The Irish FIRE Podcast

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 NotesSubscribe the the monthly newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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/B0DVS1L6WKSubscribe to the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterThis episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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 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 FIhttps://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

In this episode, Michael dives into the Playing with FIRE documentary and explores the balance between achieving financial independence and living a fulfilling life in the present. He discusses the Rieckens' journey, the challenges they face, and whether the sacrifices they make are truly aligned with their core mission of spending more time as a family.Show NotesLearn more about An Dúlra Co-Op (planting native forests):https://www.andulra.ie/co-opYoutube "Playing with Fire Full Documentary" to find the Playing with Fire DocumentaryMr Money Mustache FIRE video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Li_sFNc4QJoin the newsletter and keep in touch with monthly updates:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter