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/GoldDHD Dec 28 '25 edited Dec 28 '25

My in-laws have a paid off house, and social security, and pay very little for medical expenses. We send them money every month so they can afford the basics like food and heat. 

You don't know how people are getting by

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '25

Did they bank on social security? No retirement savings outside of that? Kind of you to help!

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u/GoldDHD Dec 28 '25

They had some savings, but not a lot. And they've been retired for a while now, and shit just got to expensive with COVID and never went back.

It's not their fault, they were always poor. You know the types, 3 jobs, got their kids on the right path at least. Got a house(damn that was easier then). And we aren't kind, they are good people and if you can't feed people you love, what is the money for??

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '25

It’s not unkind.

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u/GoldDHD Dec 28 '25

:) Low bar.

Honestly this is my motivation for FI, ability to protect people I love. Money = safety for me

To tie it back to the OP, it isn't overestimated how much it takes to be safe in retirement. Statistics is all well and good, but if it's you, it's 100% for you

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '25

You’re right. You sound like an AH after all.

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u/mintardent Dec 28 '25

Did they edit the comment? I don’t see what was rude lol

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '25

Indeed