Which FIRE Strategy is Best for You? (Lean to Fat FIRE)
whatshot 40 snips
Sep 19, 2025
Explore the diverse world of FIRE strategies, from traditional to fat FIRE, each offering unique paths to financial independence. Discover the specific savings and timelines required for each approach, along with their pros and cons. Learn how personality types align with different strategies and the lifestyle sacrifices involved. Whether minimalist with lean FIRE or enjoying luxury with fat FIRE, this discussion provides clarity on how to tailor your path toward achieving your financial goals.
33:17
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Traditional FIRE Basics
Traditional FIRE targets $1–$2.5M to support a middle-class lifestyle and typical spending between $40k–$120k per year.
The primary lever is savings rate, and timelines usually range from 7–20 years depending on income and discipline.
insights INSIGHT
What Coast FIRE Means
Coast FIRE means your retirement accounts will compound to fully fund retirement without additional savings.
Reaching coast fire lets you ease off saving and pursue lower-stress or part-time work while still being on track for retirement.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Check Your Coast Number
Calculate your coast number to know if you can reduce saving pressure and pivot your career.
Use long-term return assumptions carefully and consider your age when deciding to ease off the gas.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Join Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench on this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast as they dive into the different types of FIRE. Financial Independence, Retire Early isn't a one-size-fits-all approach - it's evolved into multiple distinct paths, each designed to meet different lifestyles, risk tolerances, and financial goals. This comprehensive exploration will help you understand which version of financial independence makes the most sense for your unique situation.
From traditional FIRE to coast, lean, barista, chubby, and fat FIRE, each approach offers its own timeline, savings requirements, and lifestyle implications. Whether you're drawn to the minimalist appeal of lean FIRE or you're more interested in fat FIRE's promise of maintaining a luxurious lifestyle in retirement, understanding these distinctions is crucial for mapping out your financial future. Scott and Mindy break down the math, mindset, and practical considerations behind each path, giving you the clarity to choose your FIRE strategy and start building a personalized roadmap to financial independence.
This Episode Covers:
The six main types of FIRE and what makes each one unique
Specific savings requirements and timelines for each FIRE path
Real-world pros and cons of traditional, coast, lean, barista, chubby, and fat FIRE
Which personality types tend to succeed with each strategy
How to match your lifestyle and goals to the right FIRE approach
The sacrifices and trade-offs involved in each path
Practical steps to get started on your chosen FIRE journey