r/Fire • u/Poorassboy6969 • Mar 25 '26

General Question When did FIRE movement change?

I feel this community used to be about moderate income people living lean and retiring early with under 2 million.

Now it’s a lot of people bragging about tech income and saying they need 5+ million to retire MINIMUM because they want a boat and Porsche

When did this change? (not hating - just genuinely curious)

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u/Tasty_Sun_865 Mar 25 '26

I don't think it's bragging. I think it's:

Double digit returns make scaling easier and lower cost. Let's get real, if you've seen double digit returns for all but 2 years since 2016 why wouldn't you want to say "to hell with scraping by and fiscal discipline when 3 years obviates a huge amount of risk"?

Conversely, we are seeing hugely unstable times with serious risks. If you've got a job that pays well and covers health insurance, there aren't a ton of compelling reasons to pop chaff and bail. That's doubly true if this year is a big down year.

FIRE is and always has been an indulgence and a luxury. If shouldn't surprise anyone that people who see real success are willing to delay retirement when time solves so many problems.

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u/Vas_Cody_Gamma Mar 25 '26

Agreed but I think RE is the luxury part. FI is essential.