Coast FI
What if you've already saved enough — you just don't know it yet? Coast FI is the point where compound growth alone will carry you to a fully funded retirement.
What Is Coast FI?
Coast FI is the point where you've invested enough that compound growth alone will grow your portfolio to your full retirement number by a traditional retirement age — without contributing another dollar.
Once you reach Coast FI, you only need to earn enough to cover your current living expenses. You can stop saving aggressively, downshift your career, work part-time, or pursue passion projects — knowing your future retirement is already funded.
The Math Behind Coast FI
Assumes $1M FI Number, 7% real return, retire at 65. Formula: Coast FI = FI Number ÷ (1 + rate)<sup>years</sup>
| Your Age | Coast FI Amount | Years to Grow |
|---|---|---|
| Age 25 | $175K | 40 years |
| Age 30 | $250K | 35 years |
| Age 35 | $350K | 30 years |
| Age 40 | $500K | 25 years |
| Age 45 | $625K | 20 years |
| Age 50 | $750K | 15 years |
A 25-year-old with $175K invested can stop contributing entirely and still have $1M by 65. The earlier you start, the less you need.
Coast FI vs Traditional FI
Coast FI isn't a lesser version of FI — it's a different strategy with different trade-offs.
Coast FI
Traditional FI
Who Coast FI Is For
Coast FI is a powerful middle ground for people who want freedom now without waiting for full FI.
Career Changers
Want to leave a high-paying but draining career for meaningful work that pays less. Coast FI gives you permission to make the leap.
Burned-Out Professionals
Need to decompress before burnout becomes permanent. Downshift to part-time or take a sabbatical knowing your retirement is secured.
New Parents
Want to spend time with young children without the pressure of maximizing income. One parent can step back without derailing long-term plans.
Late Starters
Discovered FI at 40+. Full FIRE may feel out of reach, but Coast FI is an achievable milestone that still transforms your relationship with work.
Life After Reaching Coast FI
Once your future is funded, your present opens up. Here's what Coast FI makes possible.
Reduce Hours
Drop to 3-4 days per week at your current job. Many employers accommodate this to retain experienced people.
Change Careers
Follow your passion into teaching, nonprofits, creative work, or trades — income ceiling matters less when retirement is handled.
Pursue Passion Projects
Start a business, write a book, create content, or volunteer full-time. Your minimum viable income drops dramatically.
Extended Travel
Take extended breaks between contracts or seasonal work. The only income you need covers day-to-day expenses.