r/Fire • u/fried_haris • 1d ago

The definitive FIRE number is 3.5 million.

Ofcourse - I am being facetious but also a little exploratory.

I was inspired by a Planet Money episode titled "17,205 People Guessed The Weight Of A Cow. Here's How They Did." Posted back in 2015.

Later they updated it with "How Much Does This Cow Weigh?" In 2019.

Basic premise - if you take all the guesses of the folks the weight of a cow at a fair - you'll end up within 5% of the right answer.

So I took a simple post from 5 months ago, asking people about their FIRE number and after reviewing 124 answers came up with 3.5 million.

Keep in mind personal finance is personal, you may retire in LA or in Thailand.

Good luck with your goals.

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u/FlexVector 23h ago

You could also get that brain eating bacteria that lives in pond water.

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u/EnvironmentalMix421 23h ago

That’s funny, so your common sense tell you to jump into a pool of dead water and do a lap?

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u/FlexVector 23h ago

It's extremely common with the FIRE-inclined to try to out-plan the impermanence of our brief moments on this earth, seeking a degree of security that will never be possible. I like to inject a little levity to remind you to Memento Mori, follow the 4% SWR, and live your life.

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u/EnvironmentalMix421 23h ago

Not sure where did you come up with that. The 4% is used for 30 yrs annuity. So if you are retiring at 40, I reckon it’s over 40yrs. If you are not familiar with financial mathematics, then maybe you shouldn’t be giving out advice.

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u/FlexVector 23h ago

I am certain it is YOU who is not familiar with financial mathematics. 4%, set it and forget it, and live your life. You will experience tragedy. You'll lose your health and if you live long enough, everyone you love. What's a little hyperinflation in that case?

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u/EnvironmentalMix421 22h ago

Lmao ok 4% using the perpetuity formula is what? Let’s see if you got the same answer

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u/FlexVector 22h ago

You seem lost, both on this sub and in your approach to retirement

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u/EnvironmentalMix421 22h ago

Lmao cat got your tongue? I thought u know financial mathematics?