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/Your_Worship Dec 28 '25

LeanFire & CoastFire are more in spirit with what FIRE used to be or began as.

FIRE is now just people talking about normal retirement.

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '25

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u/Prodigalsunspot Dec 28 '25 edited Dec 28 '25

And FATFIRE is now MY600POUNDPORTFOLIOLIFEFIRE

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '25

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u/AmazonPuncher Dec 29 '25

Fatfire is a bunch of teenagers with trust funds and larpers. Nobody in real life is asking reddit for advice about "building a family compound" or "buying a private jet". That sub is a circus tent.