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by Michael Houghton
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In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Overy from Ask About Wealth - a highly experienced financial planner with decades in the industry and a growing following across social media and YouTube. Paul shares his journey into financial planning, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his approach differs from traditional financial advice in Ireland. With a strong focus on transparency and client-first thinking, Paul explains how a fee-based model can align incentives and lead to better long-term outcomes. The conversation also explores what people are really chasing when it comes to money. While early retirement often grabs the headlines, Paul makes the case that financial freedom - having control over your time and choices - is the goal that truly resonates with most people. Finally, Michael and Paul dive into the often-overlooked topic of estate planning - how to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently and in line with your wishes, and why this is a critical part of any long-term financial plan. What We Cover: - Paul’s journey into financial planning and building his platform - The difference between financial planners and traditional financial advisors - How fee-based financial planning works (and why it matters) - Financial freedom vs early retirement — what are we really aiming for? - Estate planning: protecting and passing on your wealth Show Notes: Ask About Wealth website: https://askaboutwealth.ie Ask About Wealth on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AskAboutWealth Ask About Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ask.about.wealth Paul's Youtube video on Inheritance tax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WYamFXk928 Michael's original interview with Paul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwo_Z_UswlI&t=2813s Join The Irish FIRE Podcast newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
In this episode, Michael talks with Robert Whelan, from Rockwell Financial. Originally from Carlow and now living in Dublin, Robert shares his family background, from working with his Dad as a milkman, to working in hospitality, to eventually launching his own business in 2009 as a financial advisor. Robert answers some tough questions around how those pursuing financial independence can work with a financial advisor to make the journey easier. He also shares his wisdom around starting his own business and discusses typical advice he would give for those in the “boring middle”. Show Notes: Rockwill Financial: https://rockwellfinancial.ie FollowRockwell on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rockwell_financial Follow Rockwell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockwellfinancialmanagement/ Connect with Robert on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-whelan-3baa4120/ Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
In this episode, Michael shares the full story of his journey to financial independence - from moving to Ireland from New Zealand in 2011, to building a life with more freedom, less money stress, and far more intention around how he lives. What started as a normal middle-class life of earning and spending gradually changed after meeting a friend living a very different kind of life - one built around time freedom rather than consumerism. That experience opened his eyes to the FIRE movement and set him on a very different path over the next 8 years. Michael talks about the mistakes he made early on, from poor pension decisions to chasing high returns through unregulated investments that ultimately cost him time, money, and peace of mind. Looking back, one of the biggest lessons was that investing does not need to be exciting to work. The more he chased shortcuts, the more complicated things became. Real progress came when he focused on the basics: tracking spending, saving consistently, automating where possible, thinking long term, and keeping investing simple. He also reflects on what life looks like today, how money stress affected relationships in the early years, and how even reaching the first stages of financial independence can transform your life long before retirement. This conversation covers the hard lessons, the funny stories, the mindset shifts, and the practical habits that shaped his journey. If you’re new to The Irish FIRE Podcast, this is the perfect place to start. Show Notes: Money Bootcamp with Justin: https://www.moneybootcamp.com Get the monthly newsletter with updates on Michael's FIRE journey: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
In this episode, Michael shares why he refuses to get dragged into bidding wars and how that approach has shaped his property investing journey from accidental landlord in 2020 to closing on property number seven. What started with refinancing a three-bed semi-D instead of selling it became the beginning of a much bigger strategy: buying carefully, focusing on yield, staying unemotional, and walking away when the numbers stop making sense. Michael breaks down why the Irish property buying process is stacked against buyers, why he now makes one strong offer only, and why “coming second” can often be the smartest move in the market. He also explains the key metric he uses to assess every deal - rental yield - and why purchase price alone tells you very little about whether a property is actually good value. Along the way, he shares: why ex-rentals often no longer work for investors how RPZ rules distort buying decisions why owner-occupied properties can now make more sense for landlords how rising rents and rising prices in Limerick have broadly kept yields steady the frustration of painfully slow finance approvals why leverage and refinancing are central to his current strategy what recent rental law changes mean for larger landlords and why respecting a deal once you go sale agreed really matters This is a property episode about discipline, patience, and resisting the pressure to “win” at all costs. Show Notes: Get notified when The Irish Property Podcast launches - https://www.propertypodcast.ie Get the monthly newsletter with updates on Michael's FIRE journey: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
It had been eight years since Michael was last in New Zealand - the country where he grew up before moving to Ireland in 2011. When he left, New Zealand felt significantly more expensive than Ireland. So when he returned for a three-week family trip, he decided to do what any personal finance nerd would do… he kept a money diary. This episode breaks down his experiences with spending in New Zealand and whether his long-held assumptions about the cost of living in both countries still hold true. Show Notes: Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
In this episode, Michael walks through the thinking and habits behind his family’s journey from having nothing saved in 2017 to building a €800,000 investment portfolio in eight years. This episode is based on his recent article for The Irish Independent and expands on the real mechanics behind wealth-building: saving first, avoiding lifestyle creep, investing consistently, and letting time do the heavy lifting. If you've ever felt that FIRE sounds unrealistic, extreme, or only achievable for high earners - this episode is for you. Show Notes: The original article: https://www.independent.ie/business/money/21-tiny-habits-that-will-help-you-build-wealth-in-2026/a2046147432.html Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
What if FIRE wasn’t about retiring early... but about living a better life? In this personal end-of-year episode, Michael reflects on what Financial Independence has actually delivered in 2025 and it's not what he originally expected. Rather than quitting work completely, FIRE has unlocked something far more powerful: choice, abundance, and the ability to say yes. This episode explores how FIRE quietly transforms everyday life - from paying the bill without stress, to redefining work, supporting family, buying coastal property, and embracing opportunity without fear. Show Notes Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
Brian and Izabela have been active members of the Limerick FI Meet-Up Group since 2019. Recently married, they’re a fantastic example of a couple pursuing FIRE together. In this episode, Michael visits them in their home in Limerick to talk about their FIRE journey, how they work as a team on the path to financial independence, the low-stress lifestyle they’ve intentionally built, their passive, low-cost home design, and how they managed to save thousands of euro on their wedding. Show Notes: Brian and Izabela's Passive Property Builder: https://www.facebook.com/ktgriffinltd Join the Limerick FI Meet Up Group: https://www.meetup.com/financial-indepdence-limerick/ Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter This episode has been sponsored by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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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.
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