The Irish FIRE Podcast

In this episode, Michael walks through the thinking and habits behind his family’s journey from having nothing saved in 2017 to building a €800,000 investment portfolio in eight years.

This episode is based on his recent article for The Irish Independent and expands on the real mechanics behind wealth-building: saving first, avoiding lifestyle creep, investing consistently, and letting time do the heavy lifting.

If you've ever felt that FIRE sounds unrealistic, extreme, or only achievable for high earners - this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

The original article:
https://www.independent.ie/business/money/21-tiny-habits-that-will-help-you-build-wealth-in-2026/a2046147432.html

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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 Independence has actually delivered in 2025 and it's not what he originally expected. Rather than quitting work completely, FIRE has unlocked something far more powerful: choice, abundance, and the ability to say yes.

This episode explores how FIRE quietly transforms everyday life - from paying the bill without stress, to redefining work, supporting family, buying coastal property, and embracing opportunity without fear.

Show Notes

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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/

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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

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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

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