FIRE calculator with 50-year projections, safe withdrawal rate modeling, and inflation-adjusted income.
| Year | Portfolio | Growth | Withdrawal | End Balance | Total Income (incl. other) | Buying Power (Real) |
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FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. The concept involves accumulating enough invested assets that portfolio withdrawals can fund living expenses without employment income. This calculator models how a portfolio might perform over a 50-year period under various assumptions.
Portfolio ($)
Total invested assets - stocks, bonds, index funds, retirement accounts. This represents funds that will be subject to market growth and withdrawals. Generally excludes home equity (unless planning to sell), emergency cash reserves, and illiquid assets.
Other Income ($/mo)
Additional expected income during retirement - part-time work, rental income, side business, pension, etc. This reduces reliance on portfolio withdrawals. The calculator assumes this income grows with inflation each year to maintain purchasing power.
Withdrawal Rate (SWR)
The percentage of portfolio value withdrawn in year one. This is a critical variable. The commonly cited "4% rule" originated from research on 30-year retirement periods. For early retirement spanning 40-50+ years, many in the FIRE community use 3% or lower to account for the longer time horizon and sequence of returns risk. This calculator defaults to 3%.
Market Growth
Expected annual nominal return on investments. Historical stock market returns have varied significantly by time period and market conditions. Consider using conservative estimates (5% or lower) to stress-test projections. This is a nominal figure (before inflation adjustment).
Inflation
Expected annual increase in prices. Historical US inflation has averaged roughly 3%, though it varies considerably by period. Higher inflation assumptions provide more conservative projections. This affects both withdrawal increases and purchasing power calculations.
Total Annual Income
Combined retirement income in year one: portfolio withdrawal plus other income.
From Portfolio / From Other
Breakdown of income sources. Greater reliance on other income reduces portfolio withdrawal requirements.
Portfolio Lasts
Projected years until portfolio depletion based on stated assumptions. "50+ yrs" indicates the portfolio survives the full projection period under these specific assumptions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Year
Years into retirement, starting at Year 0 (retirement date).
Portfolio
Projected portfolio balance at the start of that year, before that year's withdrawal.
From Portfolio
Projected withdrawal amount that year. Increases with inflation annually.
From Other
Projected other income that year. Also increases with inflation.
Total Income (Nominal)
Projected dollar amount received that year. Grows annually as withdrawals increase with inflation.
Buying Power (Real)
Projected income expressed in today's dollars, allowing comparison to current expenses. Represents what the nominal income could theoretically purchase relative to today's prices.
1. Constant returns assumption
This calculator assumes portfolio growth at a steady annual rate. Actual markets experience significant volatility. Sequence of returns risk - experiencing poor returns early in retirement - can dramatically impact outcomes in ways this model does not capture.
2. Inflation-adjusted withdrawals
Withdrawals increase annually at the inflation rate to theoretically maintain lifestyle. Year one withdrawal of $15,000 at 3% inflation becomes $15,450 in year two, $15,914 in year three, etc.
3. Other income grows with inflation
Side income, rental income, etc. is assumed to increase with inflation. This may not reflect reality for fixed income sources like some pensions.
4. Taxes not included
This calculator does not model taxes on withdrawals. Actual take-home income depends on account types, tax brackets, and tax law, which may change over time.
5. No Social Security or future income events
This does not model Social Security benefits, inheritances, or other potential future income sources.
6. 50-year projection period
Projections extend 50 years. Longer retirements may require additional planning considerations.
7. Order of operations
Each year: portfolio grows first, then withdrawal is taken at year-end. This matches standard FIRE calculation methodology.
Consider conservative inputs. Using lower expected returns (5% or below) and higher inflation (3-4%) provides more conservative projections for stress-testing purposes.
The buying power column shows real purchasing power. Nominal figures grow with inflation; buying power shows the equivalent value in today's dollars.
Other income affects portfolio longevity. Additional income sources reduce required portfolio withdrawals.
The 4% rule was designed for 30-year periods. For early retirement spanning 40-50+ years, lower withdrawal rates (3% or below) are commonly discussed in the FIRE community.
This is not financial advice. This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Consult qualified professionals before making financial decisions.
Projections are hypothetical. All figures generated by this calculator are projections based on user-provided assumptions. They do not predict or guarantee future results. Actual investment returns, inflation rates, and personal circumstances will differ from any projection.
Past performance does not indicate future results. Historical market data and commonly cited figures (like average returns or inflation rates) may not reflect future conditions.
Provided "as is" without warranty. This tool is provided as-is without any warranty of any kind, express or implied. The creator assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from use of this calculator.
You are responsible for your own financial decisions. Use this tool as one of many inputs in your research. Verify all calculations independently and consult with qualified financial, tax, and legal professionals before making retirement or investment decisions.