The Irish FIRE Podcast

Tom was last on the podcast in early 2024, when he shared his journey of going all in on property as a route towards financial independence.

In this episode, Michael catches up with Tom to hear what has changed, how his portfolio and FI plans have progressed, and whether his definition of financial independence has evolved along the way.

The conversation then turns to one of the most difficult questions on the FI journey: when is enough, enough?

At what point have we built a portfolio that is genuinely sufficient? When should we stop focusing so heavily on accumulating more wealth and start putting more of our time, energy and attention into actually living?

Michael and Tom discuss the temptation to keep moving the goalposts, the difference between financial security and endless accumulation, and the importance of understanding what all this wealth-building is ultimately for.

Are you building wealth so you can live your best life now - or simply creating a future inheritance tax problem for your children?

This is an informal and honest conversation about property, financial independence, defining enough and learning when it might finally be time to take your foot off the accelerator.

Show Notes

Tom's first podcast episode:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/the-gen-z-fire-blue-print

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.

In this episode, Michael marks seven years of The Irish FIRE Podcast with a personal update on how his own FIRE journey has progressed and evolved. He shares the latest developments in his property investing strategy, including the purchase of another buy-to-let property in Limerick, the use of refinancing and equity release, and how he thinks about leverage, risk and long-term financial independence.

Michael also reflects on what it actually feels like to reach financial independence. Rather than a clean break from work, he talks about the slower transition towards more freedom, seasonal work, taking more time off, and the challenge of deciding what “retirement” really means when you still enjoy the work you do. He also shares an update on the podcast itself, including reaching 400,000 lifetime downloads and welcoming Moneycube as a new podcast sponsor.

Finally, Michael explores one of the biggest lessons of the past year: time freedom only matters if you protect it. After taking on a major hockey coaching commitment, he reflects on the impact it had on family life, the importance of learning to say no, and why FIRE is ultimately about creating more space for the things that matter most - family, freedom, calmness and 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.

In this episode of The Irish FIRE Podcast, Michael speaks with Alan and Katie Donegan, who reached financial independence and retired in 2019. Since then, they have built a life around freedom, travel, creativity and purpose, living as digital nomads while continuing to teach others about money, business and lifestyle design.

Michael talks to Alan and Katie about their own journey to financial independence, how they approached saving, investing and building a life that was not dependent on traditional employment. They also discuss what life has looked like after reaching FI, including the realities of early retirement, travelling full-time, and finding meaningful projects after stepping away from conventional work.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in financial independence, lifestyle design, digital nomadism, or simply hearing from people who have actually reached FI and are living life on their own terms.

Show Notes:

Alan’s previous interview from 2020:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/financial-independence-with-alan-donegan

Rebel Finance School:
https://rebeldonegans.com/finance/rfs/

Rebel Business School:
https://therebelschool.com

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.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Overy from Ask About Wealth - a highly experienced financial planner with decades in the industry and a growing following across social media and YouTube.

Paul shares his journey into financial planning, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his approach differs from traditional financial advice in Ireland. With a strong focus on transparency and client-first thinking, Paul explains how a fee-based model can align incentives and lead to better long-term outcomes.

The conversation also explores what people are really chasing when it comes to money. While early retirement often grabs the headlines, Paul makes the case that financial freedom - having control over your time and choices - is the goal that truly resonates with most people.

Finally, Michael and Paul dive into the often-overlooked topic of estate planning - how to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently and in line with your wishes, and why this is a critical part of any long-term financial plan.

What We Cover:
- Paul’s journey into financial planning and building his platform
- The difference between financial planners and traditional financial advisors
- How fee-based financial planning works (and why it matters)
- Financial freedom vs early retirement — what are we really aiming for?
- Estate planning: protecting and passing on your wealth

Show Notes:

Ask About Wealth website:
https://askaboutwealth.ie

Ask About Wealth on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AskAboutWealth

Ask About Wealth on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ask.about.wealth

Paul's Youtube video on Inheritance tax:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WYamFXk928

Michael's original interview with Paul:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwo_Z_UswlI&t=2813s

Join The Irish FIRE Podcast 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.

In this episode, Michael talks with Robert Whelan, from Rockwell Financial.  Originally from Carlow and now living in Dublin, Robert shares his family background, from working with his Dad as a milkman, to working in hospitality, to eventually launching his own business in 2009 as a financial advisor.

Robert answers some tough questions around how those pursuing financial independence can work with a financial advisor to make the journey easier.

He also shares his wisdom around starting his own business and discusses typical advice he would give for those in the “boring middle”.

Show Notes:

Rockwill Financial:
https://rockwellfinancial.ie

FollowRockwell on Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@rockwell_financial

Follow Rockwell on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rockwellfinancialmanagement/

Connect with Robert on Linked In:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-whelan-3baa4120/

Join the 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.