FIRE guides
Plain-English explainers on financial independence and early retirement, each with the FIRE calculator built in.
FIRE calculator app
What to look for in a FIRE calculator app for iPhone, and how this one is built.
ExplainerRetirement countdown app
A countdown to your computed financial-independence date, not one you type in.
The FIRE appRetirement countdown widget
A home-screen widget that counts down to your computed FIRE date and tracks your progress.
ExplainerWhat is FIRE?
The movement, the math, and the number you're aiming for.
CalculatorWhen can I retire?
Find the year your investments reach your FIRE number.
CalculatorWhat's my FIRE number?
The formula, an example, and a calculator.
CalculatorHow much to retire early?
The number you need at 50, 55, or 60, and what age changes.
ExplainerThe 4% rule
Where the safe-withdrawal rule of thumb comes from, and its limits.
FIRE variantCoast FIRE
The point you can stop saving and still retire on time.
FIRE variantBarista FIRE
Part-time income bridges the gap, so you need less invested.
FIRE variantLean FIRE
Early retirement on a deliberately frugal budget.
FIRE variantChubby FIRE
The comfortable middle: more than standard, short of Fat.
FIRE variantFat FIRE
Retire early without cutting back. The largest target.
CalculatorMonte Carlo simulation
Will your money last? The odds across thousands of market paths.
CalculatorSocial Security & pensions
How later income lowers your number and moves your date.
Accounts & accessAccessing money before 59½
The penalty-free bridges from your retirement date to 59½.
Accounts & access72(t) SEPP
Penalty-free withdrawals before 59½: the rules and the risks.
Accounts & accessThe Rule of 55
Tap your 401(k) penalty-free if you leave work at 55 or later.
Accounts & accessRule of 55 vs 72(t)
Two ways to reach retirement money early, side by side.
Accounts & access457(b) & early retirement
The plan with no early-withdrawal penalty after you separate.
Accounts & accessRoth vs Traditional IRA
Which to choose, and the Roth conversion ladder for FIRE.
Accounts & accessRoth conversion ladder
The signature FIRE move: convert, wait five years, withdraw penalty-free.
Accounts & accessBackdoor Roth IRA
How high earners fund a Roth above the income limits, and the pro-rata trap.
Accounts & accessRMDs explained
Forced withdrawals at 73, and why Roth conversions come first.
Before MedicareHealth insurance before 65
Covering the gap between an early retirement and Medicare.
