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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In this episode, Michael shares the news that he has been asked to write regularly on personal finance for The Irish Independent and how writing on a main stream newspaper has meant that his near FI status is now being shared on a national scale!  He discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning to semi-retirement, from embracing flexibility in his work schedule to tackling more household tasks. Looking ahead, Michael outlines his family’s plans for 2025, including a long-awaited trip to New Zealand and paying off a personal loan for solar panels and vehicle upgrades. He explains the financial balancing act of covering these expenses, working less, and managing higher taxes while letting his FI portfolio coast.

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

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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'.