Financial independence (FI) is a powerful goal for many. However, there’s a special milestone within the FI journey called Coast FI. It means you’ve saved enough that, with no additional contributions, your investments will grow to fund your retirement. If you’re wondering whether you’ve already reached that milestone or how close you are, the Coast FI Calculator is your go-to tool.
Coast FI Calculator
🧭 What is Coast FI?
Coast FI refers to the point where you no longer need to contribute to your retirement savings because your current investments will grow enough to cover your retirement expenses. From that point, you only need to cover your current living expenses.
You’re “coasting” to retirement — hence the term Coast FI.
For example, if you need $1 million to retire comfortably, and your investments will grow to that amount by retirement age without needing any more contributions, you’re at Coast FI. You’re financially set, provided you don’t dip into those funds before retirement.
🧮 How the Coast FI Calculator Works
The Coast FI Calculator takes the guesswork out of this equation. It uses your:
- Current age
- Desired coast age
- Retirement age
- Current portfolio value
- Annual retirement expenses
- Safe withdrawal rate (SWR)
- Expected investment return
Using this data, the calculator provides:
- The total portfolio needed at retirement
- The Coast FI target (how much you need at your coast age)
- The projected value of your current savings at retirement
- Additional savings needed to reach Coast FI
- A clear Coast FI status showing whether you’ve already reached it or how close you are
📊 How to Use the Coast FI Calculator
Using the tool is simple:
- Enter your current age
(e.g., 30) - Choose a coast age
This is when you want to stop contributing to retirement savings (e.g., 40) - Set your retirement age
This is when you plan to fully retire (e.g., 60) - Input your current savings
Your existing retirement portfolio (e.g., $100,000) - Enter expected annual expenses in retirement
Think of your lifestyle goals (e.g., $40,000/year) - Set a withdrawal rate
The most common is 4% (safe withdrawal rule) - Input your expected investment return
Typical values range between 6% and 8% annually - Click “Calculate”
Get instant results and insight into your Coast FI journey!
🔍 Example Calculation
Let’s walk through an example using the calculator:
- Current Age: 30
- Coast Age: 40
- Retirement Age: 60
- Current Savings: $100,000
- Retirement Expenses: $40,000/year
- Withdrawal Rate: 4%
- Expected Return: 7%
Results:
- Final Portfolio Needed: $1,000,000
($40,000 ÷ 4% = $1M) - Coast FI Target (how much needed at age 40): ~$258,000
($1M / (1.07^20) = $258K) - Projected Savings at Coast Age: ~$197,000
($100K compounded at 7% for 10 years) - Additional Savings Needed: ~$61,000
($258K – $197K) - Status: You’re 76.3% to Coast FI
This user isn’t at Coast FI yet, but they’re close and can adjust savings or coast age to hit the target sooner.
💡 Benefits of Coast FI
- Freedom from saving pressure: Once you hit Coast FI, you no longer need to invest aggressively.
- More career flexibility: You can shift to passion projects or lower-paying but meaningful work.
- Early semi-retirement: You may choose to work fewer hours.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you’re financially secure brings emotional relief.
📈 Why Expected Return & Withdrawal Rate Matter
- A higher return shortens the path to Coast FI.
- A lower withdrawal rate increases your portfolio need.
- Adjusting these variables helps you create a realistic and sustainable financial plan.
🛠 Features of This Coast FI Tool
- User-friendly interface
- Live calculation – instant results
- Highlights Coast FI status visually
- Currency formatting for clarity
- Reset button for trying different scenarios
📚 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Coast FI?
Coast FI means your current investments will grow enough to support your retirement without any further contributions.
2. Who should use a Coast FI Calculator?
Anyone aiming for financial independence, especially early retirees or minimalists who want to save aggressively now and relax later.
3. What is the difference between Coast FI and FI?
Coast FI is a milestone within FI. You haven’t reached full independence yet, but you no longer need to save more.
4. What’s a safe withdrawal rate?
A common rule is 4%, meaning you can withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio annually without running out of money.
5. What if I retire earlier than planned?
Your portfolio may not grow as much. The calculator helps explore various retirement age scenarios.
6. How is Coast FI calculated?
It back-calculates the future value of retirement needs and discounts it to today using compound interest.
7. Can I reach Coast FI in my 30s?
Yes, especially if you start saving early, earn a strong return, and control expenses.
8. What return should I assume?
Historically, 6%-8% annual return is typical for a diversified portfolio.
9. What if I have no savings?
Start now. The calculator shows how much you need to build to hit future Coast FI goals.
10. Can I update the inputs later?
Yes, just reset and recalculate using new figures.
11. What does “additional savings needed” mean?
It’s how much more you must save to reach Coast FI by your desired coast age.
12. Does inflation factor into this?
This calculator assumes inflation-adjusted returns and expenses are accounted for through your return and withdrawal rate.
13. Should I stop saving after Coast FI?
You could, but continuing to save gives extra security and flexibility.
14. Can I use this if I plan to retire abroad?
Yes. Adjust your retirement expenses based on your destination’s cost of living.
15. What if my expected return is lower?
Your Coast FI target will be higher, meaning you’ll need more upfront savings.
16. Is 4% still safe today?
It’s debated, but 3.5%-4% is generally considered safe for long retirements.
17. Does this tool require login or personal data?
Nope — it’s free and anonymous.
18. Can I use this on mobile?
Yes, the calculator is mobile-friendly.
19. Does this calculator support different currencies?
Currently, it displays in USD. You can mentally convert values or use $ as a placeholder.
20. Is this a retirement calculator too?
Yes, partially — but it specifically tells if you’re on track to let your investments grow untouched until retirement.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Coast FI Calculator is a powerful, easy-to-use financial planning tool for anyone striving toward financial independence. Whether you’re early in your savings journey or curious if you can afford to “coast,” this calculator provides clarity, confidence, and insight.
Achieving Coast FI doesn’t mean you’ve fully retired. But it does mean you’re free — free to choose how you spend your working years without the burden of saving more for retirement.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Use the Coast FI Calculator now and find out how close you are to freedom.