FIRE Strategy Planner
When can I retire early (FIRE)?
Map your path to financial independence using Lean, Coast, Standard, and Fat FIRE scenarios.
Use This Calculator in Minutes
Estimate your FIRE timeline from income, spending, current savings, and withdrawal assumptions.
Common calculations
- Project retirement age for current savings rate
- Compare Lean vs Fat FIRE targets
- Evaluate Coast FIRE viability
You get
- Estimated FIRE age by strategy
- Required target portfolio sizes
- Projected net-worth trajectory
Quick Result
Estimated standard FIRE age
Age 48
Target portfolio: $1,500,000.00
Based on
- • Current age: 30
- • Income: $100,000.00
- • Annual spend: $60,000.00
- • Expected real return: 7%
- • Withdrawal rate: 4%
Current Status
Assumptions
Lifestyle Goals
You are 18 years away from financial independence.
Freedom Fund Needed
Wealth Trajectory
Projected net worth over time
Recommended Next Steps
Continue your journey with these related tools
FIRE Scenario Pages
Open scenario-specific FIRE pages to benchmark your target retirement age.
The Complete Guide to F.I.R.E.
Key Insights & Concepts
F.I.R.E. stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. It is a movement dedicated to extreme savings and investment that allows proponents to retire far earlier than traditional budgets permit—often in their 30s or 40s.
Model inputs: The 4% Guideline
A common starting point for F.I.R.E. calculations is the 4% Rule.
Historical Context
The "Trinity Study" (1998) analyzed historical market data to model withdrawal rates. It suggested that a diversified portfolio with a 4% initial withdrawal rate often lasted 30 years in past market conditions. This is a common planning baseline, not a guarantee.
The Calculation: Annual Spending × 25 = Estimated Target.
Example: To support $40,000/year, the model suggests: $40,000 × 25 = $1,000,000.
Types of FIRE
Not everyone wants the same lifestyle. Choose your difficulty level:
Lean FIRE
The Minimalist. Spending less than $40k/year. Often involves paid-off housing, geo-arbitrage (moving to cheaper areas), and strict budgeting. Fastest to achieve.
Fat FIRE
The High Roller. Spending $100k+/year. Includes budget for luxury travel, fine dining, and new cars. Hardest to achieve, requiring a $2.5M+ portfolio.
Coast FIRE
The Front-Loader. Prioritizing early savings to reach a "Coast" number—a balance that, with compound growth, aims to hit retirement targets without further potential contributions. This allows for reduced saving pressure later in life.
☕️ Barista FIRE
The Hybrid. You retire from high-stress corporate life but work a part-time or low-stress job (like a barista) to cover daily bills and—crucially—to get health insurance. Your portfolio covers the rest.
Risks to Consider
- Sequence of Returns Risk: If the market crashes right after you retire, withdrawing 4% depletes your portfolio too fast. Many retirees use a "cash tent" (2-3 years of cash) to ride out bear markets.
- Healthcare Costs: In the US, retiring before age 65 (Medicare eligibility) means paying for expensive private health insurance.
- Inflation: A prolonged period of high inflation is the biggest enemy of early retirees, as it forces faster withdrawal rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tool is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Calculations are estimates and may not reflect real-world variables or local regulations. Always consult with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Methodology and Trust
Formulas
FIRE target
FIRE Number = Annual Spending / (Withdrawal Rate / 100)
Annual savings
Annual Savings = Annual Income - Annual Spending
Coast threshold
Required Coast Principal = FIRE Number / (1 + r)^(65 - Current Age)