Coast Retirement · Research
What is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE means you have enough invested today that, with no additional retirement contributions, your portfolio is projected to grow to your full retirement number by your target retirement age.
What this means
You have passed the steepest part of the savings curve. Compound growth is scheduled to finish the job while you cover current living expenses from work (or partial work). You may downshift careers, reduce hours, or stop maxing every account — without giving up a funded retirement later.
How it works
Inputs: current age, retirement age, annual spending in retirement, safe withdrawal rate (often 4%), expected real return (Coast Retirement defaults to 7% real on the quick calculator), and current portfolio balance.
FIRE Number = Annual retirement spending ÷ Safe withdrawal rate Coast FIRE Number = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + real return) ^ years until retirement
Example
Age 35, retire at 55 (20 years), spend $80,000/yr in retirement, 4% SWR → FIRE number $2,000,000. At 7% real, Coast FIRE number ≈ $516,000. With $600,000 invested today, you are already coasting.
Assumptions
- Constant real return (no market path simulation on the quick calc)
- Spending held steady in real terms
- No taxes, fees, or healthcare bridge in the simple version
Limitations
Coast FIRE is a milestone, not a guarantee. Sequence risk, job loss, and spending shocks can change outcomes. Use the full planner for year-by-year expenses and drawdown.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Coast FIRE with retiring tomorrow
- Ignoring healthcare before Medicare
- Using nominal returns instead of real returns
- Forgetting spouse timelines and dual incomes
Related tools
FAQ
What is the difference between Coast FIRE and FIRE?
FIRE means you can stop working now because investments cover expenses. Coast FIRE means you can stop contributing because investments should reach your future retirement number without more savings.
What is a Coast number?
The portfolio balance you need today so compound growth hits your FIRE number by your target retirement age.
Can I still work after Coast FIRE?
Yes. Most people still earn to pay current bills; the point is you no longer need aggressive retirement contributions.
Is Coast FIRE the same as Barista FIRE?
No. Barista FIRE usually relies on part-time work to cover spending or benefits. Coast FIRE is about having the retirement portfolio on track while you earn for today.
What return does Coast Retirement use?
The homepage quick calculator uses 7% real by default; the full planner lets you change assumptions.
CoastRetirement.com provides educational calculators and planning models. It does not provide individualized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Calculator outputs depend on user-provided assumptions and are not guarantees of future results. Consult a qualified professional before making financial or tax decisions.