Financial Independence (FI)

The state of having enough invested assets that work becomes optional — the "FI" half of FIRE. Many pursue FI without ever planning to "retire early."

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Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR)

The percentage of a portfolio you can withdraw annually with high probability of not running out. Common targets range from 3.25% (ultra-safe) to 4.5% (aggressive).

Chubby FIRE

The middle ground between Regular FIRE and Fat FIRE — roughly $2.5M portfolio supporting $80–100K/year spending.

4% Rule

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.

Fat FIRE

FIRE achieved with a comfortable or affluent lifestyle, typically $100K+/year expenses and a $2.5M+ portfolio.

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