The guideline that you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement and adjust for inflation each year after, and historically your money will last 30+ years. Based on the Trinity Study.
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Related terms
A hybrid state where your portfolio covers most (but not all) expenses via a conservative withdrawal, and you work part-time for the rest — often for the health benefits.
A softer framing of FI: you keep earning because you want to, not because you need to. Emphasizes freedom of choice over dropping out of the workforce.
The point where you have enough invested that you never need to contribute another dollar — compound growth alone will carry you to Full FIRE by traditional retirement age. You still work, but only to cover current expenses.
Save half of Coast FIRE's number, then take a multi-year break (or part-time work) while compound growth finishes the job. Named for the bird that stands on one leg.
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