Early Retirement Calculator
Calculate your path to financial independence and early retirement. Use the 4% rule and FIRE principles to determine how much you need to save and how long it will take to retire early.
FIRE Results
Progress to FI
Retirement Insights
Annual Savings Rate: 0%
FI Superpower: None yet
Retirement Duration: 0 years
Tip: Focus on increasing savings rate for faster FI
Understanding Early Retirement & FIRE
Early retirement and Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) have become popular goals for many people. The FIRE movement focuses on building wealth quickly through aggressive saving and investing to achieve financial independence at a young age.
The 4% Rule
The 4% rule is the foundation of FIRE planning. It suggests that you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually, adjusted for inflation, with a high probability of your money lasting 30+ years.
Annual Expenses × 25 = Savings Target
Example: $50,000 annual expenses × 25 = $1,250,000 savings target
FIRE Categories
| FIRE Type | Savings Rate | Time to FI | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean FIRE | 50%+ | Fastest | Minimalist lifestyle |
| Fat FIRE | 50%+ | Moderate | Comfortable lifestyle |
| Barista FIRE | 30-50% | Moderate | Part-time work |
| Coast FIRE | Varies | Delayed retirement | Coasting to FI |
Key FIRE Principles
- High Savings Rate: Save 50%+ of income for accelerated wealth building
- Investment Focus: Maximize returns through low-cost index funds
- Frugal Living: Minimize expenses to increase savings rate
- Side Hustles: Generate additional income streams
- Tax Optimization: Maximize tax-advantaged accounts
- Emergency Fund: Maintain 3-6 months of expenses
Savings Rate Calculation
Your savings rate is the percentage of your income that you save and invest. Higher savings rates dramatically reduce the time needed to reach financial independence.
Savings Rate = (Savings ÷ Income) × 100
Example: $6,000 monthly savings ÷ $10,000 monthly income = 60% savings rate
Common FIRE Strategies
- Maximize 401(k) Contributions: Contribute up to employer match limit
- HSA Contributions: Triple tax advantage for healthcare expenses
- Taxable Brokerage Accounts: For funds beyond retirement accounts
- Real Estate: Rental income for additional cash flow
- Geographic Arbitrage: Move to lower cost of living areas
- Career Optimization: Seek higher paying jobs or start businesses
Risks and Considerations
- Market Volatility: Stock market downturns can delay retirement
- Inflation: Rising costs can erode purchasing power
- Healthcare Costs: Medical expenses before Medicare eligibility
- Longevity Risk: Outliving your savings
- Sequence of Returns: Poor returns early in retirement
- Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting to retirement lifestyle
FIRE Tip: The key to early retirement is maximizing your savings rate while maintaining a reasonable lifestyle. Focus on increasing your income and reducing expenses simultaneously. Remember that FIRE is about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time, not necessarily retiring from work entirely.