Barista FIRE Calculator
See how part-time work can reduce your required portfolio size.
What is Barista FIRE?
Barista FIRE is a hybrid approach to financial independence. Instead of saving enough to never work again, you save enough to cover a portion of your expenses with investment income, while covering the rest with a low-stress, part-time job (like being a barista).
This strategy dramatically lowers your "FIRE Number" because your portfolio doesn't need to support 100% of your lifestyle. It allows you to leave a high-pressure corporate career much sooner and transition to work you actually enjoy.
Why Choose Barista FIRE?
- Health Insurance: Many part-time jobs (like at Starbucks) offer health benefits, solving a major early retirement hurdle.
- Social Connection: Continuing to work part-time provides social interaction and structure.
- Reduced Risk: Relying on both active income and portfolio withdrawals diversifies your income streams.
Need More Precision?
This calculator is great for a quick check, but real life is more complex. If you want to track your net worth, manage multiple currencies, and simulate detailed retirement scenarios with changing variables over time, try our dedicated app.
Download Asset Prism for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How does Barista FIRE differ from Coast FIRE?
With Coast FIRE, you stop contributing but still work full-time to cover all expenses until traditional retirement age. With Barista FIRE, you start withdrawing (or relying on) investment income sooner, supplemented by part-time work.
How much do I need for Barista FIRE?
It depends on your "gap." If you spend $50k/year and earn $25k from a part-time job, your portfolio only needs to generate $25k/year. At a 4% withdrawal rate, that requires $625,000 instead of $1.25 million.