Coast FIRE Calculator
When can you stop saving and let compound growth do the work?
Coast FIRE is the point where you've saved enough that your investments will grow to your FIRE number through compound growth alone—no more contributions needed. Calculate your Coast FIRE number, see when you can "coast," and compare across different retirement ages with our comprehensive calculator.
Open Source & Transparent
All calculations are open source and verifiable on GitHub. We believe in transparency and welcome contributions to improve our tools.
Coast FIRE Number for retirement at age 65
Building Toward Coast FIRE
$329K
Current Savings
$100K
Progress
30%
Coast Age
Age 43
FIRE Number
$1.3M
Your Coast FIRE Plan
35 years until retirement
FIRE Number: $1.3M
$24K/year
Quick Summary
Key Insights
📊 You're 30.4% of the way to Coast FIRE.
⏱️ At your current savings rate, you'll reach Coast FIRE in 13 years at age 43.
🌴 You'll have 22 "coasting years" where you can work less or pursue passion projects.
💰 Doubling your savings to $4,000/month would reach Coast FIRE 7.0 years sooner.
Milestones to Coast FIRE
Recommendations
Consider increasing contributions to reach Coast FIRE sooner.
Look for ways to reduce expenses to boost savings rate.
Maximize tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA) before taxable investments.
Understanding Coast FIRE
Coast FIRE (also called Coast FI) is when you've accumulated enough investments that compound growth alone will grow your portfolio to your full FIRE number by traditional retirement age, without needing to save another dollar. Once you reach Coast FIRE, you only need to earn enough to cover your current expenses—you can "coast" to full financial independence.
This is different from full FIRE, where you can completely stop working immediately. Coast FIRE gives you the freedom to take a lower-paying but more fulfilling job, work part-time, or pursue passion projects, knowing your future retirement is already secure.
The Coast FIRE Formula
Coast FIRE = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + real return)years to retirement
Your FIRE number is annual expenses ÷ safe withdrawal rate (typically 4%). The Coast FIRE number discounts this back to today using your expected real return (typically 5-7% after inflation).
$50K
Annual Expenses
$1.25M
FIRE Number (25x)
~$116K
Coast FIRE at 30 for 65
Types of FIRE
Coast FIRE
You've saved enough that compound growth will reach your FIRE number. Work only to cover current expenses—retirement is mathematically secured.
Barista FIRE
Work part-time (like a barista) for benefits and some income. Often combined with Coast FIRE—a lifestyle choice more than a financial milestone.
Lean FIRE
Full financial independence with minimalist expenses (typically $25-40K/year). Requires less savings but demands frugal lifestyle permanently.
Fat FIRE
Full financial independence with comfortable or luxury lifestyle ($100K+/year). Requires larger portfolio but provides more financial buffer.
Retirement Age Impact (Our Unique Feature)
Your target retirement age dramatically affects your Coast FIRE number. More years until retirement means more time for compound growth, significantly reducing how much you need today.
| Retirement Age | Coast Number (Age 30) | Years to Grow |
|---|---|---|
| Age 55 | ~$290K | 25 years |
| Age 60 | ~$195K | 30 years |
| Age 65 | ~$130K | 35 years |
| Age 70 | ~$88K | 40 years |
*Based on $50K annual expenses, 4% SWR, and 6% real return. Use the calculator for your specific numbers.
The Magic of Compound Growth
Coast FIRE works because of the exponential nature of compound growth. At a 7% real return, your money doubles every ~10 years. This means:
$100K
Today
$200K
10 Years
$400K
20 Years
$800K
30 Years
A 30-year-old with $100K invested at 7% real return will have approximately $800K by age 60—without adding another penny. This is the essence of Coast FIRE: let time and compound growth do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What return rate should I assume for Coast FIRE? ▼
Use real returns (after inflation) of 5-7% depending on risk tolerance. Conservative: 5% (more bonds). Moderate: 6% (balanced). Aggressive: 7% (more stocks). Historical US stock returns average ~7% real, but future returns may vary.
Is Coast FIRE the same as Barista FIRE? ▼
No. Coast FIRE is a financial milestone—the point where your savings will compound to your FIRE number. Barista FIRE is a lifestyle choice—working part-time (often for benefits) while your investments grow. Many people reach Coast FIRE and choose Barista FIRE as their lifestyle.
What if I keep saving after reaching Coast FIRE? ▼
Great question! Continuing to save after Coast FIRE either: 1) Lets you retire earlier than your target age, 2) Gives you a larger retirement portfolio (more buffer), or 3) Allows for a higher lifestyle in retirement. Our "Projections" tab shows both trajectories.
Should I include my house in Coast FIRE calculations? ▼
Generally no. Include only invested assets that generate returns: 401(k), IRA, taxable brokerage accounts, etc. Your home is important for housing security but doesn't compound or provide withdrawable income (unless you plan to sell or rent it).
How does Social Security affect Coast FIRE? ▼
Social Security can significantly reduce your FIRE number for traditional retirement (age 62-70). If you expect $2,000/month in Social Security, that's $24,000/year less your portfolio needs to provide. Consider it a bonus buffer rather than a core assumption for early coasting.
What are the risks of Coast FIRE? ▼
Key risks include: 1) Sequence of returns risk—a market crash right after you stop saving can hurt. 2) Healthcare costs—major expense without employer coverage. 3) Lifestyle inflation—expenses may increase over time. 4) Lower returns than expected—consider using conservative assumptions.
Important Considerations
- • Healthcare: Budget for health insurance if coasting before Medicare eligibility (age 65).
- • Market volatility: Your Coast FIRE number assumes steady returns; actual market returns vary year to year.
- • Inflation uncertainty: Future inflation may differ from historical averages.
- • Tax considerations: Factor in taxes when planning withdrawals from different account types.
- • Buffer is wise: Consider targeting 10-20% above your Coast FIRE number for extra security.
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