Real COAST FIRE Success Stories

Learn from real people who achieved or are actively pursuing COAST FIRE across different careers, ages, and income levels.

COAST FIRE Achieved

People who successfully reached their COAST FIRE number and transformed their careers

Sarah M.

Elementary School Teacher

✓ COAST FIRE Achieved

$285K

at age 32

Starting Salary:

$42,000

Timeline:

7 years to COAST FIRE

Key Strategies

Lived with roommates to cut housing costs by 60%
Taught summer school for extra income
Invested 70% of salary in low-cost index funds
Used geographic arbitrage by teaching in lower-cost district

Outcomes

Transitioned to part-time teaching at 32
Started tutoring business
Travels during summer breaks
On track for $1.2M at traditional retirement age

COAST FIRE In Progress

Current journeys showing real progress toward COAST FIRE goals

Marcus L.

Software Engineer

In Progress

Current Age:33

Target Age:35

COAST Goal:$520K

Current Status

Currently at $420,000 invested

Rental property generating $800/month profit

Key Challenges

High cost of living in tech hub

Pressure to upgrade lifestyle

Jamie R.

Registered Nurse

In Progress

Current Age:36

Target Age:40

COAST Goal:$450K

Current Status

Portfolio value: $310,000

Reduced to 3 days per week

Key Challenges

Demanding work schedule

Healthcare industry burnout

David K.

Auto Mechanic

In Progress

Current Age:29

Target Age:35

COAST Goal:$380K

Current Status

Business generates $75,000 annually

Portfolio: $180,000

Key Challenges

Lower starting income

Business startup costs and risks

Lisa P.

CPA

In Progress

Current Age:31

Target Age:33

COAST Goal:$310K

Current Status

Current portfolio: $265,000

Side business generating $15,000/year

Key Challenges

Seasonal income fluctuations

High stress during tax season

Alex & Jordan H.

Teacher & Firefighter

In Progress

Current Age:34

Target Age:38

COAST Goal:$680K

Current Status

Joint portfolio: $485,000

Two rental properties owned

Key Challenges

Coordinating two different career paths

Managing pension vs 401k strategies

Key Insights from Success Stories

7-10

Average years to COAST FIRE

50-70%

Typical savings rate range

$300-500K

Common COAST FIRE numbers

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