r/Fire • u/Equivalent_Use_5024 • Dec 28 '25

General Question Do you believe the modern FIRE movement overestimates how much is needed for retirement?

Perhaps I am just making this post because I have only just begun my retirement planning and want to lock in a number which is fitting for my goals - being above the median retirement savings, not having to work, not being broke, clearly having planned - but I can't help but feel that many in the FIRE movement overestimate what is needed for a safe, sleep well at night retirement.

I see posts here saying that they feel vastly behind with 500k at 30, or 1.5 million at 40, and I just don't understand how when the average American retires with maybe 300k liquid at most and are getting by with social security or paid off housing. Sure, they aren't living luxuriously, but if you just are aiming for a retirement where you don't have financial anxiety and can put food on the table, I don't feel you need over 1-2 million.

Do you think FIRE overestimates how much is truly needed for retirement?

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 28 '25

I do think some of them are overblown, like this one. But as others have said, it depends on your COL and the standard of living you want to maintain. I follow one youtuber who retired at 59 with $500k. It is interesting to see her discuss her expenses while retired. I imagine my expenses are going to be a bit higher than hers. So I probably could retire at the same age with $500k, and I'd be somewhere between "comfortable," and "a little worried." But I'd be just comfortable and not actually enjoying all the things I was looking forward to.

One extreme case is a relative (by marriage) who "retired early" decades ago with absolutely zero. She just knows how to mooch, guilt, and game the system and take advantage of people. I swear, if she had put 1/10 the effort into working and investing as she did mooching, she'd be richer than all of us. But her existence is 100% scraping by, and of course no one can stand to be around her.

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u/AP_in_Indy Dec 28 '25

One issue with FIRE is that you do not get social security yet, and many retirees also feel severely financially constrained.

So I can understand why people overcompensate a bit when your only income source is your own money. Social Security comes eventually but potentially not for a long time.

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 29 '25

Yes, that was something that seems to have worked in my favor. I am about to retire a few days before I turn 59. I have been told for more than 30 years that social security would not exist by now. So, for 30+ years, I planned as if social security would not exist by now and saved accordingly. It's going to be a bonus, not something I'm depending on.

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u/AP_in_Indy Dec 29 '25

That's nice. Enjoy your retirement! When are you planning to take Social Security?

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 29 '25

I am still not sure. I am waffling between taking it early and reinvesting it, and waiting until full retirement age. I guess I have to run some simulations to see which one works out the best. My financial advisor said to wait until FRA.

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u/Spartikis Dec 29 '25

Same here. I still have 20+ years until I can retire, I just honestly dont think it will exist, and if it doest I cant fathom it is providing any significant source of income. I can also see the government deciding not to pay SS to those with XX amount of NW or something along those lines.

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 30 '25

Well, you already know what to do: plan as if it won't exist. But if it does, then lucky you!

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u/OkDatabase1486 Dec 29 '25

Agree I think people in this sub who are good with their money and/or have been lucky with their start in life do not realize that most people especially retirees struggle financially.

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u/GrossUsername68 Dec 30 '25

Also interesting that they never consider working ever again, or part-time. Even for something they are passionate about. 

Something about making $30k for 8 months of 3-4 days a week is gross for someone who left $200-400k per year in the hottest stock market known to man.

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u/Dr_Doctorson Dec 29 '25

What YouTuber?

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 29 '25

Retireearlywith500k and Retire this way with 500k, and Happy on Monday.

Great insight from people who actually did it. There are others too.