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FIRE Calculator Pro
All sources checked November 11, 2026

Sources and Data

Every outside fact on FIRE Calculator Pro comes from one of the 136 sources below: withdrawal-rate research, US government agencies, one historical market dataset, and a few financial publishers for forecasts and FIRE definitions. Each entry says what we use it for and when we last checked it against the original.

On this page
  1. Citation policy
  2. Withdrawal research
  3. Market data
  4. Social Security
  5. Tax and accounts
  6. Health coverage
  7. FIRE definitions
  8. Spending data
  9. United Kingdom
  10. Canada
  11. Australia
  12. Competitor pages
  13. Data updates

How do we choose and cite sources?

We cite the original wherever we can: the agency that sets a rule, the researcher who ran a study, the publisher of a dataset. Our citation rules are simple.

  • One list. Every citation on the site comes from this page. The numbered references at the bottom of each calculator and guide link to the same entries, so a figure can only change in one place.
  • Primary sources first. Government figures come from the agency or official body behind them, such as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, the Congressional Research Service, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Reserve or HealthCare.gov. Research claims come from the original study. We use secondary sources, such as KFF or CNBC, only to summarize something widely reported or to define a community term.
  • Our own math is labeled. Anything we computed ourselves, such as a worked example or a backtest result, is marked “our calculation” and comes from the same engine as the calculators. The formulas are on the methodology page.
  • Dated and rechecked. All figures were last checked on November 11, 2026. We recheck when the source changes: IRS limits each fall, the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment each October, CPI with each monthly release, and the market dataset each January.
  • Nothing paid. No source pays to be listed, and we never cite a page because of a commercial relationship.

Which withdrawal research do we cite?

Studies on how much you can safely spend each year. They set our default 4% withdrawal rate and the caveats for longer, early retirements.

  • Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data (opens in a new tab)

    William P. Bengen, Journal of Financial Planning · October 1994

    What we use it for
    Origin of the 4% rule: a 4% inflation-adjusted first-year withdrawal lasted at least 33 years in every historical period tested. Used Ibbotson's 1992 SBBI data from 1926 on, illustrated with 50% common stocks and 50% intermediate-term Treasuries; a 4% first-year withdrawal, raised for inflation, never exhausted a portfolio before 33 years, while 4.25% could fail in 28 years; 3% (and about 3.5%) never lasted less than 50 years; 5% is 'risky' and 6% or more is 'gambling'; recommended 50%-75% stocks; assumed tax-deferred accounts; a 1929 retiree who cut withdrawals 5% had 20% more wealth by 1949.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Supercharging the '4% rule' for a richer retirement (opens in a new tab)

    James Gruber, Morningstar / Firstlinks · August 21, 2025

    What we use it for
    In his 2025 book A Richer Retirement, Bengen changed his safe withdrawal rate estimate from 4.15% (50% US stocks / 50% US bonds) to 4.7% after adding US micro, small and mid-cap stocks and international stocks; he calls inflation the biggest enemy for retirees.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement Savings: Choosing a Withdrawal Rate That Is Sustainable (the Trinity study) (opens in a new tab)

    Cooley, Hubbard & Walz, AAII Journal · February 1998

    What we use it for
    30-year success rates: 4% withdrawals succeeded 95% (100% stocks), 98% (75/25) and 95% (50/50) of the time, 1926-1995; 5% succeeded 85%, 83% and 76%, and 6% succeeded 68%, 68% and 51% (Table 3). 1926-1995 data, S&P 500 for stocks and long-term high-grade corporate bonds; payout periods of 15, 20, 25 and 30 years (41 overlapping 30-year periods); success means the ending value stays above $0; no adjustment for taxes or transaction costs. Table 3 (inflation-adjusted, 30 years): 3% succeeded 100% for 100% stocks, 75/25 and 50/50; 4% succeeded 95%, 98% and 95%; 5% 85%, 83% and 76%; 6% 68%, 68% and 51%. Conclusion: for stock-dominated portfolios, 3% and 4% 'represent exceedingly conservative behavior'.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The Safe Withdrawal Rate Series (opens in a new tab)

    Karsten Jeske, Early Retirement Now · 2016-2025

    What we use it for
    The series models very long early retirements ("a 50 or even 60-year horizon"); withdrawal rates of 3.25-3.50% would have survived even the most catastrophic historical market conditions, and Part 3 argues about 3.25% is needed for low failure risk over 60 years when valuations are high.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The Ultimate Guide to Safe Withdrawal Rates, Part 1 (opens in a new tab)

    Karsten Jeske, Early Retirement Now · December 2016

    What we use it for
    A 4% rule with a 50/50 portfolio had about 95% success over 30 years but only about 65% over 60 years.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The Ultimate Guide to Safe Withdrawal Rates, Part 2: Capital Preservation vs. Capital Depletion (opens in a new tab)

    Karsten Jeske, Early Retirement Now · December 14, 2016 (updated July 26, 2023)

    What we use it for
    US monthly returns since 1871: with 100% stocks, a 4% withdrawal over 30 years succeeded 97% of the time when the money may run down to zero, but 80% when the full initial capital (after inflation) must be preserved; bonds' long-run real return was about 2.6% since 1871, and when the money may run down to zero (the Trinity setting) 30-year results should not be extrapolated to longer horizons.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The Ultimate Guide to Safe Withdrawal Rates, Part 3: Equity Valuation (opens in a new tab)

