What Is Coast FIRE? The Idea, the Math, and the Cautions
Coast FIRE is the point where retirement savings are large enough that, left alone to grow, they are projected to cover retirement — so income only has to pay today's bills.
What is Coast FIRE in simple terms?
It is the moment your retirement savings, left alone to grow, are projected to cover your retirement. After that, your job only has to pay today's bills, not keep adding to retirement.
How much do I need for Coast FIRE?
It depends on your target and the growth years you have left. A common shortcut at 7% growth: divide your retirement target by about 10.7 at age 30, 5.4 at 40, and 2.7 at 50.
Does Coast FIRE mean retiring early?
Not necessarily. Many people use the coasting point to take a lower-paid or part-time job they enjoy, because their retirement is already projected to be covered.