Brendan Burgess
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This is from an article in today's Indo.
www.independent.ie
Michael Houghton is the host of The Irish FIRE Podcast
Instead, consider buying a smaller, more manageable home to start. Not only is it cheaper to run, heat and furnish, but it leaves you with more flexibility – financial and otherwise. You can always upgrade later, but starting smaller gives you breathing space to build wealth first. Real comfort comes from knowing that your home doesn’t own you.

Michael Houghton: Five easy, everyday habits that helped me move towards financial independence
We often associate wealth with what we see – flashy cars, big houses, luxury holidays. But the truth is, real wealth is often invisible. It’s less about what you buy and more about the life you can build when money no longer controls you.

Michael Houghton is the host of The Irish FIRE Podcast
3. Choose a home you can comfortably afford
The dream home can quickly become a financial prison. Mortgage stress, high utility bills and never-ending maintenance costs can turn what should be your sanctuary into a source of anxiety.Instead, consider buying a smaller, more manageable home to start. Not only is it cheaper to run, heat and furnish, but it leaves you with more flexibility – financial and otherwise. You can always upgrade later, but starting smaller gives you breathing space to build wealth first. Real comfort comes from knowing that your home doesn’t own you.