In this episode Michael shares his thinking behind his decision to step away from full-time work and begin early retirement before turning 43. He reflects on two stories that have stayed with him: Norman, an 80-year-old former WWII fighter pilot who wished he could have five years of his life back, and a MrBeast contestant who turned down $500,000 rather than spend another 100 days away from his family. For Michael, both stories underline the same lesson: there comes a point when more money simply isn't worth trading away more time. After spending much of the summer living a slower, simpler life with his family in Carrigaholt, Co. Clare, Michael realised that many of the things that make life enjoyable cost very little - trips to the beach, football in the garden, cooking at home, building a treehouse and simply having time together. With the family investment portfolio now approaching €1 million, he explains the numbers behind his retirement plan, including the proposed sale of their first investment property, drawing income from their rental-property company, and using the money from the property sale to help bridge the years until their longer-term investments and pensions become accessible. After eight years of pursuing financial independence, Michael believes he has finally reached the point where the most valuable thing his money can buy is time. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Irish FIRE Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland. This episode has also been sponsored by Moneycube. Moneycube is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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