What If You Could Stop Saving for Retirement — and Still Retire Early?
Imagine this: You're 30 years old. You've already saved $100,000. What if you never had to add another dollar to your retirement fund — and you'd still retire a millionaire?
That’s the promise of Coast FIRE — and now, with our free Coast FIRE Calculator, you can find your personal Coast FIRE number in under 60 seconds. No email. No signup. Just clarity.
Let’s break down how it works — and why it's one of the most underrated early retirement strategies out there.
Why Traditional Saving Burnout Is Real
Most retirement advice feels overwhelming.
“You need $2 million to retire.”
“Save 25% of your income for 30 years.”
“Cut out every latte.”
The problem? Life doesn’t wait. Between rent, debt, and inflation, constant saving feels like a second job. It’s no wonder people burn out, give up, or never start.
But what if you only had to save aggressively for a few years — then coast the rest of the way?
That’s where Coast FIRE flips the script.
What Is Coast FIRE? (And Why It's Perfect for Burned-Out Savers)
Coast FIRE means reaching a point where your existing retirement savings, left to grow on their own, will hit your full retirement goal without adding anything else.
You’re not “fully retired” — but you’re free from the pressure of saving more.
Quick Example:
Let’s say your target retirement fund is $1 million by age 60, and you’re 30 now.
If you already have $215,000 invested and earning a 7% return, then:
Congratulations — you’ve hit Coast FIRE.
You can now coast into retirement without saving another cent, as long as you don’t touch that investment.
Want to know your number? Use our Coast FIRE Calculator — it does the math instantly.
How to Calculate Your Coast FIRE Number
While the math behind Coast FIRE relies on compound interest, it’s surprisingly simple once broken down.
Here’s the formula:
Coast FIRE Formula:
- r = expected annual return (e.g. 0.07 for 7%)
- n = years until retirement
- Retirement Goal = how much you want at retirement (e.g. $1 million)
Example:
- Retirement goal = $1,000,000
- Age = 30
- Target retirement age = 60 → 30 years to grow
- Return = 7%
Then:
If you have more than $131,367 invested by age 30, you’re already at Coast FIRE.
Or skip the math and get your number instantly with our Coast FIRE Calculator.
Why Coast FIRE Works (When Traditional Saving Doesn’t)
1. Motivation Without Burnout
Saving $200K by 30 sounds hard — but it’s far more achievable than saving $2M over 30 years. Coast FIRE gives you a clear, motivating short-term goal.
2. Freedom to Pivot
Once you hit your number, you can take lower-paying but more fulfilling work, travel, or start a business — without retirement anxiety.
3. Compound Interest Does the Heavy Lifting
You’re no longer fighting the clock — time becomes your greatest ally. Your money keeps growing even if you stop contributing.
4. No Gimmicks, No Risky Plays
Coast FIRE isn’t about YOLO investing or quitting your job tomorrow. It’s about using basic financial math to earn your freedom early.
Common Mistakes with Coast FIRE (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Underestimating Inflation
If you plan for $1 million today but retire in 30 years, it won’t buy as much. Use a calculator that accounts for inflation (ours does).
❌ Overestimating Returns
Assuming a 10% annual return can make your Coast FIRE number look smaller than it should. Be conservative — aim for 6–7%.
❌ Forgetting Lifestyle Changes
Want kids? Move cities? Start a business? Your future lifestyle may shift. Revisit your number yearly.
❌ Thinking You’re Done Forever
Coasting doesn’t mean never saving again. It means you don’t have to. You can still save more — but the pressure is off.
Actionable Takeaways
- ✅ Run your Coast FIRE number with our free calculator
- ✅ Set a short-term savings target (e.g., $120K by age 30)
- ✅ Use a simple 3-fund portfolio for long-term investing
- ✅ Review your number annually as your life and goals change
- ✅ Shift from “save everything” to “live more” once you hit Coast
Want to Know Exactly Where You Stand?
You don’t need a spreadsheet. You don’t need an MBA. And you definitely don’t need to give us your email.
Just plug in your age, current savings, and retirement goal into our Coast FIRE Calculator — and in under 60 seconds, you’ll know:
- How close you are to Coast FIRE
- How much more (if any) you need to save
- When you can stop saving and start living
Next Step: Try the Free Calculator Now
Your future self will thank you.
Whether you're just getting started or you're years into your FIRE journey, knowing your Coast FIRE number gives you clarity, confidence, and control.
Try the free Coast FIRE Calculator now — no email required, just instant insight.