How this number is made
Coast FIRE is the smaller balance that grows into your FIRE number if you never add another dollar. The growth rate should be after inflation if the target is in today’s dollars. This page does not inflate the target.
- The target comes from the FIRE page or from your own multiple.
- Use a real return, not a nominal one, if the target is in today’s purchasing power.
Formula
Needed today = target ÷ (1 + rate) ^ years.
Worked example
With the figures already in the form, balance that coasts to the target is $565,334.
Questions
Do I stop saving entirely?
Only the retirement contribution. You still need cash for emergencies, a house, and the years between now and then. Coasting means the retirement portfolio no longer needs deposits.
What if returns are worse?
Then the coast number was too low. Type a lower rate to see the balance that survives that assumption.