Lean FIRE Guide
What is Lean FIRE?
Lean FIRE is financial independence built around an intentionally minimalist lifestyle, typically funded by annual spending under $40,000.
The philosophy
Lean FIRE emphasizes optimization: low housing costs, home cooking, secondhand goods, and geographic arbitrage. The lower your spending, the smaller the portfolio you need — and the faster you reach it.
The math
At $30,000/year in expenses, a Lean FIRE portfolio sits near $750,000 using the 25× rule. Some Lean FIRE practitioners retire on as little as $500,000 by relocating to lower-cost regions.
The trade-offs
Lean FIRE offers freedom sooner but leaves less margin for unexpected costs like healthcare, family changes, or long-term inflation. Many Lean FIRE retirees keep a small income stream as a buffer.