Question 1

What is a FIRE number?

Accepted Answer

Your FIRE number is the total amount of invested assets you need to sustain your annual expenses indefinitely, typically calculated as 25 times your annual spending (based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate).

Question 2

How accurate is the FIRE calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses standard compound interest formulas with your inputs. Real-world results will vary based on actual market returns, tax changes, and spending fluctuations. Use it as a planning starting point, not a guarantee.

Question 3

What withdrawal rate should I use?

Accepted Answer

The classic 4% rate comes from the Trinity Study. For early retirees with 40+ year horizons, many suggest 3-3.5%. Our withdrawal simulator can help you test different rates.