Tools · Barista FIRE
Leave the grind sooner with part-time income
Barista FIRE is the sweet spot between working full-time and full retirement: your savings cover most of your costs, and a little part-time work covers the rest (and often the health insurance). The result — a much smaller number to hit.
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Assumes part-time income is reliable and your savings stay invested. In the US, a part-time job that includes health insurance is a big part of the appeal. Education, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Barista FIRE?
Barista FIRE is semi-retirement: you leave full-time work and cover part of your expenses with part-time or freelance income, while a partially-built portfolio (and often subsidised health insurance) covers the rest.
How much do I need for Barista FIRE?
Less than full FIRE. You need enough invested that your portfolio plus your part-time income together cover your annual spending. The gap your work must fill is your expenses minus a ~4% safe withdrawal from your current portfolio.
Barista FIRE vs Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE means your investments grow to full retirement on their own and you only work to cover current costs. Barista FIRE means you draw partly on the portfolio now while topping up with light work.
Does Barista FIRE include health insurance?
Often yes — the term comes from taking a part-time job (like a barista) partly for the benefits. In the US, factor in healthcare costs or ACA subsidies when planning your number.