    Early Retirement Now (Karsten Jeske) · December 21, 2016 (updated September 30, 2023)

    What we use it for
    The Shiller CAPE ratio is correlated with future equity returns, and the historical failures of the 4% rule came when the CAPE was elevated at the start of retirement. Every failure of the 4% rule over 30 years (equity share above 40%) began when the Shiller CAPE was above 15; 10-year real stock returns averaged about 9% after a CAPE below 15, about 3% at 20-30 and below -1% above 30; for a 60-year horizon with half the capital left at the end, the author lowers the rate to about 3.25%.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The Ultimate Guide to Safe Withdrawal Rates, Part 7: A Google Sheets Toolbox (opens in a new tab)

    Karsten Jeske, Early Retirement Now · January 25, 2017

    What we use it for
    A Google Sheet that sets a final value target and solves for the exact safe withdrawal rate of every retirement start month from 1871, with fail-safe rates and inputs for equity share, expense ratio, horizon and supplemental cash flows such as Social Security.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • An International Perspective on Safe Withdrawal Rates: The Demise of the 4 Percent Rule? (opens in a new tab)

    Wade D. Pfau, Journal of Financial Planning · December 2010

    What we use it for
    Dimson-Marsh-Staunton data, 1900-2008: real equity returns of 5.09% a year in the UK vs 6.01% in the US (Table 1); the highest 30-year withdrawal rate that always worked (SAFEMAX) was 3.77% in the UK vs 4.02% in the US, even with the best stock-bond mix chosen in hindsight, and a 4% withdrawal failed within 30 years for 3.8% of UK retirement years (Table 3). 109 years of data (to 2008) for 17 developed countries: even with optimistic assumptions, a 4% real withdrawal rate would have been safe over 30 years in only 4 of the 17 (Canada, Sweden, Denmark and the US); a fixed 50/50 stock-bond portfolio would have failed at some point in all 17; Bengen coined 'SAFEMAX' for the highest rate that lasted 30 years in every historical period.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Higher valuations, lower safe withdrawal rate in retirement (opens in a new tab)

    Morningstar, State of Retirement Income 2025 · January 2026

    What we use it for
    Morningstar's 2025 safe starting withdrawal rate is 3.9% (30 years, 90% success), up from 3.7% the year before. Morningstar's base-case safe starting withdrawal rate is 3.9% for 30 years at 90% success with 30%-50% in equities, using forward-looking return and inflation assumptions; it was 3.7% the year before, 4.0% in 2023, 3.8% in 2022 and 3.3% in 2021; retirees who accept spending fluctuations can start near 6%; older retirees with shorter horizons can spend well more than 3.9%.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The State of Retirement Income: 2025 (opens in a new tab)

    Morningstar Portfolio and Planning Research (Arnott, Benz, Kephart, Guo) · December 3, 2025

    What we use it for
    Base-case starting safe withdrawal rate 3.9% (fixed real withdrawals, 30 years, 90% success, forward-looking returns); flexible methods lift it, two of them to 5.7%; the Guyton-Klinger guardrails method (raise withdrawals 10% when the inflation-adjusted withdrawal rate falls 20% below its initial level, cut 10% when it rises 20% above, no cuts in the final 15 years) supported a 5.2% starting rate on a 40% equity/60% bond portfolio; its portfolio-only cash flows had a standard deviation of about 30%, roughly halved when Social Security is included; skipping inflation adjustments after a losing year makes small but cumulative, permanent cuts to real spending; spending strategies that allow higher starting rates generally bring more volatile cash flows, with the constant-percentage, endowment and RMD methods varying far more year to year; retirees seeking the highest lifetime income should consider delayed Social Security plus a flexible strategy such as guardrails; for an all-stock portfolio with fixed real withdrawals, nearly 70% of failed trials had lost value by the end of year 5, while portfolios with gains over the first five years had only about a 4% chance of later running out.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Understanding sequence of return risk and safe withdrawal rates (opens in a new tab)

    Michael Kitces, Kitces.com · October 1, 2014

    What we use it for
    Real returns in the first decade of retirement largely determine the safe withdrawal rate (correlation about 0.79).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Guyton-Klinger guardrails: retirement income rules (opens in a new tab)

    Kitces.com · March 27, 2024

    What we use it for
    Guyton-Klinger rules (Tharp and Fitzpatrick): cut dollar withdrawals 10% if the withdrawal rate rises 20% above the initial rate, raise them 10% if it falls 20% below, skip the inflation adjustment when the trailing 12-month return is negative, and no guardrail cuts in the final 15 years of a plan; in Jeske's test a 1966 retiree starting at 4% saw withdrawals bottom out 59% lower; the authors argue the framework triggers cuts when they are not needed and tends to overcorrect, preserving far more capital than needed. Guyton-Klinger rules: cut dollar withdrawals 10% if the withdrawal rate rises 20% above the initial rate, raise them 10% if it falls 20% below, skip the inflation adjustment after a negative year, and no cuts in the final 15 years. In history the cuts were deep: a 1966 retiree starting at 4% cut withdrawals as low as $16,400 a year (59% below plan) and a 1965 retiree 54%; the authors propose risk-based guardrails instead.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Where does our market data come from?

Historical returns and inflation that drive the Monte Carlo and historical tests, plus the forecasts and price data behind our default assumptions.

