Coast FIRE
Goal: Save enough early on so compound interest covers traditional retirement.
Pros: Requires less total capital to achieve the milestone. Allows for low-stress jobs earlier.
Cons: You must still work to cover daily living expenses until age 65.

Traditional FIRE
Goal: Save a massive portfolio (25x expenses) to stop working completely.
Pros: Total freedom. No requirement to earn any income.
Cons: Requires extreme frugality and high income to achieve at a young age.

Which is right for you?

Question

Coast FIRE
Goal: Save enough early on so compound interest covers traditional retirement.
Pros: Requires less total capital to achieve the milestone. Allows for low-stress jobs earlier.
Cons: You must still work to cover daily living expenses until age 65.

Traditional FIRE
Goal: Save a massive portfolio (25x expenses) to stop working completely.
Pros: Total freedom. No requirement to earn any income.
Cons: Requires extreme frugality and high income to achieve at a young age.

Which is right for you?

Accepted Answer

If you hate your high-stress corporate job and want to transition to a passion project that pays the bills, Coast FIRE is the fastest route. If you want to travel the world full-time without earning a dime, Traditional FIRE is the answer.