Lean FIRE calculator
A leaner budget means a smaller number and an earlier finish line. See what financial independence looks like when you keep expenses low.
FIRE on a lean budget. A smaller number, reached sooner, with modest spending.
What is lean FIRE?
Lean FIRE is financial independence on a modest budget, often under about $40,000 a year. Lower spending means a smaller portfolio, which is why lean FIRE tends to arrive years sooner than a standard target. It rewards a simple, intentional lifestyle.
The math is the same, the number is smaller
Lean FIRE uses the same calculation as any FIRE number: annual expenses divided by a safe withdrawal rate. The difference is entirely in the expenses. Spend less, and both the target and the time to reach it shrink.
Prefer to track this from your real accounts? Telemetry charts your investable net worth toward your FI number and shows a shareable progress card straight from your data. See net worth and FIRE tracking.
Common questions
What counts as lean FIRE?▾
There is no strict line, but lean FIRE usually means annual spending under roughly $40,000, funded by a correspondingly smaller portfolio. The exact number depends on where and how you live.
How is lean FIRE calculated?▾
The same way as any FIRE number: your annual expenses divided by your withdrawal rate. Because lean FIRE assumes low expenses, the resulting number is smaller.
Is lean FIRE risky?▾
It leaves less margin for surprises, since there is not much slack in a lean budget. Many people pair lean FIRE with some flexibility, like the option to earn a little income if needed.
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