The 4% rule is all well and good, but I've never really got to grips with this as a tangible model for calculating FIRE mainly because of the complications when working out the restrictions on when you can access the pots at different ages (predominantly pensions). Instead I prefer to break down FIRE strategy and planning into two distinct sections: Pension provisions . Including overall pot, what this might work out to be in retirement, and what age you can access. Bridge Pot . This will get you from your FIRE age to your above Pension pot access (above) In the past I've developed a pension calculator for the former , and here is my calculator for the latter aspect. What I've developed here is an Excel sheet which works out what you need between your desired FIRE age and your pension pot access age, aka your "FIRE Bridge pot". This has helped me to visualise when I could 'push the button' on FIRE, how much I could live off in the 'Bridge years' an...
Intentional saving, spending and parenting