The simulations use 98 years (1928-2025) from Damodaran's spreadsheet: S&P 500 total return including dividends, the 10-year Treasury bond and CPI-U inflation, December to December. We retrieved the file on November 11, 2026. Summary statistics and a chart of every year are on the methodology page.

Where do our Social Security figures come from?

Claiming ages, benefit formulas, the earnings test and the yearly cost-of-living adjustment, from the Social Security Administration and the Congressional Research Service.

  • Social Security Retirement Benefits: Claiming Ages (R47151) (opens in a new tab)

    Congressional Research Service · June 8, 2022

    What we use it for
    Full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later; claiming at 62 cuts benefits 30%; delayed credits add 8% a year up to 70 (24% more at 70 when full retirement age is 67); workers with 35 or more years of covered earnings lose little of their basic benefit by stopping work early (p. 24). Pages 5-6: someone entitled to their own benefit and a spousal or survivor benefit in effect receives the higher of the two; at full retirement age a spouse can receive 50% of the worker's benefit, with no delayed retirement credits; a widow(er) claiming at full retirement age or later can receive 100% of the deceased worker's benefit. At full retirement age a spouse can receive 50% of the retired worker's benefit, reduced if claimed earlier (32.5% at 62 when FRA is 67), with no delayed retirement credits (p. 6); a widow(er) claiming at FRA or later can receive 100% of the deceased worker's benefit (p. 7); a dually entitled person receives the higher of their own and the spousal or survivor benefit (p. 6).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Social Security: Benefit Calculation Overview (IF11747) (opens in a new tab)

    Congressional Research Service · Updated January 26, 2026

    What we use it for
    A retired worker's benefit is based on the average of their highest 35 years of wage-indexed earnings; if they worked fewer than 35 years in covered employment, the missing years count as zero earnings. The benefit is based on the highest 35 years of wage-indexed earnings divided by 420 months (AIME); if you worked fewer than 35 years under Social Security, the missing years count as zero earnings. AIME is the average of the highest 35 years of indexed earnings divided by 12; with fewer than 35 years of covered work the missing years count as zero. The PIA formula applies 90%, 32% and 15% across bend points of $1,286 and $7,749 (2026), a progressive replacement rate.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • How Social Security Benefits Are Computed: In Brief (R43542) (opens in a new tab)

    Congressional Research Service · May 13, 2020

    What we use it for
    The average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) is the average of the 35 highest years of indexed earnings, so a short career means the computation includes some years of zero earnings.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Social Security Retirement Earnings Test Overview (IF12014) (opens in a new tab)

    Congressional Research Service · Updated March 2, 2026

    What we use it for
    Below full retirement age, $1 of benefits is withheld for every $2 of earnings above $24,480 in 2026; in the year you reach full retirement age, $1 for every $3 above $65,160; the benefit is recomputed at full retirement age to credit withheld months; the test no longer applies from the month you reach full retirement age.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Benefit calculators and my Social Security (opens in a new tab)

    Social Security Administration · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Where to get your personal benefit estimate to enter in our calculators.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet (opens in a new tab)

    Social Security Administration · October 14, 2026

    What we use it for
    Benefits rise 3.6% in 2027; the average retiree benefit goes from $2,095 to $2,170 a month.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Which tax and retirement account rules do we use?

2026 tax brackets, contribution limits, early-withdrawal exceptions and distribution rules, from the IRS and the Department of Labor. These change every year.

  • Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 inflation adjustments) (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · October 9, 2025

    What we use it for
    2026 tax rate tables, section 4.01: single 10% to $12,400, 12% to $50,400, 22% to $105,700, 24% to $201,775, 32% to $256,225, 35% to $640,600, 37% above; married filing jointly 10% to $24,800, 12% to $100,800, 22% to $211,400, 24% to $403,550, 32% to $512,450, 35% to $768,700, 37% above. Section 4.03: 0% long-term capital gains rate up to $49,450 (single) and $98,900 (joint) of taxable income, 15% up to $545,500 and $613,700, 20% above. Section 4.14: standard deduction $16,100 single and $32,200 joint; additional $1,650 for age 65 or blind ($2,050 if unmarried).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026, including amendments from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (IR-2025-103) (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · October 9, 2025

    What we use it for
    Summary of the 2026 marginal rate thresholds and standard deductions ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly) from Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500 (IR-2025-111) (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · November 13, 2025

    What we use it for
    2026 limits: 401(k) $24,500; catch-up $8,000 at 50+ and $11,250 at 60-63; IRA $7,500 plus $1,100 catch-up.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Notice 2025-67: 2026 Amounts Relating to Retirement Plans and IRAs, as Adjusted for Changes in Cost-of-Living (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · 2025

    What we use it for
    Section 415(d) requires the limits to be adjusted every year for cost-of-living increases. 2026 limits: section 415(c)(1)(A) defined contribution limit $72,000; 402(g)(1) elective deferral limit $24,500; age 50+ catch-up $8,000; catch-up for those who attain age 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026 $11,250; 401(a)(17) compensation limit $360,000; catch-ups for 2026 must be designated Roth if 2025 wages exceeded the $150,000 Roth catch-up wage threshold.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement topics: 401(k) and profit-sharing plan contribution limits (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed April 8, 2026

