How Much Is “Enough” to Retire?

This question stops more people than any market crash ever could.

| “How much do I actually need?”

Without an answer, people either:

• Work far longer than necessary

• Or assume early retirement is impossible

The truth is quieter — and far more encouraging.

“Enough” Is a Number, Not a Feeling

Most people think they’ll feel ready.

They won’t.

Confidence comes from clarity, not emotion.

“Enough” is simply the point where your assets can fund your life.

The FIRE Starting Point

A common guideline in FIRE is this:

| You can sustainably spend about 4% of your invested assets each year.

This is called the 4% rule. Some suggest a higher rate can be withdrawn safely, others suggest a lower rate to be super safe. For now, the 4% rule is the gold standard so let’s go with it.

That means:

• $1,000,000 → ~$40,000 in income per year

• $750,000 → ~$30,000 in income per year

• $500,000 → ~$20,000 in income per year

It’s not magic.

It’s math and history.

Flip the Question

Instead of asking:

| “How much do I need to retire?”

Ask:

| “How much do I want my life to cost?”

This is where FIRE becomes personal.

The Two Levers You Control

There are only two.

1. Your Annual Spending

Lower spending = lower “enough.”

This is why lifestyle design matters more than luxury.

2. Your Income Streams

More income = flexibility.

This includes:

• Investments

• Side income

• Part-time work you enjoy

You don’t need all of your spending covered by investments alone.

Why Most People Overshoot

People often aim far beyond “enough” because:

• They never define it

• They’re afraid of uncertainty

• They confuse comfort with safety

But there’s a point where more money adds little freedom — and more years of work.

FIRE Is About Margin, Not Maximum

The goal isn’t to die with the biggest portfolio.

The goal is:

• Margin for error

• Margin for joy

• Margin for life

Enough plus margin is freedom.

The Calming Truth

You don’t need:

• Perfect projections

• Precise market timing

• Absolute certainty

You need:

• A reasonable estimate

• A plan

• The courage to trust it

What FIRERANT Wants You to Know

Enough is often less than you think.

And once you define it, everything else becomes clearer:

• How long you need to work

• What you can say no to

• What actually matters

Money stops being a mystery and starts being a tool.

— Jackson