The Irish FIRE Podcast explores the journey to financial independence and early retirement from an Irish perspective. Hosted by Michael Houghton, the podcast covers practical strategies for saving, investing, and working towards financial independence. Each episode dives into topics like tax efficiency, property investment, pensions, and lifestyle optimization, all tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in Ireland. Whether you’re just starting out or well on your FIRE journey, The Irish FIRE Podcast offers actionable insights to help you achieve your financial goals.
Episodes
Feb 20, 2021
Feb 20, 2021
31 min
In this episode, Michael interviews Sean and Sinead from The Irish Savers Action Group (ISAG) Interview. They are on a mission to promote financial literacy and to push positive progressive changes in the Irish investment tax rates.
You can learn more about ISAG at the following places:
ISAG Website:
https://isag.ie
ISAG Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/255087048882194
Join The Irish FIRE Monthly Newsletter at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter
Jan 28, 2021
Jan 28, 2021
12 min
In this episode, Michael explores an alternative way to becoming financially independent - by building passive income streams.
Michael defines passive income as any income that isn't generated directly to your time (e.g. selling your time for money).
Michael compares some recent passive income that he has started to generate for himself against a traditional FIRE portfolio, to show how passive income can play a vital part towards your FI journey.
Show Notes:
Things mentioned on the show:
Wholesale Directory Website:
https://www.wholesaledirectory.ie
Choose FI - Interview with Mad Fientist:
https://www.choosefi.com/mad-fientist-ep-288
To member a FIRE Podcast member for free (and subscribe to the newsletter), visit:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/register
Jan 16, 2021
Jan 16, 2021
22 min
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 financial independence from listeners this year - typically answering two or three questions per episode.
Michael gives a quick update on his own financial journey, before answering the following questions in this episode:
1. Should I set up a company to use as a vehicle for my investments?
2. Should I fear market crashes?
3. When it comes to calculating your FI number, how do I handle extra expenses in the future? Does this just mean that FI is pushed out further down the track, or is there another way of dealing with this?
Email me your FIRE questions to [email protected].
Show Notes:
Take a look at the "Irish Savers Action Group" - who are actively talking to TDs to change and encourage tax incentives on savings and investments:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/255087048882194
Become an Irish FIRE Member at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie
Dec 7, 2020
Dec 7, 2020
12 min
In this episode, Michael discusses the strategies he has adopted to reduce his tax bill. He explains how he is able to reduce his actual effective personal tax rate to less than 9% living in Ireland (a high tax country).
He also gives an update on his investment portfolio as at December 2020.
Show Notes:
Learn more at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie
Nov 6, 2020
Nov 6, 2020
41 min
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 the UK and is a PAYE earner. He has a unique FIRE journey is looking to become FI through real estate investing.
During the interview, we talk mindset, investing and how Dave keeps motivated on this FIRE journey.
Show Notes:
Check out Dave's website at:
https://www.firedave.com
Limerick FI Meet Up Group
https://www.meetup.com/financial-indepdence-limerick
Be sure to visit:
https://www.firepodcast.ie
Oct 22, 2020
Oct 22, 2020
17 min
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 specific examples and leaves the episode with a challenge for you to take with you on how you can start embracing frugality.
Show Notes:
Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) - Full Talk at WDS 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BDWih309wc
Become an Irish FIRE Podcast member at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/register
Sep 7, 2020
Sep 7, 2020
13 min
In this episode, Michael discusses the sacrifices one needs to make when pursuing financial independence. He relates it back to his own decision and mentions why he realised that his time freedom movement was taking him away from his ultimate goal of becoming FI.
Show Notes
Fire HQ - Online FIRE Event:
https://www.firehq.ie
Mad Fientist - FI Laboratory
https://lab.madfientist.com
Savings Calculator
https://calculator.me/savings
Become an Irish FIRE Podcast member at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/register
Aug 17, 2020
Aug 17, 2020
45 min
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. Topics covered in the interview include:
1. How Ken and his family were able to become financially independence within 10 years, through investments, multiple cashflow streams and businesses.
2. How can you use two hours per day to create a dream life.
3. How do you keep your get up and go and learn from your mistakes?
4. How do you deal with fame and finding the courage to put yourself out there?
5. Is your house an asset? Should you pay off your mortgage, or invest?
Show Notes
The Humble Penny - https://thehumblepenny.com
Ken's Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkAPVmQ4JF4ZWKVazSOmGFQ
Gathering Dreams - https://gatheringdreams.com
Financial Joy Academy - https://financialjoyacademy.com
Become an Irish FIRE Podcast member at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/register
Aug 4, 2020
Aug 4, 2020
15 min
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 property in Ireland.
Show Notes:
The Mortgage Broker:
Hugh Mulcahy - https://www.fcfs.ie/team/hugh-mulcahy/
Become an Irish FIRE Podcast member at:
https://www.firepodcast.ie/register
Jul 27, 2020
Jul 27, 2020
48 min
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 worked on hundreds of property deals over the last 25 years.
Quotes from the Episode:
"If you go into it blind, you can lose your shirt in this [property] business"... "I wouldn't rush into this with your eyes closed."
"Be the Dealmaker."
"This [property] is a team business."
"The first deal is the best you will do, because of the tight learning curve."
Show Notes:
Gavin's Website:
https://gavinjgallagher.com
Gavin's Podcast (Behind the Facade):
https://podtail.com/en/podcast/behind-the-facade/
Subscribe to the Newsletter:
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