Estimate a financial-independence target and timeline
Financial Independence, Retire Early planning connects annual spending with an invested-asset target and a savings path. This calculator estimates a FIRE number from spending and withdrawal rate, then grows current savings with annual contributions using an inflation-adjusted return.
FIRE calculation methodology
The FIRE target is annual spending divided by the planned withdrawal rate. When inflation is above zero, the calculator converts the nominal return to a real return using (1 + nominal return) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1, then compounds the current invested savings and adds each annual contribution in today's dollars. Keep pace with inflation holds the real contribution constant; fixed nominal contributions lose purchasing power; custom increases are converted to real terms using the same inflation basis. Year 0 is the current savings balance, and the projected FIRE year is the first modeled year whose real balance reaches the target. Results are estimates: returns, inflation, spending, taxes, fees, and market sequences can differ materially.
How to use this calculator
Enter current age, income, spending, invested savings, annual contributions, expected nominal return, inflation, and a withdrawal-rate scenario. Keep savings and spending definitions consistent and use return assumptions after recurring investment fees when possible.
How to interpret the result
The FIRE number is annual spending divided by the entered withdrawal rate. The projected timeline is the first year the modeled real balance reaches that target. Savings rate shows the entered annual saving relative to gross income, not whether the budget is sustainable.
Decision checks
Review healthcare, housing, taxes, dependants, pensions, government benefits, insurance, debt, irregular expenses, longevity, investment allocation, and access restrictions. Plan how spending and work could adapt after poor market returns.
Compare realistic scenarios
Compare lower returns, higher inflation, higher spending, a lower withdrawal rate, and reduced contributions. Also test part-time income or a delayed retirement date outside the calculator if those are realistic fallback options.
Limitations and important context
This projection uses one constant real return and annual contribution rule in today's dollars. It does not model return sequences, taxes, account fees, pensions, government benefits, dynamic withdrawals, changing asset allocation, or unexpected spending. A higher or lower result is not a promise of investment performance or a personalized retirement recommendation.
Trust and methodology
Sources: Investor.gov investing fundamentals, FINRA retirement-planning guidance, and UK Financial Conduct Authority pensions guidance. Results are educational estimates, not investment, tax, legal, or personalized financial advice.