    What we use it for
    Employee and employer contributions together can't exceed the lesser of 100% of compensation or $72,000 in 2026 ($80,000 with age 50+ catch-ups, $83,250 at ages 60-63); catch-up contributions don't reduce the overall limit; elective deferrals are capped at $24,500 in 2026.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • 401(k) resource guide: Plan participants - 401(k) plan overview (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed August 3, 2026

    What we use it for
    Traditional elective deferrals are not subject to federal income tax until distributed; plans may allow Roth elective deferrals; employers may match deferrals, and the plan document sets whether they do.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement topics: Vesting (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed April 8, 2026

    What we use it for
    Employee elective deferrals are always 100% vested; employer contributions to a 401(k) can vest on a cliff schedule (100% after 3 years) or a graded schedule (20% a year from year 2, 100% after 6 years).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement plans FAQs on designated Roth accounts (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed August 2, 2026

    What we use it for
    Designated Roth contributions are included in gross income when made; a qualified distribution (after a 5-taxable-year period and at 59½, death or disability) is not included in income; employer matches on Roth deferrals go to a pre-tax account; you can split contributions between Roth and pre-tax in one year, with one combined limit; no income limit applies to designated Roth contributions.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Notice 2024-2: Miscellaneous changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (section L) (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Internal Revenue Bulletin 2024-2, January 8, 2024

    What we use it for
    SECURE 2.0 section 604 lets a plan allow employees to designate employer matching contributions as Roth; such a contribution is not excludable from the employee's gross income.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Topic no. 424, 401(k) plans (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed November 9, 2026

    What we use it for
    Pre-tax elective deferrals are left out of box 1 wages (no income tax withholding) but are still wages for Social Security and Medicare tax; plans may allow designated Roth deferrals instead.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Revenue Procedure 2025-19 (2026 HSA limits) (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · 2025

    What we use it for
    2026 HSA contribution limits: $4,400 self-only and $8,750 family.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Publication 969 (2025): Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · 2025

    What we use it for
    HSA distributions for qualified medical expenses are tax free; other distributions are subject to income tax and may face an additional 20% tax, except after you are disabled, reach 65 or die.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement topics: Exceptions to tax on early distributions (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed December 11, 2025

    What we use it for
    10% additional tax before 59½; the Rule of 55 for workplace plans; 72(t) substantially equal periodic payments. Withdrawals before 59½ owe an additional 10% tax unless an exception applies. Separation from service during or after the year you reach 55 (50 for public safety employees) applies to qualified plans such as 401(k)s, not IRAs; a series of substantially equal payments applies to both; health insurance premiums paid while unemployed applies to IRAs only.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Substantially equal periodic payments (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed July 23, 2026

    What we use it for
    Notice 2022-6 allows three methods (required minimum distribution, fixed amortization, fixed annuitization); the interest rate can be no more than the greater of 5% or 120% of the federal mid-term rate; payments can't be modified before the later of 5 years from the first payment or age 59½, or the 10% additional tax and a recapture tax with interest apply.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement plans FAQs regarding substantially equal periodic payments (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Last reviewed July 23, 2026

    What we use it for
    72(t) payments use the RMD, fixed amortization or fixed annuitization method; the interest rate may be up to the greater of 5% or 120% of the federal mid-term rate; payments must continue until the later of 5 years or age 59½; modifying them triggers the 10% tax on all earlier payments plus interest; a one-time switch to the RMD method is allowed.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Publication 590-B: Distributions from IRAs (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · 2025

    What we use it for
    Each Roth conversion has its own 5-year period (the basis of the Roth conversion ladder); changing 72(t) payments before the later of 5 years or age 59½ triggers a recapture tax. Roth IRA ordering rules: regular contributions come out first, then conversions oldest first, and a return of regular contributions is not income. The taxable part of a conversion is included in income. Each conversion has its own 5-year period starting January 1 of the conversion year; converted amounts taken out within it owe the 10% additional tax. Appendix B Table I (single life expectancy): 31.6 years at 55, 27.1 at 60. Roth IRA distributions come out of regular contributions first, and a return of regular contributions is not included in income; the 10% additional tax can apply to converted amounts withdrawn within 5 years, and each conversion has its own 5-year period; modifying substantially equal periodic payments before the later of 5 years or age 59½ triggers a recapture tax. Roth IRA distributions come out in a set order, regular contributions first; a return of regular contributions isn't included in gross income; the 10% additional tax applies to the taxable part of nonqualified distributions and to converted amounts taken out within the 5-year period after a conversion.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Retirement plan and IRA required minimum distributions FAQs (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed January 29, 2026

    What we use it for
    Required minimum distributions from retirement plan accounts generally start at age 73; workplace plan participants who still work can usually wait until they retire unless they own 5% of the employer; designated Roth 401(k) accounts have no RMDs during the owner's lifetime. RMDs generally start at age 73; the RMD rules do not apply to Roth IRAs or designated Roth accounts (401(k) or 403(b)) while the owner is alive.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Employer shared responsibility provisions (opens in a new tab)

    Internal Revenue Service · Reviewed August 8, 2026

    What we use it for
    Employers with an average of at least 50 full-time employees (including equivalents) must offer affordable, minimum-value coverage to full-time employees and dependents or may owe a payment; a full-time employee averages at least 30 hours of service a week (130 a month).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • A Look at 401(k) Plan Fees (opens in a new tab)

    US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration · September 2019

    What we use it for
    Example: $25,000 left for 35 years at a 7% average return grows to $227,000 with 0.5% fees but only $163,000 with 1.5% fees; the 1 percentage point difference cuts the balance at retirement by 28%. Passively managed funds track a market index such as the S&P 500 and generally have lower management fees than actively managed funds; $25,000 left for 35 years at 7% grows to $227,000 with 0.5% fees but only $163,000 with 1.5% fees, 28% less.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement (opens in a new tab)

    US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Experts estimate you will need 70 to 80 percent of your preretirement income in retirement; find out how much you must contribute to get your employer's full contribution.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Where do our health coverage figures come from?

