Lean FIRE 🌱
The Minimalist Path to Financial Freedom
Target Spending
Under $40,000/year
FIRE Number
$500K-1M
Timeline
5-15 years
Savings Rate
60-80%+
What is Lean FIRE?
Lean FIRE is the express lane to financial independence. By embracing minimalism and keeping annual expenses under $40,000, you can achieve FI with a smaller portfolio—typically $500,000 to $1 million. It's about maximizing life experiences while minimizing material possessions.
The Lean FIRE Philosophy
🎯
Intentional Living
Every purchase aligned with your values
🌍
Experiences Over Things
Travel, relationships, and growth matter most
♻️
Sustainability
Lower consumption, smaller environmental footprint
⚡
Freedom Fast
Reach FI years or decades earlier
Sample Lean FIRE Budgets
Lean FIRE Lifestyle Strategies
🏠 Housing Hacks
- House sit or caretake properties
- Live in low-cost areas or abroad
- Tiny house or van life
- House hack with roommates
🍜 Food Optimization
- Meal prep and bulk cooking
- Grow your own food
- Shop discount grocers
- Limit dining out to special occasions
🚲 Transportation
- Bike as primary transport
- Public transit in cities
- One reliable used car per family
- Walking-distance lifestyle
🎉 Free Entertainment
- Public libraries and parks
- Free community events
- Hiking and outdoor activities
- Home-based hobbies
Real Lean FIRE Examples
Is Lean FIRE Right for You?
✅ Perfect If You:
- Value experiences over possessions
- Enjoy simple pleasures and minimalism
- Want to retire as soon as possible
- Are comfortable with frugal living
- Have strong DIY skills
- Prioritize time freedom above all
⚠️ Consider the Challenges:
- Limited buffer for emergencies
- Healthcare costs can be tricky
- Less room for lifestyle inflation
- May limit where you can live
- Requires ongoing frugality
- Can be socially isolating
Ready to Go Lean?
See how quickly you could achieve Lean FIRE with your current income.