How to use it
- Use the formula below with your own figures.
The formula
FIRE number = annual spending × 25.
Worked example
Spending $40,000 a year implies a $1,000,000 FIRE number.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25×?
It mirrors a 4% withdrawal rate.
Is it exact?
It's a planning benchmark, not a guarantee.
Tips
- Start early; a decade of compounding is hard to replace.
- Always capture any employer match in full.
- Revisit your plan yearly as income changes.
Key terms
- Nest egg
- Total retirement savings.
- Drawdown
- Withdrawing from a pot over time.
- Match
- Employer contributions to your plan.