Coast FIRE Calculator
Calculate your FIRE number, Coast FIRE number, and retirement timeline using the 4% rule. Plan your path to financial independence and early retirement.
Coast FIRE Calculator
Enter Your Financial Details
Your FIRE Summary
Detailed Breakdown
Your FIRE Path
Savings Growth Projection
FIRE Rules Explained
4% Rule
You can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually in retirement without running out of money for at least 30 years.
Coast FIRE
The amount you need to have invested today so that it grows to your FIRE number by retirement age without additional contributions.
Barista FIRE
Partial financial independence where you work part-time (like a barista) to cover expenses while your investments grow.
Lean FIRE
Early retirement with minimal expenses, often living frugally on a smaller portfolio (e.g., $500,000-$1,000,000).
FIRE Number Examples
Savings Rate Impact
Quick FIRE Questions
You can withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually and likely not run out of money.
Coast FIRE is the amount needed today to grow to your FIRE number without further contributions.
Working part-time to cover expenses while investments grow to full FIRE number.
Annual Expenses × 25 (based on 4% withdrawal rate).
FIRE Calculator Types
Coast FIRE Calculator: Your Path to Financial Independence
Our Coast FIRE calculator helps you determine how much money you need to invest today so that it grows to your target FIRE number by retirement age - without needing to save another dollar. This is the essence of the Coast FIRE movement: reaching a point where your investments will grow to financial independence on their own.
Using the popular 4% rule from the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, this calculator provides your FIRE number (Annual Expenses × 25), Coast FIRE number, and the time needed to reach Coast FIRE with your current savings rate.
What is Coast FIRE?
Definition
Coast FIRE is the amount you need to have invested today so that it grows to your full FIRE number by your target retirement age without any additional contributions.
The "Coast" Concept
Once you reach Coast FIRE, you can "coast" - meaning you don't need to save for retirement anymore. You can work part-time or pursue passion projects.
Why It Matters
Coast FIRE gives you freedom and flexibility earlier in life, reducing financial stress and allowing you to pursue work you truly enjoy.
How to Use This Coast FIRE Calculator
Step-by-Step Guide
- Enter your current age
- Set your target retirement age
- Input your estimated annual expenses
- Enter your current savings/investments
- Add your monthly savings contribution
- Set expected return and inflation rates
- Click "Calculate My FIRE Number"
What You'll Discover
- Your FIRE Number
- Your Coast FIRE Number
- Years to reach Coast FIRE
- Monthly savings needed
- Savings growth projection
- Your FIRE path recommendation
Understanding Different FIRE Types
Coast FIRE
You have enough invested that it will grow to your FIRE number by retirement age without any further contributions. You can work less or pursue other interests.
Lean FIRE
Financial independence with minimal expenses, often achieved with $500,000-$1,000,000. Requires living frugally but offers complete freedom.
Barista FIRE
Partial financial independence where you work part-time (like a barista) to cover current expenses while your investments grow to full FIRE.
Fat FIRE
Financial independence with a luxury lifestyle, often requiring $2M-$5M+ to support higher annual expenses and discretionary spending.
FIRE Number Examples by Expenses
| Annual Expenses | FIRE Number (4% Rule) | Lean FIRE | Coast FIRE (30yo, 7%) | FIRE Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $500,000 | ✅ Yes | ~$50,000 | Lean FIRE |
| $30,000 | $750,000 | ✅ Yes | ~$75,000 | Lean/Barista |
| $40,000 | $1,000,000 | ❌ No | ~$100,000 | Standard FIRE |
| $60,000 | $1,500,000 | ❌ No | ~$150,000 | Standard/Fat |
| $80,000 | $2,000,000 | ❌ No | ~$200,000 | Fat FIRE |
| $100,000 | $2,500,000 | ❌ No | ~$250,000 | Fat FIRE |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 4% rule in FIRE?
The 4% rule, developed by financial advisor William Bengen, suggests that you can safely withdraw
4% of your investment portfolio annually in retirement without running out of money for at least
30 years. This rule is the foundation of the FIRE movement.
Formula: FIRE Number = Annual Expenses × 25
Example: $40,000 expenses × 25 = $1,000,000 FIRE Number
Safety margin: Many FIRE enthusiasts use a 3.5% or 3% withdrawal rate for added safety.
What is Coast FIRE vs FIRE?
FIRE (Full FIRE): You have enough saved to retire immediately and live off your investments forever.
Coast FIRE: You have enough saved today that it will grow to your full FIRE number by retirement age - without needing to save another dollar.
Key difference: With Coast FIRE, you still need to work (though you can choose less stressful work) to cover current expenses. With full FIRE, you can stop working entirely.
How is Coast FIRE calculated?
Coast FIRE is calculated using the future value formula:
Formula: Coast FIRE = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + r)ⁿ
Where:
• r = Expected annual return (after inflation)
• n = Years until retirement (Retirement Age - Current Age)
Example: FIRE Number = $1,000,000, r = 7%, n = 35 years
Coast FIRE = $1,000,000 ÷ (1.07)³⁵ = ~$100,000
So if you have $100,000 invested today, it will grow to $1,000,000 by retirement without any additional savings.
What's the difference between Coast FIRE, Lean FIRE, and Barista FIRE?
Coast FIRE: You have enough invested so that it grows to your FIRE number without more contributions. You still need to work for current expenses.
Lean FIRE: You have reached full financial independence but with minimal expenses (often $20,000-$30,000/year). You can retire completely but must live frugally.
Barista FIRE: You're between Coast and Full FIRE. You have enough investments to cover part of your expenses and work part-time (like a barista) to cover the rest.
Fat FIRE: You have reached full FIRE with a luxury lifestyle ($80,000+/year expenses). You can retire comfortably with a large portfolio.
What is a realistic FIRE number?
Realistic FIRE numbers based on lifestyle:
• Lean FIRE: $500,000 - $750,000 ($20,000-$30,000/year)
• Standard FIRE: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 ($40,000-$60,000/year)
• Fat FIRE: $2,000,000 - $5,000,000+ ($80,000-$200,000/year)
Note: These numbers assume a 4% withdrawal rate and no additional income.
A Coast FIRE calculator can help you determine your specific number.
What is the best FIRE calculator to use?
The best FIRE calculator depends on your needs:
• Coast FIRE Calculator: Best for determining how much you need to "coast"
• Engaging Data FIRE Calculator: Great for visual projections
• FireCalc: Comprehensive retirement simulation
• Lean FIRE Calculator: Best for minimal expense scenarios
Our Coast FIRE calculator combines the 4% rule with compound growth projections to give you a complete picture of your path to financial independence.
How can I reach Coast FIRE faster?
Strategies to accelerate your Coast FIRE journey:
1. Increase Savings Rate: Save 50-70% of your income
2. Reduce Expenses: Lower your FIRE number by spending less
3. Boost Investment Returns: Optimize your portfolio for growth
4. Increase Income: Side hustles, career advancement, passive income
5. Start Early: Compound interest works best with time
Example: A 25-year-old saving $2,000/month at 7% return reaches Coast FIRE faster than a 35-year-old saving the same amount.
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