Michael Houghton is the host of the Irish FIRE Podcast and also shares his journey to FI through his monthly portfolio updates on his website. He also writes about FI for the Irish Independent. He moved from New Zealand to Ireland and in a short span of 7 years has become Financially Independent with a portfolio consisting of mostly property developments as well as index funds. He built his portfolio from hustling in the tech industry and being self employed. He is now transitioning to Semi-Retirement. Throughout his journey, Michael has realised the importance of lifestyle design and finding out what FI is really about, which is living an extraordinary life on your own terms.

The things you’ll learn:

• Michael’s background and upbringing
• Why he moved to Ireland from New Zealand
• Life in Limerick and what its like living there
• Michael’s personal interests
• His 700k+ Investment Portfolio (75% Property and 25% Stocks)
• His 40k target passive income for family of 5
• Living in Ireland during his FI Journey
• Financial Freedom v Financial Independence
• Property v Index Fund Investing pros and cons
• The silver lining that Covid had on his FI journey
• Michael’s take on Lifestyle Design
• Experiencing part time work
• How he worked on 2 jobs and having a 75% savings rate
• Working for the government in a seasonal role (around 200 days year)
• The Freedoms FI has unlocked for him
• How FI has improved family relationships
• How he teaches his kids about money
• About his kids investing in stocks
• Writing for the The Irish Independent newspaper 
• Filling your days with purpose activities 

Quick-fire round questions at the end:

1. Something he wished he done 10 years ago
2. The daily habits that helped Michael in his life
3. Michael’s most important lesson in life
4. Michaels transformational book recommendations
5. 1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started investing

Michael’s Websites/Socials:

• Website: https://www.firepodcast.ie/ 
• Portfolio Updates: https://www.firepodcast.ie/progress 
• The Irish Irish Independent: Link to his articles
• Irish Fire Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-irish-fire-podcast/id1469056360 
• Irish Fire Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1aEfstr3BcC3Q1IITvtyxq?si=f8247b379968466e 
• Book recommendation link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bucket-List-Best-Self/dp/B0DVS1L6WK

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at greg@freedombeforefi.com
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice