FIRE calculator
How many years until you can stop working? Three views: savings-rate hook, 401(k)-aware accumulation projection, and historical 30-year withdrawal success rate.
paycalculator · /fire
When can you stop working?
One input. Years to financial independence — based on your savings rate.
Based on a 5% real return and 4% safe withdrawal rate.
Starting portfolio $1,326,934 · withdrawing $50,000/year (real). Based on 96 years of US large-cap real total returns (1928–2023).
Frequently asked questions
How is years-to-FI calculated?
From your savings rate and assumed real return. Higher savings rate compresses the timeline because you save faster and need less to live on. The default 5% real return is a conservative long-run US large-cap estimate net of inflation; the 4% safe withdrawal rate matches the Trinity-study lineage.
How does the savings-rate slider work?
It holds your wages constant and adjusts implied annual expenses so the savings rate reaches your target. Move it down (lower savings rate) and the projection extends; move it up and FI arrives sooner.
Are the projections in today's dollars?
Yes. The accumulation chart and the historical-cycle simulation both use real (inflation-adjusted) returns, so every figure is in today's purchasing power.
Where does the historical dataset come from?
96 years of US large-cap real (inflation-adjusted) total returns from 1928 to 2023. The same window academic studies use to benchmark long-horizon withdrawal strategies.
How is the 401(k) handled?
The accumulation projection treats employee 401(k) contributions plus the employer match as a separate compounding bucket from your taxable savings. The default is 10% employee + 4% employer match — both are sliders. The federal calculation reduces taxable wages by the employee contribution (assuming traditional, not Roth).
Is this financial advice?
No. The tool is a generic estimation. It does not account for your individual circumstances, state taxes, taxes on withdrawals, sequence-of-returns risk, RMDs, or unforeseen expenses. Consult a licensed financial adviser before making decisions.
Estimates only. Real returns assumed constant in projection; historical cycles use 96 years of US large-cap real total returns (1928–2023). Federal taxes only — state taxes not yet supported. Not financial advice.