Coast FIRE is the point where your investments alone can grow enough to fund your full retirement. Once you hit your Coast FIRE number, you may no longer need additional retirement contributions and can focus on covering your living expenses.
How much you expect to spend each year in today's dollars. Include housing, food, healthcare, travel — everything.
Total across 401(k), IRA, brokerage accounts, and similar. Don't include your home or cash savings.
The gap between these two ages is how long your money has to grow on its own.
These are standard default assumptions. You can leave them as they are, or adjust them if you want a more conservative or aggressive estimate.
How much you withdraw each year in retirement. 4% is the classic rule of thumb.
After inflation. The S&P 500 has returned ~7% historically. Use 5–6% to be conservative.
Shown here for reference. Inflation is shown for reference only. The calculator uses a real (after-inflation) return assumption.
(total nest egg needed)
invested savings
retirement
at retirement
How this works: Your FIRE number = annual spending ÷ safe withdrawal rate. Your Coast FIRE number = FIRE number ÷ (1 + real annual return)years. Because the return is already after inflation, the result is expressed in today's dollars — no additional inflation adjustment needed.
What Is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE means you have already saved enough money that your investments can potentially grow to fund your retirement in the future.
Once you reach your Coast FIRE number, you may no longer need to make additional retirement contributions. Your investments keep growing while you focus on covering your current living expenses.
How Does This Calculator Work?
This calculator estimates how much money you need invested today to reach your retirement goal later.
It uses your current age, retirement age, annual retirement spending, expected investment return, and withdrawal rate.
The result is your Coast FIRE number.
Coast FIRE vs FIRE
FIRE means you have enough money to retire today.
Coast FIRE means you have enough invested that your money may grow to support retirement later, even if you stop making retirement contributions.
Many people reach Coast FIRE years before reaching full FIRE.
Still have questions? Here are some quick answers about Coast FIRE and retirement planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Coast FIRE number?
Your Coast FIRE number is the amount you need invested today so your portfolio can potentially grow to your retirement goal without additional contributions.
How do I know if I have reached Coast FIRE?
If your current investments are equal to or greater than your Coast FIRE number, you have reached Coast FIRE.
What return rate should I use?
Many investors use a long-term real return between 5% and 7% per year. Using a lower number provides a more conservative estimate.
Does Coast FIRE mean I can stop working?
Not necessarily. It means your retirement savings may already be on track, but you still need income for your current expenses.
Is Coast FIRE easier than FIRE?
For most people, yes. Coast FIRE is usually reached much earlier than full financial independence.
For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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