The Irish FIRE Podcast

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: https://www.mrssmartmoney.com Or you can catch up with her daily insights over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrssmartmoneyhq Or on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kel-galavan-money-mindset-coach/ Subscribe to The Irish Fire Podcast Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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. Show Notes Learn more about Kel at her website: https://www.mrssmartmoney.com Or you can catch up with her daily insights over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrssmartmoneyhq Subscribe to The Irish Fire Podcast Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 Notes Join 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 children, offers travel advise and how he defines his FIRE lifestyle. Show Notes: Follow Stephen at: https://www.youtube.com/@outoftheboxtraveler https://www.instagram.com/outoftheboxtraveler JL Collins new book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pathfinders-Extraordinary-Stories-Financial-Independence/dp/B0CKWFWF95/ https://mrsmoneyhacker.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 advise. Show Notes: Andrew's previous podcast episode: https://www.firepodcast.ie/investment-trusts-with-andrew Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 compares his life from 2017 to today - to highlight how FIRE has changed his life. - Tom discusses how he plans to adjust his life for potentially having a family one day. - Tom discusses his financial education and how he discovered the FIRE movement. - Tom discusses property and why he likes investing in property - Tom and Michael give their opinion on cryptocurrency - Tom and Michael discuss compound interest. Show Notes: If you missed part 1 of the interview, go back and have a listen: https://www.firepodcast.ie/the-gen-z-fire-blue-print Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 come in part two of this interview. Show Notes: Follow Michael's process at: www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 Interview: https://www.firepodcast.ie/flamingo-fire-the-money-flamingo-interview Subscribe to The Irish FIRE Podcast Monthly email: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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: Investment Trusts with Andew: https://www.firepodcast.ie/investment-trusts-with-andrew-driver Legal Deductions when you own your own company episode: https://www.firepodcast.ie/legal-tax-deducations-when-you-own-a-company Revenue guidelines on travel expenses: https://www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/employee-expenses/travel-and-subsistence/index.aspx Mortgages with Laura Mansbridge: https://www.firepodcast.ie/mortgages-with-laura-mansbridge Sign up at the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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-penny Previous Episodes on Property: https://www.firepodcast.ie/mortgages-with-laura-mansbridge https://www.firepodcast.ie/buying-an-investment-property-with-no-deposit https://www.firepodcast.ie/buying-property-in-2022 https://www.firepodcast.ie/my-property-strategy https://www.firepodcast.ie/why-i-buy-property Rent Pressure Zone Calculator: https://www.rtb.ie/calculator/rpz Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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: https://www.meetup.com/financial-independence-limerick Watch How to Get Rich on Netflix: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27206017/ Join the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 Notes Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter Solar Panel Installers worth getting a quote from: Eco Green Resources - https://www.egr.ie Dolphin Utilities - https://dolphinutilities.com Open Solar - https://www.aksolar.ie

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 at: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/high-inflation-high-ambitions-unlocking-financial-independence/id1508117788?i=1000616927112 Subscribe to the monthly newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 at: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-art-of-money-communication/id1508117788 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 Notes: Download and try The Die With Zero Calculator: https://www.moneyflamingo.com/free-resources/ Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 - laura@mortgageabc.ie Phone - 087 942 1243 Disclaimer: Information in this episode is for education purposes only. When it comes to mortgages, all situations are different. Please consult your own mortgage broker or contact Laura directly to answer any specific questions. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter: https://www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 investment advise in this episode is for entertainment purposes only. Show Notes: Subscribe to the monthly newsletter at: www.firepodcast.ie/newsletter

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 Monthly Progress: https://www.firepodcast.ie/progress