Question 1

What is FIRE?

Accepted Answer

Financial Independence, Retire Early — building enough investments that the returns alone cover your living expenses indefinitely, so continuing to work becomes optional.

Question 2

How is my FIRE number calculated?

Accepted Answer

We divide your desired annual retirement expenses by your safe withdrawal rate (commonly 4%). That's the classic '25x expenses' rule — at a 4% withdrawal rate, your portfolio can theoretically sustain that spending indefinitely.

Question 3

What is the 4% rule?

Accepted Answer

It's a widely cited (though debated) rule of thumb from historical U.S. market research suggesting a 4% annual withdrawal rate has historically had a low chance of depleting a portfolio over a 30-year retirement. Some choose a more conservative 3-3.5% for extra safety, especially for very early retirements with longer horizons.

Question 4

Does this account for inflation?

Accepted Answer

Expenses and returns here are treated in today's rupees — enter your expected annual return as a real (inflation-adjusted) rate for the most realistic projection, rather than a nominal rate.

Question 5

What return rate should I use?

Accepted Answer

Historical long-term real (inflation-adjusted) stock market returns are often estimated around 6-7% for a diversified portfolio, though your actual allocation, fees, and market conditions will vary. Use a conservative estimate you're comfortable with.

Question 6

Does this simulate what happens after I retire?

Accepted Answer

No — this calculates the accumulation phase only (how long until you hit your FIRE number). It doesn't simulate sequence-of-returns risk or market volatility during retirement, which more sophisticated retirement-planning tools model.

Question 7

Can I save or share my results?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use Share to copy a link that reproduces your exact inputs, or log in to save your calculation and revisit it later from your history.

FIRE Calculator

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