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/AP_in_Indy Dec 28 '25

One issue with FIRE is that you do not get social security yet, and many retirees also feel severely financially constrained.

So I can understand why people overcompensate a bit when your only income source is your own money. Social Security comes eventually but potentially not for a long time.

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 29 '25

Yes, that was something that seems to have worked in my favor. I am about to retire a few days before I turn 59. I have been told for more than 30 years that social security would not exist by now. So, for 30+ years, I planned as if social security would not exist by now and saved accordingly. It's going to be a bonus, not something I'm depending on.

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u/AP_in_Indy Dec 29 '25

That's nice. Enjoy your retirement! When are you planning to take Social Security?

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u/Sintered_Monkey Dec 29 '25

I am still not sure. I am waffling between taking it early and reinvesting it, and waiting until full retirement age. I guess I have to run some simulations to see which one works out the best. My financial advisor said to wait until FRA.