Lean FIRE Calculator — Retire on a Small Budget
Lean FIRE calculator for a frugal retirement: see the smaller portfolio and fewer years needed when you live on about $35,000 a year.
Your savings, spending, and FIRE number are figured in your browser; nothing is sent to a server.Try: Current age=30, Retirement age=65, Current investments=50000, Annual contribution=12000, Annual spending in retirement=35000, Expected annual return=7, Safe withdrawal rate=4 → $875,000, 23 yrs, 53, $878,260
How to use
Lean FIRE is financial independence on a tight budget. By spending less, your 25× target shrinks and you can retire years earlier. This calculator is prefilled to a $35,000 lifestyle — change any field to match your own plan.
FAQ
What is Lean FIRE?
Lean FIRE means reaching financial independence on a deliberately small budget — often under $40,000 a year. You trade luxuries for an earlier exit from full-time work.
Is Lean FIRE riskier?
A smaller portfolio has less cushion, so a market drop early in retirement hurts more. Many lean savers keep a cash buffer or stay a little flexible with part-time work.