Lean, Coast, Barista, Chubby, Fat

The maths of financial independence is the same in every version. What changes is the target amount, and how much of the way you plan to go before you slow down.

Lean FIRE

Independence at a low level of spending. The corpus is smaller and you reach it sooner, because it only has to cover modest yearly costs. The downside is a thin margin. A large unexpected expense is harder to absorb, and going back to work later is harder than most people expect.

Regular FIRE

The standard version: enough to cover your current standard of living for good. It is usually set at 25 times your yearly expenses, based on the 4% rule.

Chubby FIRE

Independence with a comfortable buffer. The target is above what your spending needs, so travel, upgrades and surprises do not force you to redo the numbers. It takes longer to reach, and it is less likely to fall short.

Fat FIRE

Independence at a high level of spending, with no cut to your lifestyle along the way. It usually needs a high income, not only a high savings rate, because spending at that level can only be reduced so far.

Coast FIRE

The most useful version for people in their twenties and thirties, and the one most often overlooked. You invest heavily early on, until the amount already invested will grow to your full FIRE number by your target age without any more contributions. After that you stop adding money and only need to cover your current living costs. The pressure eases decades before full independence, because compounding does the rest.

Barista FIRE

A partial version. You invest enough that a modest, low-stress job can cover the rest. The name comes from the idea of working somewhere pleasant mainly for a steady income and, in some countries, health cover.

Which one fits you

Instead of picking a label, work out two numbers: what you spend in a year now, and what you would want to spend if you no longer had to work. If they are close, regular or lean FIRE fits. If the second is much larger, you are aiming for chubby or fat FIRE, and it will take longer. If you are early in your career, work out your Coast number whichever goal you choose.

Nothing here is investment advice. See the disclaimer.