What a projection means
The core calculator estimates a future retirement target, discounts it to a present Coast FIRE number, and projects contributions and growth using the values entered. Results are hypothetical. They are not a promise, probability of success, investment recommendation or guarantee of future purchasing power.
Material limitations
Returns and inflation
Core projections apply constant user-selected rates. Markets and inflation vary from year to year, so the tool does not model sequence risk unless a specialized tool explicitly says it does.
Taxes and account rules
The main calculator does not calculate taxes or early-access penalties. Specialized U.S. tax tools simplify federal rules and may omit state tax, credits, surtaxes and individual exceptions.
Benefits and pensions
Entered benefits are estimates. Eligibility, claiming rules, cost-of-living adjustments, plan solvency and survivor provisions can change the amount received.
Healthcare and longevity
Healthcare costs, insurance eligibility, long-term care and lifespan are uncertain. Scenario estimates are planning inputs, not insurance quotes or actuarial advice.
Withdrawal rates
A withdrawal rate converts spending into a modeled target. Historical success in a study does not guarantee future portfolio survival.
Your responsibility
Review inputs, run more than one scenario and check year-sensitive rules at their official source. Decisions involving retirement dates, benefits, withdrawals, taxes, insurance or investment allocation can have lasting consequences. A qualified professional can consider facts this site does not collect.
Errors and availability
We work to make formulas and explanations accurate, but the site may contain errors or become unavailable. To report a suspected issue, use the contact form and include rounded inputs. See the methodology, source register and changelog for supporting context.