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...

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...

In this episode, Michael takes a close look at intentional money spending.  He explains how becoming good at spending money is a skill and gives examples of good and bad money spending habits.Show NotesJoin the newsletter at:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael talks to Stephen about travel and FIRE.  Stephen is originally from Ireland but has spent time in Canada as well as countries all over the world.  Stephen spent 6 and a half years back packing around the world, while saving for FIRE.  Stephen works in hospitality, picking up jobs as he travels, traveling on a budget and saving for FI at the same time. These days, Stephen is semi FI and he talks with Michael about how he built this lifestyle, how he will adapt with...

 In this episode, Michael talks with Andrew, who was last on the podcast in 2021 talking about Investment Trusts.  This time, Michael and Andrew compared property VS stock.  Likely the most discussed topic on many FIRE groups, what is the better investment, property or stocks? Andrew looks at the pros and cons of each and makes a conclusion about the better investment. Disclaimer: Michael and Andrew are not professional investors and nothing in this episode should be considered financial...

In this episode, Michael continues his conversation with Tom, a 26 year old pharmaceutical salesperson based in Wexford. In part two, we cover: - Tom discussed the power of the flexible work place and reasons not to worry about retiring early if you love your job. - Why the real journey from FIRE is to build a life you around work, rather than trying to escape from work. - Why the RE of FIRE is really just about leaving the 9-5 grind, more so than retiring in the traditional sense. - Michael...

Tom, a 26 year old pharmaceutical salesperson based in Wexford, shares his FIRE story with Michael.  Tom was able to save €40,000 by the time he was 25 and purchase his first house aged 26. Tom's story is inspiring as he managed to avoid so many of the common financial pitfall's from such a young age.  His story shows what it possible when making sound financial decisions from a young age and is a blue print for anyone looking to pursue financial independence at any age. There will be more to...

In this episode, Michael pays tribute to the Money Flamingo website (https://www.moneyflamingo.com).  He mentions how Tina's work has been a huge motivator for him, especially since 2021 and explores how many attributes from the Money Flamingo website are starting to apply to his own FIRE journey.Show Notes:Link to the Money Flamingo Article:https://www.moneyflamingo.com/time-to-semi-retire/The Die with Zero Calculator:https://www.moneyflamingo.com/free-resources/The Money Flamingo Podcast...

In this episode, Michael answers a few questions that he has received over the last few weeks from podcast listeners.These questions include:- What are the best broker accounts in Ireland?- What are the top two things Michael recommends when pursuing FIRE?- What are some of my options around travel expenses when self employed?- Questions around refinancing property to buy an investment property.Show Notes:Legal Deductions when you own your own company...

In this episode, Michael discusses the basic things that one needs to do to become a property investor.  He covers the ins and outs of looking for the right property to buy, to negotiating through the sales process.  The episode covers things such as the Rent Pressure Zone in Ireland, but is also suitable for listeners overseas.Show Notes:Episode with Ken:https://www.firepodcast.ie/talking-financial-independence-with-ken-from-the-humble-pennyPrevious Episodes on...

In this episode, Michael adds another chapter to his original episodes released back in 2019 on income.  He reviews various additional methods of potential ways to increase your income, including some of the recent methods being adopted by some members of the FIRE community.  Some of these methods are extreme, so please do your own research and take your own circumstances into account before pursuing any of these. Show Notes: Join the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael introduces the 20:20 rule.  A simple concept that is a great starting point for anyone new to the FIRE movement.  He also gives some quick starting points on how to reduce expenses and increase income. Show Notes: Interview on RTE with Brendan O'Connor:https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22285693/Subscribe to the Newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael discusses some strategies around how he and his family grocery shop.  He mentions some of the traps that he see's when shopping for food and shares some tips on how you can reduce your grocery bill. He also shares the one item in Aldi that hasn't gone up in price for many years, as well as another item which has increased in price by 500% over the last year or so! Show Notes: Come along to an online or face to face meet up:...

