Tag: retirement

Lean FIRE vs Fat FIRE: Pick Your Number

Lean FIRE, Fat FIRE, Barista FIRE, ChubbyFIRE — the full spectrum mapped with real dollar targets so you can stop theorizing and pick your actual number.

Coast FIRE: The Lazy Path to FI

Coast FIRE means your investments are already on autopilot to retirement — no more contributions required. Here's the math and why it changes everything.

Asset Allocation by Age: A Practical Guide

The 110-minus-age rule is a solid starting point — most people ignore it. What it means, why young investors should skip bonds, and allocation by decade.

401k Math: What You're Actually Saving

Maxing your 401k doesn't cost $23,500. At a 35% tax rate it costs $15,275. Here's the math, the 2026 limits, and how to stop leaving money on the table.

The 4% Rule: Does It Still Hold?

The 4% rule is the foundation of FIRE planning — but it has real caveats most people ignore. Here's what the original research actually says and when to adjust.

Your FIRE Number: How to Calculate It

Your FIRE number is annual expenses × 25. Here's where that formula comes from, what most people undercount, and how to actually make the target work.