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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE means investing enough money now so that, even if you stop contributing entirely, your portfolio will grow to support your retirement spending. You can then 'coast' – covering living expenses with lower-stress work without saving further.
How is the Coast FIRE number calculated?
Your Coast FIRE number is your full FIRE number (annual retirement expenses × 25) discounted back by your expected real investment return over the years until retirement. Formula: Coast FIRE = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + return)^years to retirement.
What return rate should I use for Coast FIRE in the UK?
A real (inflation-adjusted) return of 4–6% is commonly used for diversified UK portfolios invested in global index funds. The default of 5% is a reasonable middle estimate, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
What happens once I reach my Coast FIRE number?
Once your investments hit the Coast FIRE number you can stop making contributions. Your portfolio should compound to reach your full FIRE number by retirement age. Many people use this milestone to switch to lower-paid, more enjoyable work.
Does the state pension affect my Coast FIRE number?
Yes. If you expect to receive the UK state pension (currently around £11,500 per year), you can subtract that from your annual retirement expenses before calculating your FIRE number, which significantly reduces your required Coast FIRE pot.