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:

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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.

In this episode, Michael republishes his interview on the Freedom Before FI podcast which covers his journey to financial independence and what life looks like along the way. He shares his story of moving from New Zealand to Limerick, raising a family of five, and how he’s built up a €700k+ investment portfolio split between property and stocks.  Michael also talks about lifestyle design, seasonal and part-time work, and how keeping a 75% savings rate was possible while still enjoying life.

The interview also considers the human side of FI - how financial freedom has improved family life, the way he teaches his kids about money and investing, and what purpose looks like once work is optional. Michael shares what it’s like writing for The Irish Independent, filling his days with meaningful projects, and the habits and lessons that have shaped his path. Stick around until the end for a fun quick-fire round where Michael reveals the book that changed his perspective, the small things you can do this week to start investing, and the lessons he wishes he’d known ten years ago.

Show Notes:

Here are the links to the original interview:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0XxPgEeuGayTqaEwUE19mk

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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 Notes

In this anniversary episode, Michael invites you into the heart of the Limerick FI community, sharing real stories from local members on their own FIRE journeys. You’ll hear how the Limerick WhatsApp and Meetup groups have helped people from all walks of life openly talk about money, investing, and intentional living - free from judgment or taboos.

Show Notes

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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.

In this episode, Michael shares how a disagreement with his wife over a €9 cupcake sparked a deeper conversation about budgeting and money spending. He reflects on his evolving perspective on FIRE now that he’s technically financial independence, and how his life is gradually transitioning into semi-retirement.

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

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In this episode, Michael explores whether his family has officially reached financial independence.  He breaks down their investment portfolio, rental income, and expected expenses to assess if they can sustain a €40,000 annual budget.  He also considers different strategies for managing withdrawals, potential risks, and what financial independence truly means beyond just the numbers. Finally, he reflects on the next steps in his post-FI journey, balancing work, purpose, and leisure.

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:

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