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Free · Lower-spending scenario

Lean FIRE calculator

Model a lower-spending financial-independence scenario using the annual expenses, current investments and contributions that fit your household. There is no universal spending cutoff for Lean FIRE.

Example under stated assumptions · Snowballr calculation
A portfolio target follows spending and the withdrawal-rate assumption
$30,000 annual spending divided by a 4% initial-rate assumption equals $750,000. This is arithmetic, not a forecast of portfolio longevity.
Use your household budget; this page does not apply a universal spending threshold or estimate local living costs.

Lean FIRE numbers

Annual spendingFIRE # (25×)Target at 3.57% (28×)Monthly withdrawal
$20,000$500,000$560,000$1,667
$25,000$625,000$700,000$2,083
$30,000$750,000$840,000$2,500
$35,000$875,000$980,000$2,917
$40,000$1,000,000$1,120,000$3,333

These are division examples: annual spending divided by 4% or about 3.57%. The 28× column is not a safety rating or an outcome estimate. Monthly amounts divide annual spending by 12 and omit tax treatment.

Build a spending estimate for your household

Add housing, food, transport, healthcare, taxes, insurance and irregular costs from your own records. Household size, location and coverage choices can change a budget substantially. For U.S. Marketplace plans, check current premiums and eligibility for your household at HealthCare.gov; this calculator does not estimate either.

Geo-arbitrage — the Lean FIRE multiplier

Spending can change after a move, but costs depend on destination, household, housing, healthcare, taxes and exchange rates. Compare a current, location-specific budget before changing the annual spending input. This calculator does not model health coverage or tax treatment.

Lean FIRE Calculator FAQ

What's Lean FIRE exactly?

Lean FIRE is commonly used to describe financial independence with relatively low planned spending, but there is no universal dollar cutoff. Enter your annual expenses and a withdrawal-rate assumption to calculate an arithmetic portfolio target.

Is Lean FIRE realistic in the US?

Feasibility depends on household size, housing, location, healthcare and other costs. Build a complete budget for the place and household you have in mind; this calculator does not assess affordability.

What's the difference between Lean FIRE and just being poor?

The term describes a planned lower-spending approach to financial independence. A modeled target does not guarantee that assets will fund spending indefinitely; returns, taxes, fees and future costs can differ from the scenario.

Can I do Lean FIRE with kids?

Include the costs relevant to your household, such as childcare, education, healthcare and changes in housing or transport. Those expenses vary, so this calculator does not add a standard per-child amount.

What if I get bored or want more money later?

You can change spending or work assumptions and run another scenario. The model does not predict future earnings or portfolio returns, so later changes in work or spending should be evaluated separately.

Lean FIRE vs Coast FIRE — which gets me out faster?

Lean FIRE describes a lower-spending target for financial independence. Coast FIRE asks whether an existing portfolio could reach a chosen future target under a fixed-return scenario, with no additional deposits. Neither label guarantees an outcome.

Related calculators

FIRE calculator
All FIRE flavors compared.
Fat FIRE calculator
Model a higher-spending target.
Coast FIRE calculator
Model a no-further-deposit scenario.
4% rule calculator
First-year withdrawal scenario.

Methodology and editorial standards

Each calculator uses its own inputs and method. Review the labels, units and assumption notes shown with the result. Costs, taxes, fees, benefits and other factors are not modeled unless the page or calculator explicitly says they are. A fixed-rate projection is a scenario, not a forecast or personalized recommendation.

The editorial standards explain how Snowballr reviews calculators and sources. The sources index links to references used across the site. To report an error or suggest a correction, use the contact page.