Free resource
Coast FIRE assumptions checklist
Use this before you change savings behavior based on a single coast number. Print or save as PDF (browser print), copy it, or keep it open next to the Coast FIRE calculator. Educational only — not financial advice.
Tip: pin a baseline in Scenario compare, then change return or spending and re-check this list.
1. Define the question
- I am asking whether I can stop aggressive retirement contributions — not whether I can quit work tomorrow.
- I have separated Coast FIRE from Barista FIRE (semi-retirement with work income covering part of spend).
- I have a written annual spending number in today’s dollars (including healthcare realistically).
2. Full FIRE target
- FIRE number = annual spending ÷ withdrawal rate (I wrote both numbers down).
- I stress-tested at least two withdrawal rates (e.g. 3.5% and 4%), not only the most optimistic.
- I know Lean / Regular / Fat labels are presets, not research standards.
3. Coast math
- Coast ≈ full FIRE ÷ (1 + r)^n with n = traditional retirement age − current age.
- I tried a lower real return (e.g. 4% if my base case is 5%) and re-checked the coast number.
- I compared current portfolio to the coast number (shortfall vs surplus) under those assumptions.
4. Sequence and cushions
- I understand constant-return coast numbers ignore path risk.
- I ran (or plan to run) a sequence stress test / lower-r scenarios for ranges — not a single green light.
- I have an emergency fund separate from the invested coast pile.
5. Life plumbing (outside the formula)
- Healthcare plan is defined for the years I still work and for any gap years.
- High-interest debt and near-term cash needs are not silently assumed away.
- If I reduce savings, I have a rule for lifestyle creep (spending won’t silently raise full FIRE).
6. Decision hygiene
- A partner / co-planner (if any) saw the same assumptions (share link or CSV).
- I am not treating a calculator output as financial advice or a guarantee.
- I know what would make me re-run the numbers (job change, home, kids, markets).
Next steps
- Run your Coast number with shared assumptions + age table + free stress test
- Coast FIRE by age tables
- Methodology and Approach
- Disclaimer
Email lead-magnet capture is planned later; this checklist is free with no account required.