview
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael is interviewed by Joshua from The Art of Money and Communication Podcast. The interview covers various aspects, from trying...
FIRE is for Everyone - Interview with Joshua
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael interviews Joshua from The Art of Money & Communication Podcast. Joshua is originally from Wales and now living in London. Â ...
The Elephant in the Room
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael responses to a listener email. The email asked Michael why he doesn't look to apply more moderation and consistency to his ...
Mortgages with Laura Mansbridge
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Laura Mansbridge, a mortgage broker based in Limerick. Â Â Michael and Laura talk everything mortgages, including...
My 12 FIRE Rules - Part 2
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael covers the second part of his 12 FIRE rules. In part two, he covers his 5 rules related to income and investing. Michael shar...
My 12 FIRE Rules - Part 1
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael covers his 12 FIRE rules. In part one, he covers his 7 rules related to managing expenses. Since 2018, Michael has actual...
5 Takeaways from ’Die With Zero’
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael gives his five key takeaways from the book 'Die with Zero', which has because a bit of a stable for FIRE enthusiasts. He li...
The Element of Luck
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses one of the hidden secrets of the FIRE movement - the element of luck, or chance! Luck (both good and bad) plays a...
The Truth About Work
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks about how his perception of work as changed as his progress towards FI has progressed. He mentions that there is a gr...
Planning for Withdraws in Early Retirement
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael provides insights into his thinking around how to plan for withdrawals in early retirement. He discusses the challenge of w...
Is the Traditional FIRE Movement Dead?
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael asks the question, is the traditional FIRE movement dead? With so many great FIRE alternatives available now, he considers ...
Coast FI with Anders, The Coast FI Guy
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michael talks with Anders Skagerberg, AKA The Coast FI Guy. Coast FI is the concept of building a smallish portfolio and let it comp...
Why I Buy Property
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares his reasons why he has been buying rental properties. He explains that while landlords are currently leaving the pro...
The Great FIRE Myth
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses the great myth or lie about the FIRE movement, the notion of early retirement. He mentions that most people that ...
Money Principles with Jesse Borst
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Jesse Borst from Money Principles. Jesse is a professional investor and has his own Youtube Channel, where he sh...
My Property Strategy
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses how he goes about buying investment property in Ireland. He lists the requirements from the banks, to working wit...
A FIRE Conversation with Alva Damon
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael has a conversational style catch up with Alva Damon, who last appeared on the podcast back in early March 2020. Â We talk eve...
My Top 10 FIRE Regrets
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael reflects on his FIRE journey over the last 5 years and lists the top 10 regrets that he has had to date. From Peer to Peer Le...
All Roads Lead to Semi Retirement
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael gives an update on his overall FIRE progress and explains why semi-retirement will likely be the best path for his FIRE journ...
Dealing with the Daily Grind
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael describes daily working life for him. He briefly described what has happened to him work life over the last 12 months or so...
12 Inflation Busting Money Saving Tips
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares a list of 12 ideas to help reduce expenses. With inflation running at 40 year highs, reducing expenses can be a grea...
Buying Property in 2022
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares his story of buying an investment property in 2022. He shares his high's and low's of activity looking for an investme...
Flamingo FIRE - The Money Flamingo Interview
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks to the author of the Money Flamingo Blog. Â Tina is originally from Europe and is now living in Australia. Â She become...
Some Things Are More Important Than Money!
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael takes a moment to reflect on the Ukraine War. Â He mentions that it is hard to discuss personal finance when there is a war g...
The Three Phases of FI
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michael discusses the three phases for FI. Michael shares how he is currently at a full throttle FIRE stage, where he is looking to ...
Investment Trusts with Andrew
05 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this special two year anniversary episode, Michael interviews Andrew. Â Andrew has been investing for a number of years and is well on his way to F...
The Barista FIRE Approach
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses The Barista FIRE Approach - the concept of building a small portfolio and letting compounding grow the portfolio wh...
What Should I Be Investing In?
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses the options around what he invests in 2021 and provides an update on how his investments has changed over the last ...
Selling up and moving to the Canaries
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael answers a question from Sinead, who has recently sold up her property in Ireland and has moved to the Canaries. Michael works...
The Irish Savers Action Group Interview
20 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael interviews Sean and Sinead from The Irish Savers Action Group (ISAG) Interview. Â They are on a mission to promote financial ...
Passive Income - The Alternative Way to FIRE?
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explores an alternative way to becoming financially independent - by building passive income streams. Michael defines passiv...
