FIRE Timeline Calculator
Project how long it will take to reach financial independence and retire early (FIRE). Enter your current portfolio balance, yearly contributions, expected retirement expenses, and assumptions about investment returns versus inflation.
For planning purposes only; actual results will differ.
Examples
- $50,000 savings, $10,000 yearly contribution, $30,000 expenses, 7% return, 2% inflation ⇒ 27.65 years
- $200,000 savings, $20,000 yearly contribution, $40,000 expenses, 8% return, 3% inflation ⇒ 17.64 years
- $400,000 savings, $30,000 yearly contribution, $35,000 expenses, 6% return, 2% inflation ⇒ 9.94 years
FAQ
What withdrawal rate does this use?
It assumes a 4% withdrawal rate, meaning 25 times annual expenses is the target.
Can returns equal inflation?
If real return is zero, the calculation divides the remaining target by annual contribution.
Is this projection guaranteed?
No, investment returns and inflation are uncertain and may vary.
How can I shorten the timeline?
Increase annual contributions, reduce target expenses, or seek higher real returns while understanding the risks involved.
What if I want a different withdrawal rate?
Multiply your desired annual expenses by the inverse of your withdrawal rate (for example, 22× for a 4.5% rate) and input that as the target by adjusting the expenses field.
Additional Information
- FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early and typically uses a 4% withdrawal rate (25× annual expenses).
- Real return adjusts growth for inflation: real return = (1 + nominal return) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1.
- If you already meet or exceed the target portfolio size, the calculator reports 0 years to indicate you are at FIRE now.
- Entering a zero or negative contribution returns no result because the target cannot be reached without new savings or unusually high returns.