Coast FIRE Calculator — Find Your CoastFIRE Number
Coast FIRE Number
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Years to Grow
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Status
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How This Calculator Works
Coast FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) is the point where you have saved enough that compound growth alone will grow your portfolio to your target retirement number, even if you never save another dollar. At Coast FIRE, you only need to earn enough to cover current expenses — no more saving required.
The formula is simple: Coast FIRE Number = Target FIRE Number / (1 + expected return)^years until retirement. If your current savings exceed this number, you have reached Coast FIRE. The concept is appealing because it allows you to take lower-paying but more fulfilling work, or reduce hours.
The expected return rate significantly impacts the Coast FIRE number. A 7% nominal return (roughly 10% market return minus 3% inflation) is commonly used. More conservative estimates use 5-6%. The younger you are, the more powerful compound growth becomes, making Coast FIRE more achievable for younger savers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What return rate should I use?
A 7% nominal return is commonly used (approximately 10% stock market average minus 3% inflation). Use a lower rate like 5-6% for more conservative estimates.
Is Coast FIRE the same as regular FIRE?
No. Regular FIRE means you can stop working entirely. Coast FIRE means you have enough invested that you only need to cover current expenses — no additional retirement savings needed.
What if the market crashes after I reach Coast FIRE?
A significant market drop could push you below your Coast FIRE number. Consider maintaining a buffer above the calculated number and periodically reassessing.