Barista FIRE Calculator
When can you downshift to part-time work?
Your Barista FIRE Number
You need $436k saved to go part-time at $1,500/mo and still reach $1.1M by age 60. You're $286k away.
Comparison
+ $1,500/mo part-time
Reachable at age 57
Stop saving entirely
Reachable at age 30
No work required
Barista FIRE requires $-297,816.988 less than Coast FIRE because your part-time income of $1,500/mo covers part of your expenses while your savings grow.
Timeline
When the teal line crosses above the orange line, you've hit Barista FIRE and can switch to part-time work.
What this means
At Barista FIRE, your monthly budget of $3,500 is covered by $1,500/mo from part-time work and $2,000/mo from investment growth. Your savings continue growing toward $1.1M by age 60, at which point you can stop working entirely.
FAQ
What is Barista FIRE?
Barista FIRE is a flavor of financial independence where your portfolio covers most retirement needs, and a part-time or low-stress job covers the rest. The name comes from the idea of working part-time as a barista for the health insurance and a small paycheck.
How do I calculate my Barista FIRE number?
Take your annual expenses, subtract the part-time income you plan to earn, and multiply the difference by 25 (or divide by your withdrawal rate). That's the portfolio size you need. The calculator does this for you and shows years to reach it.
What's the difference between Barista FIRE and Coast FIRE?
With Coast FIRE you've saved enough that compounding alone will get you to full FIRE by traditional retirement age, but a full-time job still covers your living costs. With Barista FIRE, a part-time job plus portfolio withdrawals together cover expenses right now.
How much part-time income do I need for Barista FIRE?
Whatever closes the gap between your portfolio's safe withdrawal and your annual expenses. If expenses are $50,000 and your portfolio safely provides $30,000, you need $20,000 of part-time income. Health insurance coverage is often a bigger driver than the dollar amount.
Is Barista FIRE realistic?
Yes, especially for people whose main blocker to early retirement is health insurance in the United States. Any W-2 job offering benefits, even at 25 to 30 hours a week, often makes Barista FIRE workable years earlier than traditional FIRE.
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.