Explainers that respect your math.
Short reads on the numbers behind FIRE — what they assume, what they hide, and which ones actually matter for your plan.
Why we use 7% average returns — and not the headline 10%.
The S&P 500 averages 10% before inflation. We use 7%. Here is why that 3% gap matters more than it looks — and why the order of returns matters even more than the average.
What is Coast FIRE? The beginner’s guide.
Coast FIRE is not retirement. It is the moment your savings can grow into your full FIRE number without another dollar from you — and the freedom that comes with it.
Lean vs Fat vs Coast FIRE — which path is yours?
Four FIRE flavors, one question: what does "enough" mean for you? A practical breakdown of Lean, Fat, Coast, and Barista FIRE — and how to tell which one fits your actual life.
The 4% Rule Explained: The Trinity Study, Updated for 2026
How the 4% withdrawal rule from the Trinity Study works, why modern FIRE splits to 3.5 to 4%, and what variable withdrawal strategies add in 2026.
The 25× Rule: Why Multiplying Your Spending by 25 Works
The 25× rule is just the 4% rule flipped upside down. Here is why multiplying your spending by 25 works — and where it breaks down.
How to Calculate Your Savings Rate (and Why 50% Is the Magic Number)
Your savings rate is the single best predictor of when you can retire. Here is the formula, the classic MMM table, and why 50% is the magic number.
Barista FIRE: The Complete Guide to Semi-Retirement
Barista FIRE is semi-retirement: a smaller portfolio plus side income. Here is the math, examples at $20k and $30k side income, and how it compares to Coast FIRE.
401(k) Early Withdrawal: How to Access Retirement Funds Before 59½
The 10% penalty is not the end of the story. Rule of 55, 72(t) SEPP, Roth conversions, and the 5-year rule — every legal way to access retirement funds early.
Social Security and FIRE: Should You Count It in Your Number?
How Social Security works, why most FIRE planners do not count it in their number, and how $30k/yr of benefits reduces your required portfolio by $750k.
Best Brokerage Accounts for FIRE: 2026 Comparison
What makes a brokerage FIRE-friendly in 2026. A side-by-side comparison of Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab, and M1 Finance — and why the three-fund portfolio is the standard.