FIRE Calculator
Calculate your path to Financial Independence, Retire Early. Determine your FIRE number, how many years until you can retire, and track your progress toward financial freedom.
Your Financial Situation
Your FIRE Number
The amount you need invested to retire
Portfolio Milestones
| Milestone | Years | Age |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 2 years | Age 32 |
| $250,000 | 6 years | Age 36 |
| $500,000 | 12 years | Age 42 |
| $750,000 | 17 years | Age 47 |
| $1,000,000 | 21 years | Age 51 |
Sensitivity Analysis
| Scenario | Years to FIRE | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Base Case | 24 years | — |
| +10% Savings | 23 years | -1 years |
| -10% Savings | 26 years | +2 years |
| +1% Returns | 22 years | -2 years |
| -1% Returns | 27 years | +3 years |
Portfolio Projection
Understanding FIRE
What is FIRE?
Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) is a movement focused on aggressive saving and investing to achieve financial freedom earlier than traditional retirement age.
The 4% Rule
Based on the Trinity Study, withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually has historically sustained a 30-year retirement. Your FIRE number = Annual Expenses × 25.
Savings Rate Matters Most
Your savings rate is the biggest factor in reaching FIRE. A 50% savings rate means ~17 years to FIRE; 75% means ~7 years, regardless of income level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a FIRE number?
Your FIRE number is the amount of money you need invested to retire early. It's typically calculated as 25 times your annual expenses (based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate). For example, if you spend $40,000 per year, your FIRE number is $1,000,000.
How long does it take to reach FIRE?
The time to reach FIRE depends primarily on your savings rate:
- 10% savings rate: ~51 years
- 25% savings rate: ~32 years
- 50% savings rate: ~17 years
- 75% savings rate: ~7 years
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule, derived from the Trinity Study, suggests you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation each year, with a high probability of your money lasting 30+ years. This means you need 25x your annual expenses saved (100% ÷ 4% = 25).
What are the different types of FIRE?
- Lean FIRE: Retiring on a minimal budget (~$40k/year or less)
- Regular FIRE: Retiring on a moderate budget (~$40-100k/year)
- Fat FIRE: Retiring on a generous budget (~$100k+/year)
- Coast FIRE: Having enough saved that you no longer need to save more
- Barista FIRE: Semi-retirement with part-time work for benefits