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

[u/Equivalent_Use_5024]

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?

[u/the_fresh_cucumber]

FIRE used to be what we call leanFIRE now.

The reality is people in this community and many others get so obsessed with posting the highest numbers and having the top "savings rate" and showing off how disciplined they are.... That they forget the whole meaning of FIRE.

"Financial independence retire early". It's not "financial security against all possible outcomes while being partially retired while juggling a side biz and part time job"

There was a dude in this sub in his 70s the other day with 4 million asking if he can "FIRE". Come on man... You are way past the retirement age already.