Coast FIRE Calculator
Coast FIRE is easiest to understand when you compare it with the FIRE calculator, Barista FIRE in Canada, and the compound interest calculator. If you want to translate the concept into a practical savings schedule, pair it with how much you should invest per month in Canada and how to build wealth in Canada.
Coast FIRE = The portfolio value where you can stop saving and compound growth alone will fund your retirement.
Coast FIRE Formula
Coast FIRE Number = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + growth rate)^years
Coast FIRE Numbers by Age
Assuming:
- Target retirement age: 65
- FIRE number: $1,500,000 (for $60,000/year expenses)
- 7% real growth rate
| Current Age | Years to 65 | Coast FIRE Number |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 40 years | $100,000 |
| 30 | 35 years | $140,000 |
| 35 | 30 years | $197,000 |
| 40 | 25 years | $276,000 |
| 45 | 20 years | $388,000 |
| 50 | 15 years | $544,000 |
| 55 | 10 years | $762,000 |
The earlier you start, the less you need.
Coast FIRE at Age 30
If you’re 30 years old with $140,000 invested, here’s what happens with no additional contributions:
| Age | Portfolio Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | $140,000 | Coast FIRE achieved |
| 35 | $196,000 | Growing |
| 40 | $275,000 | Growing |
| 45 | $386,000 | Growing |
| 50 | $541,000 | Growing |
| 55 | $759,000 | Growing |
| 60 | $1,065,000 | Growing |
| 65 | $1,493,000 | Target reached |
At 7% real returns, no additional savings required
Coast FIRE Numbers by Target Amount
| Target at 65 | Age 25 | Age 30 | Age 35 | Age 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | $67,000 | $93,000 | $131,000 | $184,000 |
| $1,250,000 | $83,000 | $117,000 | $164,000 | $230,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $100,000 | $140,000 | $197,000 | $276,000 |
| $1,750,000 | $117,000 | $163,000 | $230,000 | $322,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $133,000 | $187,000 | $263,000 | $368,000 |
How Coast FIRE Changes Your Options
Once you hit Coast FIRE, you can:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Downshift career | Take a lower-paying, more enjoyable job |
| Work part-time | Cover expenses with 20-30 hours/week |
| Start a business | Less pressure since retirement is covered |
| Take a sabbatical | Extended time off without derailing retirement |
| Pursue education | Go back to school without financial stress |
| Geographic arbitrage | Move somewhere cheaper, work less |
Canadian Coast FIRE Advantages
Lower target numbers
- CPP at 65: ~$15,000/year (reduces target by $375,000)
- OAS at 65: ~$8,700/year (reduces target by $217,500)
- Combined: ~$593,000 less portfolio needed
Example with Canadian benefits
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Portfolio needed (no CPP/OAS) | $1,500,000 |
| Minus CPP value | -$375,000 |
| Minus OAS value | -$217,500 |
| Adjusted FIRE number | $907,500 |
| Coast FIRE at 30 | $85,000 |
This assumes average CPP benefits. Your actual amount will vary based on contributions.
Reaching Coast FIRE in 10 Years
| Monthly Savings | 7% Returns | Coast FIRE Reached |
|---|---|---|
| $500/month | $86,000 | Low expenses |
| $1,000/month | $173,000 | Comfortable |
| $1,500/month | $259,000 | FIRE-focused |
| $2,000/month | $346,000 | Aggressive |