FIRE Calculator
Plan your journey to Financial Independence and Early Retirement. Calculate your FIRE number, track progress, and discover strategies to retire decades earlier than traditional retirement.
Choose Your FIRE Path
Current Financial Situation
FIRE Goals
3% = Very Conservative | 4% = Traditional | 5% = Aggressive
Your FIRE Journey
FIRE Number
$1,250,000
Years to FIRE
18
FIRE Age
48
Progress
8.0%
Feasibility: Achievable
Great! You're on track to reach FIRE by age 48.
Net Worth Projection
Understanding the FIRE Movement
What is FIRE?
FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. It's a lifestyle movement focused on extreme savings and investment to achieve financial independence and retire much earlier than traditional retirement age, typically in your 30s, 40s, or 50s.
Core Principles:
- 1.High Savings Rate: Save 50-75% of income through frugality and increased earnings
- 2.Invest Aggressively: Put savings in low-cost index funds for compound growth
- 3.The 4% Rule: Retire when investments = 25x annual expenses
- 4.Intentional Living: Focus on what truly brings happiness and value
The 25x Rule
Your FIRE number = Annual expenses × 25
Examples:
- • $40,000/year expenses = $1 million FIRE number
- • $60,000/year expenses = $1.5 million FIRE number
- • $80,000/year expenses = $2 million FIRE number
The 4% Rule
Withdraw 4% of portfolio annually, adjusted for inflation
Safe Withdrawal Rates:
- • 3% = Very conservative (33x expenses)
- • 3.5% = Conservative (28.5x expenses)
- • 4% = Traditional (25x expenses)
- • 4.5% = Aggressive (22x expenses)
Different FIRE Paths
Lean FIRE ($500k - $1M)
Living on $20,000-40,000/year. Requires significant lifestyle adjustments, minimalism, and geographic arbitrage. Popular with singles and couples without children.
Regular FIRE ($1M - $2.5M)
Living on $40,000-100,000/year. Comfortable middle-class lifestyle without luxury. Can afford occasional travel, hobbies, and moderate spending.
Fat FIRE ($2.5M+)
Living on $100,000+/year. No lifestyle compromises, luxury travel, expensive hobbies, private schools, and high-cost-of-living areas.
Coast FIRE (Variable)
Save aggressively early, then "coast" with part-time work covering expenses while investments grow. Provides work flexibility without full retirement.
Barista FIRE (Variable)
Similar to Coast FIRE but specifically working part-time for health insurance benefits while drawing minimal amounts from investments.
The Power of Savings Rate
| Savings Rate | Years to FIRE | Required Income Multiple |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 51 years | 1.1x current income |
| 25% | 32 years | 1.3x current income |
| 50% | 17 years | 2x current income |
| 65% | 10.5 years | 2.9x current income |
| 75% | 7 years | 4x current income |
*Assumes 5% real return and 4% withdrawal rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 4% rule still valid?
The 4% rule, based on the Trinity Study, has historically worked for 30-year retirements. For longer retirements (40-50+ years), consider a more conservative 3.5% or even 3% withdrawal rate. Also factor in flexibility to reduce spending during market downturns and the ability to earn income if needed.
What about healthcare before Medicare?
Options include: ACA marketplace plans (with potential subsidies based on income), part-time work for benefits (Barista FIRE), spouse's employer coverage, health sharing ministries, or geographic arbitrage to countries with affordable healthcare. Budget $500-1,500/month per person for US healthcare.
How do I access retirement accounts before 59½?
Several strategies exist: Roth IRA conversion ladder (5-year waiting period), Rule 72(t) SEPP (Substantially Equal Periodic Payments), withdraw Roth IRA contributions (not earnings) anytime, and use taxable investment accounts for the first years of retirement.
What if I get bored in early retirement?
FIRE is about financial independence, not mandatory retirement. Many pursue passion projects, volunteer work, part-time consulting, travel, hobbies, or start businesses without financial pressure. The goal is freedom to choose how you spend your time, not to stop being productive.