Question 1

What is a freedom number?

Accepted Answer

The invested portfolio size you need so work becomes optional on paper: annual freedom spending divided by your withdrawal rate. It is a planning target, not a guarantee.

Question 2

What is my freedom date?

Accepted Answer

We project how your invested assets grow with your expected return and monthly contributions, then find the first year they reach your freedom number - or the Coast, Lean, or other goal style you selected.

Question 3

What does progress to FI mean?

Accepted Answer

Invested today as a percentage of your active goal target.

Question 4

How should I read the projected path?

Accepted Answer

The black line is projected invested assets over time. The dashed line is your target. The green marker is when invested assets reach that target.

Question 5

What are Lean FI and Coast FI?

Accepted Answer

Lean FI uses lower spending assumptions. Coast FI is the lump sum needed today so your portfolio can grow to full FI without new contributions. Pick a style in the FIRE numbers grid below the chart.

Question 6

What assumptions does FI Runway use?

Accepted Answer

Projections compound invested balances at your expected return and add monthly contributions. Coast FI uses a present-value target so you can stop contributing and still reach full FI by your target age. See the methodology section on our how-it-works page for limits and what we do not model.

Question 7

Is this after tax?

Accepted Answer

Enter numbers as you understand them (usually gross investing and pre-tax spending goals). We do not model tax, benefits, or country-specific rules.

Question 8

Is this financial advice?

Accepted Answer

No. FI Runway is for education and curiosity. Talk to a qualified professional before major financial or life decisions.