Lean FIRE
Lean FIRE is early retirement on a deliberately frugal budget — a smaller number, reached sooner.
Lean FIRE is early retirement on a deliberately frugal budget — a smaller number, reached sooner.
Lean FIRE targets a modest annual budget — often under about $40,000, roughly 0.7× a typical FIRE budget. The math is the same as any FIRE number (annual expenses ÷ safe withdrawal rate); the difference is a lower spending target, which means a smaller portfolio and an earlier finish line.
A lean budget gets you out sooner, but leaves less margin for surprises — healthcare, family changes, or higher-than-expected inflation. Many lean retirees keep some flexible income or a cash buffer. The calculator lets you test a lower spending figure and see exactly how many years it shaves off.
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There's no fixed line, but Lean FIRE typically means an annual budget under roughly $40,000, or about 0.7× a standard FIRE budget. Your Lean FIRE number is that budget divided by your safe withdrawal rate.
It has less margin than a standard budget, so it's more exposed to unexpected costs and inflation. Many lean retirees keep part-time income or a larger cash buffer to compensate.
See your number free above, then put the countdown on your iPhone home screen.