FIRE Blog

Plain-English guides to financial independence and retiring early — the math, the milestones, and the trade-offs.

Withdrawal

What Is the 4% Rule?

Where the most-cited rule in retirement comes from, how it works, and its limits for early retirees.

Planning

How to Calculate Your FIRE Number

The simple formula — annual expenses ÷ withdrawal rate — with worked examples at every spending level.

Savings

What Is a Good Savings Rate to Retire Early?

Why your savings rate beats your salary, and how 10%, 25%, 50%, and 65% map to years-to-FIRE.

Types of FIRE

Lean FIRE vs Fat FIRE: What's the Difference?

Frugal vs generous early retirement, the numbers side by side, plus where Coast and Barista FIRE fit.

Planning

How Much Do You Need to Retire Early?

The real amount by lifestyle — $40k, $60k, $100k — and what counts toward the total.