Marketplace rules, premium subsidies, COBRA and Medicare eligibility for the years between leaving work and turning 65.

  • Health coverage for retirees (opens in a new tab)

    HealthCare.gov · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Retiring before 65 qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period in the ACA Marketplace.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment (opens in a new tab)

    HealthCare.gov · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Losing health coverage through your employer, COBRA or a family member's employer plan can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period in the Marketplace; voluntarily dropping COBRA does not.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Federal poverty level (FPL) (opens in a new tab)

    HealthCare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) · Checked November 11, 2026

    What we use it for
    Poverty guidelines: $15,650 for one person and $21,150 for two in 2025; $15,960 and $21,640 in 2026. The previous year's guidelines are used for the next year's Marketplace savings; incomes between 100% and 400% of the poverty level qualify for the premium tax credit. 2026 poverty guidelines: $15,960 for one person and $21,640 for two; incomes between 100% and 400% of the poverty level qualify for the premium tax credit in all states; below 138% you may qualify for Medicaid if your state expanded it; below 100% you probably won't qualify for Marketplace savings. 2026 Marketplace savings are based on the 2025 poverty guidelines: $15,650 for one person and $21,150 for two.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • What's included as income (opens in a new tab)

    HealthCare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) · Checked November 11, 2026

    What we use it for
    Marketplace income (MAGI) includes most IRA and 401(k) withdrawals, capital gains and all Social Security benefits, but not qualified distributions from a designated Roth account.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Get started with Medicare (opens in a new tab)

    Medicare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older who meet citizenship or residency requirements.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • State Specific Age Curve Variations (default federal age curve) (opens in a new tab)

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · May 31, 2017

    What we use it for
    Default premium ratios by age: 21 = 1.000, 40 = 1.278, 45 = 1.444, 50 = 1.786, 55 = 2.230, 60 = 2.714, 64 and older = 3.000 (a 3:1 ratio for adults); a few states use their own curves.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • FAQs on COBRA continuation health coverage for workers (opens in a new tab)

    U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration · Checked November 11, 2026

    What we use it for
    After leaving a job (other than for gross misconduct), COBRA continuation coverage lasts up to 18 months; it applies to employers with 20 or more employees.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • An Employee's Guide to Health Benefits Under COBRA (opens in a new tab)

    US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration · Checked November 11, 2026

    What we use it for
    A reduction in work hours is a COBRA qualifying event; after termination or reduced hours, continuation coverage lasts up to 18 months; the premium cannot exceed 102% of the plan's total cost.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • How will the loss of enhanced premium tax credits affect older adults? (opens in a new tab)

    KFF · February 26, 2026

    What we use it for
    Enhanced ACA subsidies expired at the end of 2025, so the 400% of poverty-level subsidy cliff is back for 2026. With the enhanced credits expired, income at 401% of poverty ($62,757 for one person in 2026) gets no subsidy. A 60-year-old earning $65,000 (415% of poverty) faces a national average benchmark silver premium of $15,914 a year in 2026, $10,389 more than under the enhanced credits. The enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired on December 31, 2025, so enrollees above 400% of the poverty level get no assistance; a 60-year-old earning $65,000 (415% of poverty) pays $10,389 more a year toward a benchmark premium. With enhanced credits expired, enrollees above 400% of poverty get no premium tax credit in 2026; unsubsidized 2026 national average premiums for a 60-year-old are $11,625 (lowest-cost bronze) and $15,914 (benchmark silver); Marketplace premiums for older adults can be up to three times those of younger enrollees.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Midterm Election Update: The Affordable Care Act Marketplaces (opens in a new tab)

    KFF · October 6, 2026

    What we use it for
    After the enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, net premiums for enrollees keeping the same plan rose 114% on average in 2026, and effectuated Marketplace enrollment fell from 21.8 million to 19.2 million.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Marketplace Average Monthly Benchmark Premiums (opens in a new tab)

    KFF · 2026

    What we use it for
    US average benchmark (second-lowest-cost silver) Marketplace premium for a 40-year-old: $625 a month in 2026, up from $497 in 2025, weighted by county plan selections.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • 9 things to watch for the 2027 ACA open enrollment period (opens in a new tab)

    KFF · November 6, 2026

    What we use it for
    For 2027 coverage, people with incomes above 400% of the poverty level still get no premium tax credit; open enrollment started November 1, 2026 in most states; average benchmark silver premiums rise 13%.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Where do our FIRE definitions come from?

Where the movement's terms come from: the 25x rule, Lean, Fat, Coast and Barista FIRE, the crossover point and the savings-rate math.

  • What is the FIRE movement? (opens in a new tab)

    CNBC Select · September 24, 2024

    What we use it for
    The FIRE target of 25x annual expenses and definitions of Lean, Fat, Barista and Coast FIRE.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • What is fat FIRE? (opens in a new tab)

    Fidelity · May 1, 2025

    What we use it for
    Fat FIRE definition; Fidelity suggests saving 33x expenses (a 3% withdrawal rate) if you retire before 62.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement (opens in a new tab)

    Mr. Money Mustache · January 13, 2012

    What we use it for
    Assumes 5% returns after inflation, a 4% withdrawal rate, a starting net worth of zero and savings rate as a share of take-home pay (gross minus taxes, 401(k) deductions added back). A 10% savings rate means about 51 working years, 15% retires you 8 years earlier, and 50% means about 16.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • About Mr. Money Mustache (opens in a new tab)

    Mr. Money Mustache · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Mr. Money Mustache and his wife retired from full-time work in 2005, living on about 50% less than their peers; the blog started in 2011.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • About Vicki Robin (opens in a new tab)

    vickirobin.com · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Your Money or Your Life (1992, with Joe Dominguez) is considered a core text of the FIRE movement.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Your Money or Your Life Summary (Step 8: Capital and the Crossover Point) (opens in a new tab)

    Vicki Robin · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Summary of Your Money or Your Life on the co-author's site: chart monthly investment income (capital times the long-term interest rate divided by 12) against total monthly expenses; where the income line crosses over the expenses line is the Crossover Point, at which monthly investment income equals monthly expenses and you are financially independent.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Where do spending and savings figures come from?

National surveys we use to put your numbers in context, such as what typical households spend and save, and how prices differ by state.

  • Consumer Expenditures, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · October 29, 2026

    What we use it for
    Average annual spending by all US households in 2025: $81,905. Average annual expenditures in 2025 by income quintile: lowest $37,935, second $51,405, third $68,983, fourth $92,250, highest $159,512 (Table 3). Average income before taxes for all consumer units was $110,847.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Table 1300: Age of reference person, annual expenditure means, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

    US Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2026

    What we use it for
    Average annual expenditures in 2025 by age of reference person: all consumer units $81,905; under 25 $54,136; 25-34 $78,579; 35-44 $93,650; 45-54 $106,658; 55-64 $85,442; 65 and older $64,445 (65-74 $69,333, 75 and older $57,959). Healthcare: $6,470 for all units, $7,317 at 55-64 and $7,986 at 65 and older. Personal insurance and pensions: $10,175 for all units, $15,075 at 45-54 and $3,550 at 65 and older. 2025 mean yearly spending, households 65+ vs all households: total $64,445 vs $81,905; shelter $13,992 vs $17,626; food $8,226 vs $10,633; transportation $10,109 vs $13,492; healthcare $7,986 vs $6,470; utilities, fuels and public services $4,680 vs $4,931; entertainment $2,975 vs $4,084; average household size 1.7 vs 2.4 people.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Consumer Expenditure Surveys 2025, Table 1101: Quintiles of income before taxes (opens in a new tab)

    US Bureau of Labor Statistics · October 2026

    What we use it for
    Highest-income fifth of households in 2025: income before taxes $286,188, average spending $159,512, of which personal insurance and pensions $28,264; average household size 3.2 people.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Consumer Expenditure Surveys glossary (opens in a new tab)

    US Bureau of Labor Statistics · Ongoing

    What we use it for
    Personal insurance and pensions includes retirement, pensions and Social Security; that part includes all Social Security contributions paid by employees and employee contributions to government and private pension programs and retirement programs for the self-employed. Personal insurance and pensions covers life and other personal insurance plus retirement, pensions and Social Security contributions; expenditures include sales and excise taxes, while personal income taxes are reported separately.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Employee Benefits in the United States, March 2026 (opens in a new tab)

    US Bureau of Labor Statistics · September 25, 2026

    What we use it for
    In March 2026, 89% of full-time civilian workers and 23% of part-time workers had access to employer medical care benefits.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Changes in U.S. Family Finances, 2022 to 2025 (Survey of Consumer Finances) (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Reserve Board · October 2026

    What we use it for
    54.9% of families had retirement accounts in 2025, with a median balance of $106,000 among those who did. Table 2: median net worth in 2025 was $411,900 for families headed by someone aged 55-64 and $431,300 at 65-74; net worth counts all assets, including the primary residence, minus debts. 2025 SCF: 54.9% of families held retirement accounts (54.3% in 2022); conditional median $106,000 and mean $451,100 (2025 dollars); 65.1% of families with a head aged 64 or younger participated in a retirement plan; mean IRA/DC balances among holders by age: under 35 $48,400, 35-44 $182,400, 45-54 $415,800, 55-64 $670,200 (Box 2 Table A); median net worth $215,900 for all families and by age: under 35 $33,000, 35-44 $155,600, 45-54 $253,700, 55-64 $411,900, 65-74 $431,300, 75+ $504,900 (Table 2).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Personal Income and Outlays, September 2026 (opens in a new tab)

    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · October 29, 2026

    What we use it for
    The US personal saving rate, personal saving as a percentage of disposable (after-tax) personal income, was 3.8% in September 2026.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Real Personal Consumption Expenditures and Real Personal Income by State, 2024 (opens in a new tab)

    US Bureau of Economic Analysis · February 19, 2026

    What we use it for
    Regional price parities express each state's price level as a percentage of the national level; in 2024 the highest were California 110.7, Hawaii 110.0 and New Jersey 108.8, and the lowest Arkansas 86.9, Mississippi 87.0, and Iowa and Oklahoma 87.8.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Which UK sources do the UK calculators use?

