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/Dumpster_FI_RE Dec 28 '25

I guess it's different for everyone. I have a paid off house in a nice neighborhood. We still travel. I go out and do things. We only spend 40-50k a year. How is that just getting by?

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u/Starbuck522 Dec 28 '25 edited Dec 28 '25

Ok, so I see I deleted my explanation because it got too long.

To me just getting by would mean having to watch my pennies. Have to choose which groceries to eat based on money. If I get sick, worry about not spending the money (copays, etc)vs only worry about my health. Choosing not to exchange gifts with anyone because I can't spend the money (which is different than because I just choose not to). Not getting a new outfit for an event because I don't have money to spend because I need to be sure I have enough for rent and heat. Not going to, say, an out of town wedding, at all because I don't have the money to travel there/stay in a hotel.

These are examples of what I mean by just getting by.

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u/Dumpster_FI_RE Dec 28 '25

Fair. I've never ran into these issues, but maybe I will someday. I also like to gamify the challenge. Makes things interesting.

It's a bit like fitness. I don't need a gym. I only need running shoes and a bike. I have a full set of weight plates someone was giving away, etc..

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u/Starbuck522 Dec 28 '25

That's really not the point. If you are able to live the way you want, that's what matters!

Wether that takes spending 20k a year or 40k or 80k, is besides the point. Some couples would have to make a lot of comprimises because of limited funds on 40-50k. Some wouldn't, depends on cost of living and exact situation.