Lean FIRE means retiring on a very frugal budget, typically $25,000–$40,000 per year. It requires a smaller nest egg but leaves little financial cushion.

Fat FIRE means retiring on a comfortable or generous budget, typically $100,000+ per year. It requires a much larger portfolio but offers few lifestyle compromises.

What is Barista FIRE?

Barista FIRE means semi-retiring with a smaller portfolio, supplemented by part-time income (historically a barista job for health insurance). The part-time income reduces the required nest egg significantly.

StrategyComparison

⚖️ Lean / Fat / Barista FIRE

Compare all four FIRE tracks side-by-side: Lean, Regular, Fat, and Barista. See the FIRE number, years to goal, and monthly savings needed for each.

Current savings ($)

Annual savings ($)

Expected real return: 7%

Safe withdrawal rate: 4%

Barista annual income ($)

Income from part-time work in semi-retirement

Annual spending per track

Lean FIRE

Very frugal

Regular FIRE

Comfortable

Fat FIRE

Generous

Barista FIRE

Your total spending

Your FIRE comparison

Track	Annual spending	FIRE number	Progress	Years to FIRE

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