Topic · 5 guides
Retirement & FIRE
Collect the free money in your 401(k) match, choose between Roth and traditional accounts, then work out your FIRE number and how your savings rate changes the date.
Read in this order
- 01
Your 401(k) match explained: how it works and how to get all of itHow a 401(k) match works, what vesting means, the 2026 contribution limit, and a worked example of the match on a $60,000 salary over 30 years.6 min read · Retirement - 02
Roth vs traditional: should you pay the tax now or later?Roth vs traditional IRA and 401(k): 2026 contribution limits, Roth income limits, withdrawal rules and a worked example of tax now vs tax later.6 min read · Retirement - 03
Find your FIRE number in ten minutesSpending divided by a withdrawal rate, and why the 4% guideline is a starting point, not a promise.9 min read · FIRE - 04
Why your savings rate decides when you can retireYour savings rate, not your income, sets how many years until financial independence. See the math and a table from 10% to 70% savings rates.5 min read · FIRE - 05
Lean, Fat, Coast and Barista FIRE: which kind of early retirement fits you?Lean, Fat, Coast and Barista FIRE explained: what each means, who it suits, the risks, and a worked Coast FIRE and Barista FIRE number example.6 min read · FIRE
One money note a week. Five minutes on Sunday.
What changed in rates and prices, what it means for your plan, and one thing to do this week.