You're 30. You just discovered Coast FIRE. And you're starting from zero.
Maybe your 20s were about survival. Maybe debt or life circumstances made saving impossible. Or maybe you just didn’t know.
Now, you’re staring down a wall of FIRE content filled with 25-year-olds who already have $100K invested—and wondering if you missed the train.
Let’s be clear: you didn’t.
This is your path. And it’s still very possible to Coast FIRE—even if you're starting from scratch.
Feeling Behind Is Normal—But You’re Not Too Late
If you feel behind, you’re not alone.
The median net worth of Americans at age 30 is only about $11,000.
The shame many feel—“Everyone else is ahead of me”—is fueled by social media highlights and FIRE subreddit success stories. But real life is messier.
What matters isn’t when you start—it’s that you start.
At 30, you still have 25–35 years of compounding ahead of you. That’s a powerful tailwind, especially if you can kick off with just 5–8 years of focused effort.
Reframing the Coast FIRE Path for Late Starters
Here’s the truth: starting from $0 at 30 means your Coast FIRE journey will look different—and that’s okay.
What “Coasting” Means When You Start From Zero
Traditional Coast FIRE assumes you’ve built up a decent investment base in your 20s. Then you “coast” by stopping retirement contributions while your money compounds.
If you’re starting from zero, you’ll likely need:
- A sprint phase of aggressive saving (5–8 years)
- Then a coast phase with low-pressure work
Think of it like this:
🔁 Bridge Coast FIRE = Sprint → Coast
You still reach the same finish line. You just take a smart detour first.
Numbers That Work: Example Scenarios From $0 at 30
Let’s look at real, achievable scenarios for late starters:
Case 1: Single Earning $70K/Year
- Saves 40% ($28K) per year from 30 to 36
- Invests in low-fee index funds (7% nominal, ~4.5% real return)
- Reaches $200K+ in investments by 36
- Can stop contributing, and coast to a full retirement at 60
Case 2: Married Couple, Combined $110K Income
- Saves 35% jointly (~$38K) for 6 years
- Reaches $300K+ invested by age 36
- Downshifts to lower-stress work or part-time while investments grow
The key here isn’t perfection—it’s consistency and direction.
Use our Coast FIRE Calculator to plug in your numbers and explore your own timeline.
Smart Levers That Help You Catch Up Faster
No gimmicks here—just proven financial levers that move the needle fast.
1. Maximize Your Savings Rate (Temporarily)
During your sprint phase, aim for:
- 35–50% savings rate, if possible
- Automate contributions and treat savings like rent
You don’t have to do this forever—just long enough to build your bridge fund.
2. Grow Your Income Aggressively
You don’t need to cut lattes—you need to expand your earning ceiling:
- Learn high-income skills (coding, copywriting, project management)
- Start a freelance or consulting side gig
- Switch jobs regularly for pay bumps
3. Invest Simply and Consistently
- Stick to broad-market index funds (S&P 500, global ETFs)
- Contribute monthly, even if it’s small
- Use tax-advantaged accounts when available
Avoid timing the market—just stay in it.
4. Don’t Inflate Your Lifestyle as You Earn More
As your income grows, let your savings rate rise too.
Resist the pressure to upgrade everything. Future You will thank you.
Mindset Shift: Stop Comparing, Start Compounding
Comparison steals energy. Compounding builds it.
Everyone’s FIRE path is different. Some start at 22. Others at 38. The truth? Late starters often succeed more reliably because they’re motivated, focused, and less prone to burnout.
What you can control:
- Your savings rate
- Your income growth
- Your investment habit
- Your mindset
What you can’t:
- What you didn’t know before
- Other people’s timelines
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”
Next Steps: Your Action Plan
Let’s make this real. Here’s how to start Coast FIRE from $0 at 30:
- Run your Coast FIRE number with realistic assumptions
- Choose a sprint window: 5 to 8 years of focused saving
- Create a high-impact plan:
- Track spending
- Grow income
- Automate investing
- Revisit your plan annually to adjust for:
- Inflation
- Income changes
- Life events
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started—and starting strong.
🔁 Key Takeaways
- Starting from $0 at 30 still gives you decades of compounding.
- You’ll need a short sprint phase, then you can coast.
- Focus on savings rate, income, and habit over time.
- Use tools like the Coast FIRE Calculator to guide you.
- Don’t compare—just compound.