Complete FIRE Types Comparison
Compare all paths to Financial Independence: requirements, timelines, and strategies for Lean, Fat, Coast, Barista, and Couples FIRE
FIRE Types Quick Comparison
Key metrics and requirements for each FIRE strategy
| FIRE Type | Annual Spending | Target Amount | Typical Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lean FIRE | $30K - $40K | $750K - $1M | 10-15 years | Minimalists, location independent |
Traditional FIRE | $40K - $80K | $1M - $2M | 15-20 years | Middle-class lifestyle maintenance |
Fat FIRE | $100K+ | $2.5M+ | 20-25+ years | High earners, luxury lifestyle |
Coast FIRE | Current lifestyle | Varies by age | 5-10 years to coast | Young savers, career flexibility |
Barista FIRE | $40K - $60K | $500K - $750K | 12-18 years | Career changers, healthcare needs |
Couples FIRE | $50K - $120K | $1.25M - $3M | 10-20 years | Dual income households |
Detailed FIRE Strategy Analysis
Lean FIRE Strategy
Core Philosophy
Achieve financial independence through frugal living and minimal expenses, typically spending $30K-40K annually.
Requirements
- • $750K - $1M invested assets
- • High savings rate (50-70%)
- • Geographic arbitrage often needed
- • Frugal lifestyle commitment
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- • Fastest to achieve
- • Lower stress lifestyle
- • Location flexibility
Cons:
- • Limited spending flexibility
- • Healthcare concerns
- • Social limitations
Fat FIRE Strategy
Core Philosophy
Maintain luxury lifestyle in retirement with $100K+ annual spending and no financial constraints.
Requirements
- • $2.5M+ invested assets
- • High income ($150K+)
- • Sustained savings rate (30-50%)
- • Tax optimization strategies
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- • No spending restrictions
- • Luxury lifestyle
- • Large safety buffer
Cons:
- • Requires high income
- • Longest timeline
- • Market risk exposure
Coast FIRE Strategy
Core Philosophy
Save aggressively early, then stop saving and let compound growth carry you to traditional retirement.
Requirements
- • Age-dependent target amount
- • Early high savings rate
- • Continued income until 65
- • Long-term perspective
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- • Career flexibility
- • Reduced savings pressure
- • Compound growth power
Cons:
- • No early retirement
- • Continued work required
- • Career dependency
Barista FIRE Strategy
Core Philosophy
Semi-retirement with part-time work covering some expenses while investments cover the rest.
Requirements
- • $500K - $750K invested assets
- • Part-time income ($15K-30K)
- • Health insurance plan
- • Flexible work options
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- • Lower savings target
- • Career transition
- • Healthcare benefits
Cons:
- • Still working
- • Income dependency
- • Limited free time
How to Choose Your FIRE Strategy
Consider Your Income
- • Under $75K: Lean or Coast FIRE
- • $75K-150K: Traditional or Barista FIRE
- • Over $150K: Fat FIRE possible
- • Dual income: Couples FIRE optimal
Assess Your Lifestyle
- • Minimalist: Lean FIRE ideal
- • Current spending: Traditional FIRE
- • High spender: Fat FIRE required
- • Love your work: Coast FIRE
Timeline Preferences
- • ASAP: Lean FIRE (10-15 years)
- • Moderate: Traditional (15-20 years)
- • Patient: Fat FIRE (20+ years)
- • Flexible: Barista or Coast
Pro Tip: Hybrid Approaches
Most successful FIRE practitioners use hybrid approaches, starting with Coast FIRE targets, then deciding whether to push toward traditional, lean, or fat FIRE based on life circumstances. The key is starting with aggressive savings early to build momentum and options.