What is the FIRE movement?
FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. The core idea: accumulate 25× your annual expenses (the inverse of 4%), then live off investment returns indefinitely. The 4% rule is based on the Trinity Study showing a 30-year portfolio with a 4% annual withdrawal rate had near-100% historical success.
What is the FIRE number?
Your FIRE number is 25× your annual expenses — the amount needed so a 4% annual withdrawal sustains your lifestyle indefinitely.
What is the 4% rule?
Research shows a portfolio withdrawing 4% annually has historically lasted 30+ years. It implies you need 25× annual spending to retire safely.
Is the 4% rule still valid?
Some researchers now suggest 3.3%–3.5% for early retirees with 40+ year horizons. Adjust the withdrawal rate to see different scenarios.