Lean FIRE Calculator
Lean FIRELean FIRE targets financial independence with minimal annual spending. Enter your lean annual expenses and withdrawal rate to get your target portfolio; add savings and contributions to see years until you reach it and growth over time.
Minimal spending per year in retirement
e.g. 4% rule
When set, we use inflation-adjusted (real) returns so the projection stays in today's dollars.
Current savings + contributions and growth chart
Chart shows accumulation phase only (up to reaching your Lean FIRE number).
| Year | Start Balance | Contribution | Growth | End Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | $100,000 | $0 | $0 | $100,000 |
| 1 | $100,000 | $24,000 | $7,761 | $131,761 |
| 2 | $131,761 | $24,000 | $9,984 | $165,744 |
| 3 | $165,744 | $24,000 | $12,363 | $202,107 |
| 4 | $202,107 | $24,000 | $14,908 | $241,015 |
| 5 | $241,015 | $24,000 | $17,632 | $282,647 |
| 6 | $282,647 | $24,000 | $20,546 | $327,193 |
| 7 | $327,193 | $24,000 | $23,664 | $374,857 |
| 8 | $374,857 | $24,000 | $27,001 | $425,857 |
| 9 | $425,857 | $24,000 | $30,571 | $480,428 |
| 10 | $480,428 | $24,000 | $34,391 | $538,819 |
| 11 | $538,819 | $24,000 | $38,478 | $601,296 |
| 12 | $601,296 | $24,000 | $42,851 | $668,148 |
| 13 | $668,148 | $24,000 | $47,531 | $739,679 |
| 14 | $739,679 | $24,000 | $52,538 | $816,217 |
Not financial advice. By using this calculator you agree to our Terms.
About this calculator
Lean FIRE means retiring on minimal annual spending—often $25,000–$40,000 or less—so your target portfolio (your Lean FIRE number) is smaller and you can reach financial independence sooner. This calculator uses the same formula as the FIRE Number calculator: annual expenses ÷ withdrawal rate.
Use it to see how much you need if you plan to keep expenses low in retirement, and how many years of saving at your current rate will get you there. Compare with Fat FIRE or Flamingo FIRE for different lifestyle targets.
How this is calculated
Lean FIRE number = Annual expenses ÷ Withdrawal rate. Years to Lean FIRE are computed by projecting your current savings plus monthly contributions at the expected return until the balance reaches that number. Same logic as the FIRE Number and Investment Calculator. Results are for illustration only.
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