What withdrawal rate should I use?

The often quoted 4 % comes from studies of historical US markets over 30 years. For longer retirements or more safety, people use 3–3.5 %.

Why in today’s money?

Because spending rises with inflation. Using the real return keeps the FIRE number comparable with what you spend now.

Does it include a pension?

No. A state or company pension lowers the amount you need — subtract it from your yearly spending.

Investing

When can I be financially independent?

FIRE means having enough invested to live from it. Enter what you spend in a year, what you have and what you add every month. The calculator shows the amount you need and when you could reach it — all in today’s money.

Yearly spending$Invested now$Invest every month$Your ageExpected yearly return%Inflation%Withdrawal rate%

Your FIRE number

600,000 $

Reached in

27 years 9 months

At age

Invested (today’s money)

Year	Your age	Invested (today’s money)
1	31	32,904 $
2	32	46,248 $
3	33	60,048 $
4	34	74,319 $
5	35	89,078 $
6	36	104,340 $
7	37	120,124 $
8	38	136,447 $
9	39	153,327 $
10	40	170,783 $
11	41	188,835 $
12	42	207,504 $

The result is an estimate for orientation, not financial advice or an offer. Actual terms are set by your bank or provider.

How we calculate

FIRE number = yearly spending ÷ withdrawal rate. A 4 % withdrawal rate gives 25 × yearly spending; the rate is your choice — a lower rate is more cautious.

Savings grow with the real return (after inflation): (1 + return) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1, compounded monthly with the monthly deposit, until they reach the FIRE number.

This is a planning model with a steady return. Real markets go up and down, and taxes and changing spending are not included.

Formulas and rates checked: 10/21/2026

Questions

What withdrawal rate should I use?: The often quoted 4 % comes from studies of historical US markets over 30 years. For longer retirements or more safety, people use 3–3.5 %.
Why in today’s money?: Because spending rises with inflation. Using the real return keeps the FIRE number comparable with what you spend now.
Does it include a pension?: No. A state or company pension lowers the amount you need — subtract it from your yearly spending.