Core FIREFIRE glossary
Defined termLean FIRE
FIRE achieved on a minimalist budget, typically $20–30K/year of expenses. Requires $500K–$800K portfolio but lower lifestyle ceiling.
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Related terms
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Chubby FIRE
The middle ground between Regular FIRE and Fat FIRE — roughly $2.5M portfolio supporting $80–100K/year spending.
Work-Optional
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.
Flamingo FIRE
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.
FIRE Number
Your target portfolio size to be financially independent. Usually calculated as annual expenses ÷ withdrawal rate. At a 4% SWR, $40K in annual expenses means a $1M FIRE number.
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