There’s more than one exit.
“FIRE” isn’t one door. Coast, barista, lean, full, fat — each is a different amount of freedom at a different price. Here’s what each one means, and your own number and date for each.
What Kind of FIRE?
The five exits
Coast FIRE
Enough invested that, adding nothing more, it grows to your full number by traditional retirement age. You still work — but only to cover today, not to save for tomorrow.
then let it ride to 65
Barista FIRE
A pot big enough that a little part-time income covers the gap. Half-out: the job is optional-ish, not gone.
with €12k/yr part-time
Lean FIRE
Full independence on a deliberately small life — freedom bought cheap, with less margin for error.
on €21k/yr
Full FIRE
Your actual life, fully funded. The number the Exit Calculator points at.
on €30k/yr, your actual life
Fat FIRE
Full independence with room to spare — a bigger life and a thicker cushion, at a bigger price.
on €48k/yr
The same steady-return maths as the Exit Calculator, in today’s money. Definitions vary a little across the FIRE world — these are the common ones. Not advice.
The link carries these exact numbers — nothing about you is stored.
Nothing here is financial or investment advice — it’s arithmetic and education. Every tool runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere or saved. Decisions about your money are yours, ideally with a licensed adviser. I’m happily not one.
Bring me a challenge.
The Exit Audit, then ninety minutes: a straight verdict, real alternatives with their pros and cons, and your first move. If you want someone to nod along, I’m the wrong person to pay.