Based on the Trinity Study - 95% success rate over 30 years
Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) is a movement focused on extreme saving and investing to retire decades earlier than traditional retirement.
Accumulate enough invested assets (typically 25-30x your annual expenses) so you can live off 4% withdrawals indefinitely without running out of money.
Live below your means, maximize your savings rate (50%+ is common), invest in index funds, and optimize taxes to reach financial independence faster.
Depending on your savings rate, you can reach FIRE in 10-20 years. A 50% savings rate gets you there in ~17 years, 60% in ~12 years.
Choose the FIRE path that matches your lifestyle goals
$40k/year expenses
Minimalist lifestyle, frugal living, low expenses. Fastest path to FIRE.
$80k/year expenses
Comfortable middle-class lifestyle, moderate expenses, balanced approach.
$200k+/year expenses
Luxurious lifestyle, high expenses, travel extensively, no compromises.
$32k/year + part-time
Part-time work covers expenses, investments provide security and health insurance.
The foundation of FIRE planning
The Trinity Study (1998) found that withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually (adjusted for inflation) has a 95% success rate of lasting 30+ years.
Formula: FIRE Number = Annual Expenses × 25
If you spend $60,000/year, you need $1,500,000 invested (60,000 × 25)
Exact amount you need invested based on your annual expenses and withdrawal rate
Timeline showing when you'll reach financial independence based on savings rate
How much you can withdraw annually without running out of money
See how increasing your savings rate dramatically shortens your timeline
Exact monthly savings needed to hit your FIRE target date
Compare Lean FIRE, Regular FIRE, Fat FIRE, and Barista FIRE options
The Trinity Study showed a 95% success rate over 30 years with a 60/40 portfolio. For longer retirements (40+ years), consider 3.5% or 3% for extra safety. Adjust withdrawals based on market performance.
Yes! Use the Roth Conversion Ladder or 72(t) SEPP to access retirement funds penalty-free before 59.5. Many FIRE retirees use a combination of taxable accounts, Roth conversions, and strategic withdrawals.
It depends on your FIRE number and timeline. A 50% savings rate gets you to FIRE in ~17 years, 60% in ~12 years, 70% in ~8.5 years. Our calculator shows your exact monthly savings goal.
It depends on your interest rate and risk tolerance. Low-rate mortgages (<4%) can be kept while investing returns more. High-rate debt should be paid off. Many FIRE retirees keep mortgages for flexibility.
Healthcare is a major expense from FIRE to age 65. Options include: ACA marketplace (with subsidies if MAGI is low), spouse's employer coverage, part-time work for benefits, health sharing ministries, or international living.
Yes! Thousands have done it. The key is high income, low expenses, and aggressive saving (50%+ savings rate). It requires lifestyle optimization and investment discipline, but it's mathematically achievable.