State Pension, pension access, ISA and tax rules for the UK editions, from GOV.UK, HMRC, DWP, the Bank of England and the ONS.

Which Canadian sources do the Canada calculators use?

CPP, OAS, RRSP, TFSA and RRIF rules for the Canadian editions, from Canada.ca, the CRA, Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada.

Which Australian sources do the Australia calculators use?

Super, preservation age and Age Pension rules for the Australian editions, cited to the legislation itself, plus the Reserve Bank of Australia.

  • Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994, regulation 6.01 and Schedule 1 (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Register of Legislation · Compilation in force 1 July 2026

    What we use it for
    Preservation age is 55 for people born before 1 July 1960, rising one year per year of birth to 60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964 (reg 6.01(2)). Retirement after 60 means an employment arrangement has ended and either you were 60 or older when it ended or you intend never again to work full-time or part-time; part-time means 10 to 30 hours a week (reg 6.01(1), (7)). Retirement and attaining age 65 have no cashing restrictions (Schedule 1, items 101 and 106).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, section 17A (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Register of Legislation · Compilation in force 1 July 2026

    What we use it for
    The super guarantee charge percentage is 12 (section 17A(2)).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Divisions 291, 293, 294 and 301 (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Register of Legislation · Compilation in force 1 October 2026

    What we use it for
    Super benefits received at 60 or over are not assessable income (s 301-10), which the Act notes covers the great majority of members. Concessional contributions are those included in the fund's assessable income; the cap was $25,000 for 2017-18 and is indexed annually, and unused cap from the previous 5 years can be carried forward if your total super balance was under $500,000 (s 291-20, 291-25). Division 293 adds tax for high earners above a $250,000 threshold. Division 294 sets a transfer balance cap that limits how much can go into tax-exempt retirement-phase income streams.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Income Tax Rates Act 1986, section 26 (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Register of Legislation · Compilation in force 1 July 2026

    What we use it for
    A complying super fund pays 15% tax on the low tax component of its taxable income, which includes concessional contributions (section 26(1)(a)).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Superannuation (Sustaining the Superannuation Contribution Concession) Imposition Act 2013, section 5 (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Register of Legislation · Latest version (as made, 28 June 2013)

    What we use it for
    Division 293 tax is 15% of a person's taxable contributions for the income year.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Social Security Act 1991, sections 8, 9, 23 and 43 (opens in a new tab)

    Federal Register of Legislation · Compilation in force 20 September 2026

    What we use it for
    Pension age is 67 for anyone born on or after 1 January 1957 (s 23(5A), (5D)). Age Pension needs pension age plus generally 10 years of qualifying Australian residence (s 43). The rate is worked out with an income test and an assets test (Pension Rate Calculator A). Returns on super are not income, and super is not a managed investment, until you reach pension age (s 8(8)(b), 9(1C)(a)).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy (opens in a new tab)

    Reserve Bank of Australia and the Treasurer · 10 July 2025

    What we use it for
    The inflation goal is consumer price inflation between 2 and 3 per cent, and policy aims to return inflation to the midpoint of the target.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Statement on Monetary Policy, November 2026: Overview (opens in a new tab)

    Reserve Bank of Australia · November 2026

    What we use it for
    Headline inflation was 3.9 per cent over the year to the September quarter 2026; trimmed mean inflation was 3.7 per cent.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

Which competitor pages do our comparisons cite?

Each competitor's own pages, read in a browser on the check date. Our comparison pages use only what those pages state or show.

  • Tools (opens in a new tab)

    WalletBurst · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    WalletBurst's tool list: Coast FIRE, FIRE, Fat FIRE and Barista FIRE calculators, a Coast FIRE Jobs Database, windfall and one-time purchase FIRE timeline calculators, plus investing, loan and savings calculators; a Wealth Planning Toolkit for Google Sheets offered for $20.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Coast FIRE Calculator - Coasting to FI (opens in a new tab)

    WalletBurst · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Inputs: current age, retirement age, annual spending in retirement, current invested assets, monthly contribution, growth (4-14%), inflation (2-6%) and SWR (2-6%); defaults 30, 67, $30,000, $100,000, $500, 7%, 3%, 4% show a Coast FIRE number of $175,723. Inflation is handled by subtracting the inflation rate from the growth rate; Coast FIRE number = spending / (SWR x (1 + n)^t).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • FIRE Calculator - Financial Independence Retire Early (opens in a new tab)

    WalletBurst · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Inputs: current and retirement age, post-tax and pre-tax salary, current and retirement spending, net worth, end age, stock/bond/cash/other allocation and returns, SWR, inflation, 401(k) match and income growth. Uses the compound interest formula with the weighted return minus inflation; FIRE number = spending / SWR; shows a yearly finances table.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Barista FIRE Calculator (opens in a new tab)

    WalletBurst · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Inputs: current age, take-home pay, current expenses, invested net worth, desired Barista FIRE age, retirement spending, monthly income during Barista FIRE, growth, inflation and SWR; compares reaching full FIRE with and without the Barista FIRE switch.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Fat FIRE Calculator (opens in a new tab)

    WalletBurst · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Same input set as WalletBurst's FIRE calculator with Fat FIRE defaults ($100,000 retirement spending); the page defines Fat FIRE as enough net worth to provide $100,000 a year.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab)

