What is the FIRE number?

Your FIRE number is the amount you need invested to retire early. Calculate it: Annual Expenses × 25. This comes from the 4% rule - if you withdraw 4% annually, you need 25× your expenses. For $50,000/year spending, your FIRE number is $1,250,000.

Can I retire at 50 with $1 million?

Possibly yes. $1 million at 4% withdrawal = $40,000/year. If your expenses are under $3,500/month, $1M can work. Key challenge: 15 years until Social Security and Medicare. Budget extra for health insurance ($10-15k/year) and consider some part-time income for the first 5-10 years.

What is the difference between lean FIRE and fat FIRE?

Lean FIRE: minimal budget ($25-40k/year), requires $625k-$1M, tight lifestyle. Regular FIRE: comfortable budget ($40-80k/year), requires $1M-$2M. Fat FIRE: luxury budget ($100k+/year), requires $2.5M+. Choose based on your lifestyle needs and savings capability.

How do I access retirement funds before 59.5?

Options to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty: 1) Roth conversion ladder (convert IRA to Roth, wait 5 years), 2) Rule of 55 (leave job at 55+, access that employer's 401k), 3) SEPP/72(t) (substantially equal periodic payments), 4) Roth contributions (can be withdrawn anytime).

Financial Scenario

Early Retirement Calculator: Can You Achieve FIRE?

Early retirement - the dream of leaving the workforce at 40, 45, or 50 instead of 65. The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement has made this achievable for many. Use this calculator to determine your FIRE number and see if early retirement is within reach.

Key Facts

FIRE number = Annual expenses × 25

Lean FIRE: $25-40k/year spending

Regular FIRE: $40-80k/year spending

Fat FIRE: $100k+/year spending

Bridge the gap to Social Security (62+)

Healthcare is #1 early retirement expense

Calculate How Long Your Money Will Last

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