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Lean FIRE Calculator
Retire early on a lean budget
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Your Lean FIRE Number
$720,000
FI Age
52
Time Left
22 years
Budget
$28.8K/yr
Investing $1,500 a month, you reach Lean FIRE at age 52. From then on, 4% withdrawals cover $28,800 a year.
Portfolio Projection
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Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Age | Contributions | Growth | Withdrawals | End Balance | FIRE % | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | $18,000 | $1,942 | -- | $69,942 | 6.9% | Saving |
| 31 | $18,000 | $2,716 | -- | $90,658 | 9.7% | Saving |
| 32 | $18,000 | $3,521 | -- | $112,179 | 12.6% | Saving |
| 33 | $18,000 | $4,356 | -- | $134,535 | 15.6% | Saving |
| 34 | $18,000 | $5,225 | -- | $157,760 | 18.7% | Saving |
| 35 | $18,000 | $6,127 | -- | $181,887 | 21.9% | Saving |
| 36 | $18,000 | $7,064 | -- | $206,951 | 25.3% | Saving |
| 37 | $18,000 | $8,037 | -- | $232,988 | 28.7% | Saving |
| 38 | $18,000 | $9,048 | -- | $260,036 | 32.4% | Saving |
| 39 | $18,000 | $10,098 | -- | $288,134 | 36.1% | Saving |
By the Coast FIRE Calculator editorial team · Methodology · Official source: SEC Investor.gov compound-interest calculator · Corrections: hello@coastfirecalculator.io
What is Lean FIRE?
The minimalist approach to financial independence -- building a portfolio to support a frugal lifestyle indefinitely, targeting around 60% of average household spending.
For someone who normally spends $48,000/year, Lean FIRE would target about $28,800/year in retirement. The advantage is speed: with a lower target, you can reach financial independence years or even decades sooner than traditional FIRE. The tradeoff is living on a tight budget with limited room for luxury or unexpected expenses.
Is Lean FIRE Right for You?
Lean FIRE works best if you:
Naturally frugal
You enjoy a minimalist lifestyle and don't feel deprived by it.
Flexible on location
You live in or are willing to move to a low cost-of-living area.
Low healthcare costs
Good health or will qualify for ACA subsidies.
Free or low-cost hobbies
Your passions don't require big spending.
Comfortable with some risk
A tighter budget means less margin for error.
If you want more financial cushion, consider Coast FIRE (stop saving but keep working) or Fat FIRE (retire with a generous budget).
Growth reference: SEC Investor.gov compound-interest calculator separates starting investment, contributions, assumed interest and time. It is not evidence for a guaranteed withdrawal rate or return.