    WalletBurst · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Last updated July 23, 2025. The site works with Mediavine to manage third-party interest-based advertising, which may use first- and third-party cookies; visitors who opt out still see non-personalized ads.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Welcome to Engaging Data (opens in a new tab)

    Engaging Data · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Describes the site as a virtual workshop / gallery where the author posts data visualizations, calculators, maps and other web programming projects.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Early Retirement Calculators and Tools (opens in a new tab)

    Engaging Data · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Engaging Data's FIRE tools: an early retirement calculator (when can I retire?), a post-retirement portfolio survival and longevity calculator, a withdrawal rate and historical cycles visualizer, and a financial freedom calendar.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • FIRE Calculator: When can I retire early? (opens in a new tab)

    Engaging Data · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    A pre-retirement calculator that projects years until retirement (it does not simulate the drawdown); three return modes: fixed real returns, historical cycles and Monte Carlo; extra income and expense streams by age; average tax rate input; values in real dollars; Shiller data; inputs are not transmitted and calculations run in the browser; shareable URL.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Rich, Broke or Dead? Post-Retirement FIRE Calculator: Visualizing Early Retirement Success and Longevity Risk (opens in a new tab)

    Engaging Data · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Historical cycles from Shiller data (1871-2023 per the page); SSA and Society of Actuaries mortality tables with a sex input; spending flexibility, average tax rate, investment fees, and extra income or expense streams such as Social Security or pensions; CSV download of every cycle.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • When can I retire? (opens in a new tab)

    Networthify · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Inputs: after-tax income, savings, expenses, savings rate and portfolio value, with more options for annual return (default 5%, after taxes and inflation) and withdrawal rate (default 4%). Stated assumptions: expenses now equal expenses in retirement, the principal is never drawn down. Default inputs ($50,000 income, $30,000 savings) show 12.4 years and a $500,000 goal. The result compares your rate with OECD household saving rates, and the site menu also links to a subscriptions cost calculator and a savings-rate-by-country page.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Do I need a high income to retire early? (opens in a new tab)

    Networthify · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Explains that time to retirement depends on savings rate rather than income: two people saving 50% of $50,000 and $200,000 both retire in 16.6 years.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • FI Calc (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Configuration: starting age, duration, portfolio value and mix, rebalancing, withdrawal strategy (constant dollar, percent of portfolio, 1/N, VPW, custom VPW, dynamic SWR, endowment, Guyton-Klinger, 95% rule, CAPE-based, Sensible Withdrawals, Hebeler Autopilot II, Vanguard Dynamic Spending), extra withdrawals, income and historical data range.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • About FI Calc (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    FI Calc uses backtesting to evaluate withdrawal strategies, is provided for free and is supported by donations.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Inputs are processed in the browser; an optional account stores saved calculations; the site uses Google Analytics, which can receive page URLs that may contain calculator inputs.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Historical Data (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Simulations use Robert Shiller's annual data from 1871 through 2024; a subset can be chosen; by default a simulation that reaches the last year loops back to the first year (can be turned off).
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Backtesting (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Explains backtesting and its limits, and states that FI Calc does not currently support running Monte Carlo simulations.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Income (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Any number of income sources (for example Social Security, a pension or a side job) with an annual amount, optional inflation adjustment and a start and duration.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • FI Calc documentation: Welcome (opens in a new tab)

    FI Calc · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    FI Calc runs retirement simulations on historical data in the style of Bengen's study, explores alternative withdrawal strategies, and exports results as a CSV file.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • ProjectionLab: Build Financial Plans You Love (opens in a new tab)

    ProjectionLab · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Whole-life financial planning: Monte Carlo simulations, historical backtesting, tax estimation, cash-flow (Sankey) charts, Roth conversions, estate planning, planning as a couple, no link to your accounts, display currency and international presets (Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and more); basic projections are free; monthly, annual or lifetime pricing; links to an advisor version, advisor directory, employer financial wellness benefit, help center, one-on-one sessions and a public roadmap.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Pricing (opens in a new tab)

    ProjectionLab · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Basic: $0 a year (forecasting, financial planning, Monte Carlo simulations, historical backtesting, flexible modeling). Premium: $129 a year (adds cash-flow projections, tax estimation and optimization, withdrawal strategies, estate planning and more). Pro for advisors: $549 a year. States it never sells your data.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Get started (opens in a new tab)

    ProjectionLab · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Getting started offers sign-up with Google or with email, or sign-in to an existing account.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Run Monte Carlo Simulations (opens in a new tab)

    ProjectionLab · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Backtest plans against real historical data, build Monte Carlo simulations with custom probability distributions, drill into each trial and adjust how success rates are characterized.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026
  • Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab)

    ProjectionLab · Checked November 2026

    What we use it for
    Last updated August 7, 2026. Lists Financial Planning Data (projections, scenarios, portfolio values, income figures and other modeling inputs) among the data it holds, used to provide the service.
    Last checked
    November 11, 2026

What data has been updated?

We log every data refresh here. Changes to formulas or models are logged in the methodology changelog. When a figure is corrected or refreshed, the change is dated here.

DateUpdate
November 11, 2026Launch. All 136 sources checked against the original pages. Historical data: Damodaran 1928-2025 (January 5, 2026 release).