FIRE Blog

Guides, strategies, and insights for your FIRE journey

• What Is FIRE? A Complete Guide to Financial Independence Retire Early
  March 15, 2020

  Learn what FIRE means, how the 4% rule works, the different FIRE paths, and the steps to reach financial independence with our free calculators.

• How to Start FIRE: A Beginner's Guide to Financial Independence
  July 22, 2020

  New to FIRE? This step-by-step guide covers tracking expenses, calculating your FIRE number, choosing investments, and avoiding common mistakes.

• The Trinity Study Explained — The Research Behind the 4% Rule
  November 8, 2020

  The Trinity Study is the foundation of the FIRE movement. Here's what the original research actually found — and what it didn't — about safe withdrawal rates.

• The 25x Rule Explained: How Much You Really Need to Retire
  January 12, 2021

  Why 25 times your annual expenses is the magic number for retirement — the math, history, and debates behind the 4% rule and your FIRE number.

• Can You FIRE With $500,000?
  March 5, 2021

  Half a million dollars sounds like a lot — but is it enough to retire early? Here's what a $500K FIRE number can actually buy you.

• Can You FIRE With $1,000,000?
  May 18, 2021

  A million dollars is the classic FIRE target — but is it still enough in 2026? Here's what a $1M portfolio actually buys you in early retirement.

• Barista FIRE Explained: The Hybrid Path to Semi-Retirement
  August 30, 2021

  How Barista FIRE combines partial financial independence with part-time work for health insurance and extra income.

• Coast FIRE vs Lean FIRE: Which Path Is Right for You?
  October 14, 2021

  Compare Coast FIRE and Lean FIRE — two popular paths to financial independence with very different lifestyles and trade-offs.

• Can You FIRE in Sacramento, CA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 15, 2022

  Sacramento offers California living at 40% less than SF — and you can still commute to Bay Area jobs. A strategic FIRE location.

• Can You FIRE in Honolulu, HI? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 15, 2022

  Hawaii is paradise — with paradise-level costs. Here's what it takes to FIRE in Honolulu and whether the trade-off is worth it.

• Can You FIRE in Albuquerque, NM? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  January 15, 2022

  Albuquerque offers Southwest living at a fraction of Santa Fe or Phoenix prices. A unique FIRE destination with 310 sunny days.

• Can You FIRE With $1,500,000?
  January 20, 2022

  $1.5 million is a widely-cited FIRE target for couples and families. Here's what that portfolio can actually sustain in early retirement.

• 4 Withdrawal Strategies Compared: Which Is Safest?
  February 14, 2022

  Compare the 4% Rule, Guyton-Klinger guardrails, VPW, and CAPE-based withdrawals to find the safest strategy for your retirement.

• FIRE With $2,000,000 — Fat FIRE or Comfortable Retirement?
  March 8, 2022

  Two million dollars puts you in Fat FIRE territory. Here's what $80K/year in retirement spending actually looks like — and how to make the most of it.

• Can You FIRE in Salt Lake City, UT? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  March 22, 2022

  Salt Lake City combines a booming tech sector (Silicon Slopes) with world-class outdoor recreation. FIRE here is increasingly popular.

• Can You FIRE in Houston, TX? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  March 22, 2022

  Houston combines no state income tax, affordable housing, and strong energy/medical jobs. One of the best big cities for FIRE in America.

• Can You FIRE in Anchorage, AK? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  March 22, 2022

  Alaska has no state income tax AND pays residents an annual dividend. Anchorage offers a unique FIRE proposition with unmatched wilderness access.

• FIRE With $3,000,000 — True Fat FIRE Lifestyle
  May 25, 2022

  Three million dollars is true Fat FIRE — $120K/year in spending. Here's what that lifestyle actually looks like and how to manage a portfolio of this size.

• Can You FIRE in San Antonio, TX? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  June 10, 2022

  San Antonio combines Texas no-tax advantage with some of the lowest housing costs among major US cities. A top FIRE destination.

• Can You FIRE in Indianapolis, IN? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  June 10, 2022

  Indianapolis offers rock-bottom housing costs, stable Midwest jobs, and a flat 2.95% tax (2026). A sleeper FIRE destination.

• Can You FIRE in Asheville, NC? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  June 10, 2022

  Asheville is a lifestyle-first FIRE destination: Blue Ridge Mountains, craft beer capital, and a vibrant arts scene. Costs above NC average but worth it.

• Lean FIRE vs Fat FIRE — Which Path Is Right for You?
  June 15, 2022

  Lean FIRE and Fat FIRE sit at opposite ends of the financial independence spectrum. Here's the real difference in lifestyle, portfolio size, and timeline.

• FIRE With $5,000,000 — Beyond Fat FIRE
  August 12, 2022

  Five million dollars is beyond Fat FIRE — it's generational wealth territory. Here's what $200K/year in retirement spending actually means.

