Coast FIRE Calculator for Military Members

Enter the official retired-pay amount for that specific separation scenario, including $0 when appropriate. The calculator should continue projecting TSP and other investments without assuming a pension that the scenario does not include.

Create two scenarios using the official benefit estimate, TSP contributions and exit date for each. Compare both on the same Coast FIRE assumptions without labeling either career path as preferable.

Yes for projection purposes. Set future TSP contributions to zero or to the amount you want modeled, then project the existing balance separately from military retired pay.

Enter active-duty separation, expected Reserve contributions, civilian contributions, official non-regular retired-pay estimate and expected benefit start age separately rather than treating the Reserve pension as immediate income.

Enter only a confirmed amount and payment date for the scenario being modeled. Keep it separate from current investments until the modeled payment occurs, and verify eligibility and service obligations through current Service guidance.

Enter the civilian take-home income and retirement contribution separately. Military retired pay can begin on its own timeline while the calculator models additional civilian contributions toward the same retirement-spending target.

Model the intervening years separately. During that period the calculator should use only the work income, cash flow and portfolio withdrawals you explicitly enter rather than applying future retired pay early.