Master our COAST FIRE calculator with step-by-step instructions, examples, and pro tips for accurate results.
Get your COAST FIRE number in under 5 minutes
Input your current age, desired retirement age, and current savings
Choose your expected investment return and retirement spending needs
Discover your COAST FIRE number and timeline to reach it
Your age today. This determines how many years of compound growth your investments will have until traditional retirement age.
Example: If you're 28 years old, enter "28"
Total amount currently invested in retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth IRA, taxable investment accounts). Don't include cash savings or emergency funds.
Include: 401k ($45,000) + IRA ($12,000) + Taxable Investments ($8,000) = $65,000
Exclude: Emergency fund, checking account, home equity
When you want to completely stop working and live off your investments. Most people choose between 60-67, but you can retire earlier or later.
Common choices: 62 (early Social Security), 65 (Medicare), 67 (full Social Security)
How much money you'll need per year in retirement to maintain your desired lifestyle. Use today's dollars - inflation is handled separately.
Estimate methods:
Average annual investment return you expect after inflation. Historical stock market average is about 7% after inflation.
Conservative: 6% | Moderate: 7% | Aggressive: 8%
Recommendation: Use 6-7% for more conservative planning
Interpretation: If this person saves $171,000 by age 33-35, they can stop retirement savings and still have $1.25M at 65.
Interpretation: Already well on their way! Needs to reach $485,000 by age 42-44 to achieve COAST FIRE.
Use lower return assumptions (6% vs 8%) and higher spending estimates. It's better to exceed your goal than fall short.
Don't forget Roth IRAs, HSAs, taxable investment accounts, and any employer retirement contributions.
The calculator uses real (inflation-adjusted) returns. Your spending estimate should be in today's purchasing power.
Recalculate annually as your savings grow and life circumstances change. Your COAST FIRE timeline will improve over time.
Factor in healthcare costs if retiring before Medicare eligibility. This can add $1,000-2,000 per month to your spending needs.
Try different retirement ages and spending levels to see how they impact your COAST FIRE number and timeline.
Reduce your annual spending estimate by the amount these will cover. For example, if Social Security will provide $20,000/year, subtract that from your retirement spending needs.
Generally no, unless you plan to sell and downsize in retirement. Your home provides shelter, not income. Focus on liquid investments.
The spending amount should be your after-tax spending needs. If you have mostly traditional 401k/IRA funds, increase your spending estimate by 15-25% to account for taxes.
The calculator provides estimates based on historical averages. Actual returns will vary year to year. Use it as a planning tool, not a guarantee.
Use our calculator with confidence now that you understand how it works. Start planning your path to financial freedom today.