COAST FIRE Requirements by Starting Age
Assumptions for All Calculations:
Retirement Age
65 years old
Annual Income Need
$60,000
Real Return Rate
4% annually
Withdrawal Rate
4% (need $1.5M)
Starting at Age 25
40 years to retirement
COAST FIRE Number
$312,000
Monthly savings needed:
$2,600/month for 10 years
Or annual savings:
$31,200/year for 10 years
Best advantage: Longest time for compound growth
Starting at Age 30
35 years to retirement
COAST FIRE Number
$378,000
Monthly savings needed:
$3,150/month for 10 years
Or annual savings:
$37,800/year for 10 years
Most popular starting age for COAST FIRE
Starting at Age 35
30 years to retirement
COAST FIRE Number
$462,000
Monthly savings needed:
$3,850/month for 10 years
Or annual savings:
$46,200/year for 10 years
Common for mid-career professionals
Starting at Age 40
25 years to retirement
COAST FIRE Number
$562,000
Monthly savings needed:
$4,680/month for 10 years
Or annual savings:
$56,200/year for 10 years
Higher earnings offset shorter timeline
Starting at Age 45
20 years to retirement
COAST FIRE Number
$684,000
Monthly savings needed:
$5,700/month for 10 years
Or annual savings:
$68,400/year for 10 years
Peak earning years advantage
Starting at Age 50
15 years to retirement
COAST FIRE Number
$833,000
Monthly savings needed:
$6,940/month for 10 years
Or annual savings:
$83,300/year for 10 years
Consider traditional FIRE instead
COAST FIRE by Income Level
How much to save by age 30 for different retirement income goals
| Retirement Income Goal | Nest Egg Needed | COAST FIRE at 30 | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/year | $1,000,000 | $252,000 | $2,100/month |
| $60,000/year | $1,500,000 | $378,000 | $3,150/month |
| $80,000/year | $2,000,000 | $504,000 | $4,200/month |
| $100,000/year | $2,500,000 | $630,000 | $5,250/month |
| $150,000/year | $3,750,000 | $945,000 | $7,875/month |
Success Strategies by Starting Age
Ages 25-35: The Golden Years
Advantages:
- • Lowest COAST FIRE numbers needed
- • Maximum time for compound growth
- • Career flexibility for 30+ years
- • Can take more investment risks
Success Strategies:
- • Live like a student longer
- • House hack or get roommates
- • Focus on career growth
- • Maximize employer 401k match
- • Consider side hustles
Ages 40-50: Peak Earning Strategy
Advantages:
- • Highest earning potential
- • More financial discipline
- • Kids may be more independent
- • Can leverage home equity
Success Strategies:
- • Maximize high-income years
- • Consider geographic arbitrage
- • Optimize tax strategies
- • Use catch-up contributions
- • Reduce major expenses (housing)
Reality Check: Can You Actually Save These Amounts?
Income Requirements Analysis
To Save $3,150/month
At 30% savings rate: Need $126k income
At 50% savings rate: Need $76k income
At 70% savings rate: Need $54k income
To Save $5,700/month
At 30% savings rate: Need $228k income
At 50% savings rate: Need $137k income
At 70% savings rate: Need $98k income
Key Insight
Higher savings rates make COAST FIRE accessible at more income levels, but require significant lifestyle adjustments.