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 FI

Limerick FI Meet Up Group:

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In this episode, Michael celebrates episode 100 of The Irish FIRE Podcast by looking back over the last 7 years of his FIRE journey, and giving his reflections on a year by year basis since he started his journey in 2018.

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.

In this episode, Michael explores some of the ideas from Ramit Sethi and his book, podcast and TV program 'I will Teach You To Be Rich' and 'How to Get Rich'.

In this episode, Michael explains and introduces the philosophy of 'The Simple Life' - a concept that his wife sold him on back in 2010.  It is a philosophy that ensures that his family can maintain a low cost lifestyle, while ensuring maximum happiness and contentment.

In this episode, Michael concludes a 3 part series on his FI calculations.  He talks about how the Die with Zero Calculator is actually an improvement on the 4% rule and discusses the art of subtraction once one reaches (or gets close to) FI.

Show Notes

Link to Die with Zero Calculator:

Link to my FI calculations:

Link to online meet up on 31st July 2024:

Link to Mad Fientist Article:

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In this episode, Michael covers the 7 steps to financial independence.  He also gives a personal portfolio update, as well as gives his own definition of financial independence.

It has been 5 years today since The Irish FIRE Podcast launched - what better way to celebrate with a personal update from Michael, sharing his thoughts on defining enough, as he is looking to adopt early retirement.

In this episode, Michael continues his conversation with Kel, AKA Mrs Smart Money, who embarked on a "No Spend Year™" in 2019. She reduced her family's expenses by over €27,000, leading her to write a best-selling book, Mindful Money: More Money, More Freedom, More Happiness, became QFA qualified and became a money coach. Since her no spend year, she has harnessed her scientific background to create a powerful coaching formula to help others build the lives they deserve.

In part 2, Kel shares details of what happened after her no spend year and how she was able to follow her passion to help more people take control of their finances.

Show Notes

Learn more about Kel at her website:

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In this episode, Michael talks with Kel, AKA Mrs Smart Money, who embarked on a "No Spend Year™" in 2019. She reduced her family's expenses by over €27,000, leading her to write a best-selling book, Mindful Money: More Money, More Freedom, More Happiness, became QFA qualified and became a money coach. Since her no spend year, she has harnessed her scientific background to create a powerful coaching formula to help others build the lives they deserve.

In part 1, Kel shares details of what led her to adopt the no spend year and how things played out as she embarked on this unconventional path.

Or you can catch up with her daily insights over on Instagram: