About this episode
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 upbringingWhy he moved to Ireland from New ZealandLife in Limerick and what its like living thereMichael’s personal interestsHis 700k+ Investment Portfolio (75% Property and 25% Stocks)His 40k target passive income for family of 5Living in Ireland during his FI JourneyFinancial Freedom v Financial IndependenceProperty v Index Fund Investing pros and consThe silver lining that Covid had on his FI journeyMichael’s take on Lifestyle DesignExperiencing part time workHow he worked on 2 jobs and having a 75% savings rateWorking for the government in a seasonal role (around 200 days year)The Freedoms FI has unlocked for himHow FI has improved family relationshipsHow he teaches his kids about moneyAbout his kids investing in stocksWriting for the The Irish Independent newspaper Filling your days with purpose activities Quick-fire round questions at the end:Something he wished he done 10 years agoThe daily habits that helped Michael in his lifeMichael’s most important lesson in lifeMichaels transformational book recommendations1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started investingMichael’s Websites/Socials:Website: https://www.firepodcast.ie/ Portfolio Updates: https://www.firepodcast.ie/progress The Irish Irish Independent: Link to his articlesIrish Fire Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-iris