Should I set up a company for my investments?
16 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of 2021, Michael announces that the format of the show for 2021 will change slightly. Michael will answer questions he gets on ...
Saying No to 50% Tax
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses the strategies he has adopted to reduce his tax bill. Â He explains how he is able to reduce his actual effective p...
Financial Independence with Dave G
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael interviews Dave G, a co-host of the Limerick FI meet up group. Dave is based in Newcastle West, in Co. Limerick. Dave is originally from th...
Embracing Frugality
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael mentions how his family embraced frugality and how they were able to reduce their expenses by a significant amount. He gives...
Name Your Sacrifice
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael discusses the sacrifices one needs to make when pursuing financial independence. He relates it back to his own decision and...
Talking Financial Independence with Ken, from the Humble Penny
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Ken, who runs the blog "The Humble Penny". Ken is based in the UK and become financially independence at aged 34....
Buying an Investment Property with No Deposit
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael provides specific details about how he was able to put a deal together to use equity from his home to purchase an investment ...
Talking Property with Gavin J Gallagher
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Gavin J Gallagher about property. Gavin owns and operates the East Point Business Park in Dublin, but has also w...
The Realities of Dealing with Bad Investments
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares his recent experiences (in story telling format) of some of his failed investments and ventures and the outcomes and d...
The Four Pillars of Success
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael reflects on how financial independence ties into success and how wealth is only 25% of deemed success. Michael discusses why...
Talking Financial Independence with Alan Donegan
05 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this special first anniversary episode, Michael talks with Alan Donegan, a 41 year old entrepreneur from the UK, who became financially independent...
Realisations of 2020
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael reveals his realisations of 2020 and the changes he has made in response to learning from COVID 19. Apologies again for the s...
Life After Rugby - The Jamie Heaslip Interview
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with former Irish Rugby International Jamie Heaslip. Jamie provides insights into what hes doing after rugby, but we ...
Investing During a Downturn
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michael talks about how he is investing during a downturn. He talks about some of the mistakes he has made and how he is looking to in...
What is Money Anyway?
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael looks into the history of money and how the economy works. Mentions in the episode: - Coming off the gold standard - Fraction...
What’s your Edge
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael gives an update on life in Ireland since the Coronavirus outbreak. He mentions how he is taking new opportunities with the ch...
Investing & Money Saving Tips with Alvar Damon
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael chats with Alvar Damon, who provides a follow up interview after appearing on the podcast in 2019. Alvar lists some of the a...
Money doesn’t grow on trees, or does it?
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks about how he might just be a bad investor! In the last two years, he has been involved in so many investment scams, tha...
Bye Bye Envestio
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares the story of the Envestio scam, which he unfortunately got caught up in. He also shares some feedback from the last ep...
The Day I lost €6,000
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael shares the story of the day he lost €6,000, caused from being over leveraged in his trading account. The story details how ...
Time VS Energy
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explores the energy that one puts into various tasks - from work, personal projects, investing and life in general. He notice...
Becoming the Mexican Fisherman
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Michael makes a big announcement in this episode. Michael has made the decision to start living in a "semi-retired" status. He talks about how the sto...
The Opportunist Butterfly
12 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explores what can happen when you start to take opportunities, and the long term impact that that has when you start to take ...
How Not to Start a Business
08 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael lists the common errors he sees when it comes to starting a business. He lists some of the common errors, and then gives hi...
How I became Financially Independent with Robert White
05 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Robert White. Robert is in his 30's and he and his wife Emma became financially independence in 2015. Robert is fr...
Robert Kiyosaki VS Financial Independence
01 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michael looks at some of the lessons that Robert Kiyosaki teaches and compares them against the FI movement. For example, Robert says...
Financial Independence with Mrs Money Hacker
30 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks with Meagan from Mrs Money Hacker. Meagan covers loads of great information, including: - Her own background and how...
What I learnt from the Madrid FIRE 2019 Conference
25 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael provides feedback from what he learnt at the Madrid FIRE 2019 conference. Quotes from the episode: "Financial Independence is...
Financial Independence as an employee, with Alvar Damen
22 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael talks to Alvar Damen. Alvar is a co host of the Financial Independence Europe podcast, is 26 years old and originally from Th...
The 3 paths to financial independence
18 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael lists the three potential paths to financial independence in Ireland. He explores a new path which he hasn't considered befor...
Happiness VS Financial Independence
11 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael explores the idea that happiness and financial independence is a trade off. He challenges the listener to start living their ...