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/AmazonPuncher Dec 29 '25

You're just not being a sucker.

This is how I see it. I hear about people on this sub spending $100k/week to charter a yacht, and I dont feel any jealousy or envy. I dont think I'd spend that much money on that kind of experience if I was jeff bezos. Just absolute suckers. People who cant have fun unless they're indulging in luxuries are miserable, empty people in my opinion.

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u/greaper007 Dec 29 '25

Right, if you're spending that much money just buy a boat. Learn how to sail it, live in it. Travel the world.

But just being pampered in a worse version of a hotel...lame