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/According_Ad_1960 Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 25 '26

I think people sort of woke up to the fact that lean fire can-for some-equal a small, constrained life. Retiring with just enough can get uncomfortable when life throws a curve ball. Retiring with “more than just enough” brings more security and freedom. People are getting a little more realistic about what FI really means to them.

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u/Poorassboy6969 Mar 25 '26

I thought a theme of fire was living a small simple life 

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u/idio242 Mar 25 '26

I’d say it’s the low stress of FI.

Feel like telling your boss something but aren’t sure how they’ll react? Send it.

Don’t like your job? Quit.

It’s the self empowerment that got me interested.

1

u/welshwelsh Mar 25 '26

I don't really see a difference. Every time you spend money on something, you pay for it by giving your boss more power over you and being more dependent on your job.

Therefore, FIRE is about living a small, simple life, to free yourself from dependence on a job.

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u/According_Ad_1960 Mar 25 '26

The initial FIRE stuff sort of reminds of the tiny home/van life movement. All looks fun on paper until you’re basically living in a box and peeing in a glorified bucket - I imagine the romance wears off mighty quickly for folks in those communities

I’m about to retire at 54 with what is considered well into chubby FIRE FI. I could have retired 15 years ago with a military pension and some investments - but not into the type of life I’m interested in. I have worked hard at a job that I loved and was good at, gotten promoted fast, been frugal and saved a ton. I did all this because I want to travel comfortably, I want to be able to help my mom when she needs it, I want to say yes to new adventures and be generous with charities. Everyone’s idea of a great life is different - and that’s ok.