Interactive Simulator
FIRE Path Selector
Which flavor of financial independence is actually right for you — and when can you get there?
Three paths, one set of numbers. Lean FIRE optimizes for the earliest exit. Barista FIRE bridges the gap with part-time income. Fat FIRE funds full lifestyle preservation. See all three on a single timeline with your actual inputs.
$0
$0
$0
Lean FIRE
Retire fully, spend lean
FIRE Number
$0
Retirement Age
Not reached
Probability
<1%
Monthly savings req.
On track
What this life looks like
Small apartment or LCOL city, no car payment, mostly cooking at home, intentional spending on what matters most.
Barista FIRE
Quit the grind, do a little something
FIRE Number
$0
Retirement Age
Not reached
Probability
<1%
Monthly savings req.
On track
What this life looks like
Comfortable home, part-time work you enjoy, health insurance covered, flexible schedule, enough for hobbies.
Fat FIRE
Retire fully, spend freely
FIRE Number
$0
Retirement Age
Not reached
Probability
<1%
Monthly savings req.
On track
What this life looks like
Travel regularly, nice home in MCOL/HCOL area, dining out freely, generous giving, zero spending compromises.
Lean FIRE
Retire fully, spend lean
FIRE Number
$0
Retirement Age
Not reached
Probability
<1%
Monthly savings req.
On track
What this life looks like
Small apartment or LCOL city, no car payment, mostly cooking at home, intentional spending on what matters most.
Barista FIRE
Quit the grind, do a little something
FIRE Number
$0
Retirement Age
Not reached
Probability
<1%
Monthly savings req.
On track
What this life looks like
Comfortable home, part-time work you enjoy, health insurance covered, flexible schedule, enough for hobbies.
Fat FIRE
Retire fully, spend freely
FIRE Number
$0
Retirement Age
Not reached
Probability
<1%
Monthly savings req.
On track
What this life looks like
Travel regularly, nice home in MCOL/HCOL area, dining out freely, generous giving, zero spending compromises.
Savings rate required by age 50
Which paths are in reach with your current behavior — and which require change.
What’s driving this
At your current savings rate of 0%, you're saving $20K/year. Lean FIRE at $0 is not reachable within the modeled timeframe at current savings. Fat FIRE at $0 requires a significantly higher savings rate or longer timeline.
Detailed breakdown
Current net worth
$50K
Annual savings
$20K/yr
Savings rate (% of gross)
0%
Lean FIRE number
$0
Barista FIRE number
$0
Fat FIRE number
$0
Understanding the three paths
This simulator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All portfolio projections use deterministic compound growth for the timeline chart and Monte Carlo simulation for probability estimates. Values are shown in today’s dollars (inflation-adjusted). The three FIRE paths represent conceptual spending targets, not personalized recommendations. Actual outcomes depend on real market conditions, tax situations, healthcare costs, spending changes, and factors not captured here. The 4% withdrawal rate is a widely referenced guideline, not a guarantee of portfolio survival. Barista FIRE assumes continued part-time income, which may not be available or desirable indefinitely. Consult a financial advisor for personalized planning.