In this episode, Michael discusses everything solar panels related!  He goes through his own experience of having solar panels installed 12 months ago and lists the pro's and con's of installing solar panels.  Solar panels can be a great investment, but what factors should you consider before installing solar panels?  Michael looks to answer these questions in this episode.Show NotesSubscribe to the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletterSolar Panel Installers worth getting a quote...

In this episode, Michael is interviewed by Joshua from The Art of Money and Communication Podcast.  The interview covers various aspects, from trying to FIRE with children, embracing FIRE in a high inflation environment, discussing other FIRE influences and discussing some of the core aspects of FIRE - such as being uncomfortable and compounding your ability to earn, save and reduce expenses. Show Notes:The original recording can be found...

In this episode, Michael interviews Joshua from The Art of Money & Communication Podcast. Joshua is originally from Wales and now living in London.  He is an Opera Singer and has been pursing FIRE for a number of years. Michael & Joshua talk about a range of FIRE topics, from happiness in your career, trying to FIRE in the arts industry, following a simple investment strategy, how to decide to a job, to getting your partner onboard with FIRE. Show Notes: Listen to Joshua's Podcast...

In this episode, Michael responses to a listener email.  The email asked Michael why he doesn't look to apply more moderation and consistency to his FI journey.  Michael responses by talking about the elephant in the room - that FIRE is extreme and that to make it work long term, it often needs to be done in phases.He also talks about how compounding not only investments, but also our ability to earn income and reduce expenses, ultimately is what makes ones FI journey not a linear thing.Show...

In this episode, Michael talks with Laura Mansbridge, a mortgage broker based in Limerick.    Michael and Laura talk everything mortgages, including mortgages for first time buyers, equity release, buying property through a company and a pension, advantages of using a mortgage broker and associated costs. Show Notes: Laura can be reached at:Email - [email protected] - 087 942 1243 Disclaimer: Information in this episode is for education purposes only.  When it comes to mortgages, all...

In this episode, Michael covers the second part of his 12 FIRE rules. In part two, he covers his 5 rules related to income and investing. Michael shares his advise around why income is the most important FIRE attribute, the importance of an emergency fund, why keeping investing simple is the best approach and that average market returns are OK! He also provides a quick personal update on his FIRE journey in life post Flamingo FIRE! Disclaimer: Michael is not a financial advisor and any...

In this episode, Michael covers his 12 FIRE rules.  In part one, he covers his 7 rules related to managing expenses.  Since 2018, Michael has actually decreased his annual expenses, even with rising inflation.  He lists his 7 rules related to how his family have reduced expenses overtime. He also provides a quick personal update on his FIRE journey, which has hit a significant milestone in May 2023. Show Notes: Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter Track Michael's...

In this episode, Michael gives his five key takeaways from the book 'Die with Zero', which has because a bit of a stable for FIRE enthusiasts.  He lists his five main takeaway points from the book and gives his own take on how he has implemented changes after listening to the book.Show NotesListen to the book:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCsfH3U51jASign up to the newsletter:https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

In this episode, Michael discusses one of the hidden secrets of the FIRE movement - the element of luck, or chance!  Luck (both good and bad) plays a huge role in one's ability to hit FIRE and is often underrated.  Michael gives examples of those in the FIRE community that have experienced good luck on their journey, as well as giving examples of his own good luck from the last 5 years.Show Notes:March blog update:https://www.firepodcast.ie/march-2023-portfolio-updateExample of typical Market...

In this episode, Michael talks about how his perception of work as changed as his progress towards FI has progressed.  He mentions that there is a great sense of irony that the closer he moves to early retirement, the more he is enjoying work.  He talks about why this is and how work can still play an important part of your life in early retirement.Show NotesBlog Article One on Money Flamingo:https://www.moneyflamingo.com/the-many-paths-that-lead-to-fi/Blog Article Two on Money...

In this episode, Michael provides insights into his thinking around how to plan for withdrawals in early retirement.  He discusses the challenge of working out whether to pay down current mortgages on investment properties, or continue to buy new properties.He also provides a work update as he looks to scale back him working hours in 2023.Show NotesThe Die with Zero Calculator:https://www.moneyflamingo.com/how-to-die-with-zero/Case study on Michael on the Money Flamingo...