FIRE guides
Everything you need to plan financial independence, in plain English. Each guide links to a calculator so you can run your own numbers.
- What is FIRE? Financial independence, retire early How the FIRE movement works and how much you need.
- The 4% rule explained The research behind safe withdrawal rates.
- How to calculate your FI number The portfolio size that makes work optional.
- Why your savings rate decides when you can retire Years to FI at every savings rate.
- Coast FIRE explained When you can stop saving and let compounding finish.
- Lean, Fat, Barista and Coast FIRE explained The types of FIRE side by side.
- Sequence-of-returns risk Why the order of returns matters once you withdraw.
- Roth conversion ladder explained Reach pre-tax savings before 59½ without the penalty.
- How to access retirement money early Six penalty-free ways to reach your savings early.
- Index fund investing for FIRE The two- and three-fund portfolios most FIRE investors use.
- Dividend investing vs. total return Living off dividends vs. selling shares.
- Compound interest explained How growth on growth builds wealth.