Lean FIRE Calculator for New Graduates
Estimate your Lean FIRE number fast with realistic new-grad defaults—starter assets, early-career savings, and a minimalist budget. Adjust spending and see your timeline update instantly.
Graduating is exciting—and financially confusing. You’re navigating a first salary, student loans, and the pressure to “upgrade” your lifestyle the moment money hits your account. At the same time, you may want freedom early: the ability to choose work, take risks, or avoid getting locked into a job you don’t love. Lean FIRE is the simplest way to turn that desire into a concrete plan. By keeping annual spending intentionally low, your required portfolio (“FIRE number”) drops dramatically, which can shorten the time to independence by years. This page pre-fills a realistic new-grad starting point—small invested assets, a strong monthly savings habit, and a lean spending target—so you can see how the math responds. Use the calculator to explore trade-offs: how much faster you progress if you save an extra $200/month, how your target changes if your lifestyle costs rise, and why consistency often beats perfection. The goal isn’t deprivation—it’s buying time and optionality while your career is still ramping.
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
What is Lean FIRE (and how is it different from regular FIRE)?
Lean FIRE targets a lower annual spending level (often ~$40k/year or less), so the required portfolio is smaller. Regular FIRE usually assumes higher spending and therefore a larger FIRE number.
How low should my annual spending target be as a new grad?
Start with reality, not ideology. Track 1–2 months, then set a lean baseline that still feels sustainable. Roommates, transit, and cooking at home often have the biggest impact without feeling extreme.
How do student loans fit into Lean FIRE planning?
Treat your loan balance as negative net worth, and count required payments in your monthly budget. Many people prioritize an emergency fund first, then pay high-interest debt aggressively while still investing something consistently.
What if my income rises quickly in the next few years?
That’s common—especially early in a career. Re-run the calculator whenever your pay changes. You can keep a lean lifestyle while your income grows, then decide whether to stay Lean FIRE, shift to Coast FIRE, or aim for a higher lifestyle later.