FIRE with 3.5% Safe Withdrawal Rate

See how a more conservative 3.5% safe withdrawal rate affects your FIRE target and timeline compared to the standard 4% rule.

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How to use this tool

Enter current portfolio value, monthly savings, annual investment return, annual expenses in retirement and safe withdrawal rate in the fields above.
Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
Read your years to fire and the full breakdown beneath it.

Using a 3.5% safe withdrawal rate instead of 4% requires a larger nest egg but provides greater security in early retirement.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safe withdrawal rate?: Research (the 'Trinity Study') suggests a 4% withdrawal rate historically survived 30+ year retirement periods. More conservative retirees use 3-3.5%.
What is Lean FIRE vs. Fat FIRE?: Lean FIRE targets minimal expenses (~$25-40k/yr). Fat FIRE targets a comfortable lifestyle ($80-100k+/yr). Choose based on your target lifestyle.