Definition

FIRE Number

FIRE number is the portfolio target intended to support long-term expenses using a chosen withdrawal framework.

Translate annual spending into a practical financial independence corpus target.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03 | Review cycle: 120 days | Next review due: 2026-07-01

How It Works

FIRE targets are derived from spending needs and withdrawal assumptions, not arbitrary round numbers.

Higher safety margins are often needed for early retirement due to longer horizon and sequence risk.

Targets should be reviewed as expenses, inflation expectations, and return assumptions evolve.

Scenario

Annual expenses are $50,000 using a 4% initial withdrawal assumption.

Outcome

Baseline FIRE corpus estimate is around 25x annual expenses before additional buffers.

Scenario

Household wants extra safety under uncertain returns.

Outcome

Lower withdrawal assumptions increase target corpus but can improve durability.

FIRE Number Calculator

Estimate your financial independence target and years to reach it.

Early Retirement Age Calculator

Estimate the age you can retire based on target savings, return, and annual contributions.

SWR Retirement Drawdown Calculator

Simulate retirement portfolio withdrawals with annual returns and inflation adjustments.

FIRE Number Based on Annual Expenses (Planning Guide)

Estimate FIRE corpus from annual expenses and withdrawal assumptions with inflation-aware checks.

FIRE vs Traditional Retirement: Which Path Fits You?

Compare early financial independence planning with traditional retirement timelines.

3.5% vs 4% Withdrawal Rate: Which Is Safer?

Compare retirement withdrawal starting rates for sustainability, flexibility, and corpus requirements.

Is FIRE number fixed forever?

No. It should be recalibrated as spending and assumptions change.

Does FIRE planning include inflation?

It should. Inflation materially affects required corpus and spending sustainability.