• Can You FIRE in San Diego, CA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  August 28, 2022

  San Diego has perfect weather — and punishing costs. FIRE here requires a high income or a massive portfolio.

• Can You FIRE in Jacksonville, FL? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  August 28, 2022

  Jacksonville offers Florida's no-tax advantage with housing costs far below Miami. A underrated FIRE city on the Atlantic coast.

• Can You FIRE in Atlanta, GA? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  August 28, 2022

  Atlanta offers big-city jobs and culture with surprisingly moderate costs. A strong FIRE contender in the Southeast.

• How to Calculate Your FIRE Number: The Complete 2026 Guide
  October 3, 2022

  Learn exactly how to calculate your FIRE number using the 4% rule, including real examples, calculator walkthrough, and advanced adjustments.

• Can You FIRE in San Francisco, CA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 5, 2022

  San Francisco is America's most expensive FIRE city — but the highest tech salaries in the world make it a powerful accumulation hub. The key is earning in SF and retiring elsewhere.

• Can You FIRE in Kansas City, MO? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 5, 2022

  Kansas City combines Midwest affordability with a growing tech and healthcare job market. A strong FIRE contender.

• Can You FIRE in Austin, TX? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 5, 2022

  Austin's booming tech scene draws FIRE seekers — but costs have shifted post-2022 boom. Neighborhood-level cost data, local FIRE community resources, and a realistic FIRE number for Austin in 2026.

• Index Funds for FIRE: The Complete Guide to Low-Cost Investing
  December 19, 2022

  Why index funds are the foundation of FIRE investing — compare Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab funds, understand expense ratios, and build a simple portfolio.

• The 4% Rule in 2026 — Is It Still Safe for Early Retirement?
  January 10, 2023

  The 4% rule was designed in 1998 for 30-year retirements. Does it still work for 50-year FIRE retirements in 2026? The latest research, analyzed.

• Can You FIRE in San Jose, CA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 18, 2023

  San Jose has the highest salaries in America — and the highest housing costs. The strategy: earn Silicon Valley money, invest, FIRE elsewhere.

• Can You FIRE in Knoxville, TN? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 18, 2023

  Knoxville has Tennessee's no-tax advantage, Smoky Mountain access, and University of Tennessee culture — at costs below Nashville.

• Can You FIRE in Baltimore, MD? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  January 18, 2023

  Baltimore offers DC-area salaries with significantly lower housing costs. A strategic FIRE location in the Mid-Atlantic.

• Can You FIRE in Savannah, GA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  April 2, 2023

  Savannah offers Southern charm, coastal living, and costs well below Charleston. An underrated FIRE city on the Georgia coast.

• Can You FIRE in Las Vegas, NV? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  April 2, 2023

  Las Vegas offers no state income tax, surprisingly affordable housing, and 24/7 entertainment. A underrated FIRE destination.

• Can You FIRE in Bend, OR? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  April 2, 2023

  Bend is an outdoor paradise — skiing, mountain biking, craft beer — but costs have surged. Is FIRE still possible in Central Oregon?

• Roth vs Traditional 401k for FIRE: Complete Comparison Guide
  April 22, 2023

  Should FIRE seekers use Roth or Traditional retirement accounts? Compare tax strategies, withdrawal rules, and optimization for early retirement.

• Can You FIRE in Seattle, WA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  June 15, 2023

  Seattle offers tech salaries and no state income tax — but housing costs are punishing. Is FIRE realistic in the Emerald City?

• Can You FIRE in Lexington, KY? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  June 15, 2023

  Lexington combines Bluegrass beauty with university-town culture and costs well below the national average. A FIRE sleeper.

• Can You FIRE in Birmingham, AL? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  June 15, 2023

  Birmingham has some of the Southeast's lowest costs, a growing medical hub (UAB), and homes ~$220K.

• FIRE Tax Strategies: How to Pay Less Tax Before and After Retirement
  June 30, 2023

  Master tax-efficient investing for FIRE — Roth conversion ladders, tax-loss harvesting, 0% capital gains bracket, and withdrawal sequencing to minimize lifetime taxes.

• Coast FIRE vs Barista FIRE — Which Hybrid Strategy Wins?
  August 20, 2023

  Coast FIRE and Barista FIRE both let you leave full-time work early — but they work very differently. Here's how to choose.

• Can You FIRE in Spokane, WA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  August 30, 2023

  Spokane offers Washington's no-tax advantage at half Seattle's housing costs. A growing FIRE destination in the Inland Northwest.

• Can You FIRE in Los Angeles, CA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  August 30, 2023

  Los Angeles has sunshine, entertainment jobs, and punishing costs. Is FIRE possible in LA — and what's the strategy?

• Can You FIRE in Boise, ID? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  August 30, 2023

  Boise was the pandemic-era FIRE darling — but costs have risen. Is it still a good FIRE city in 2026?

• Slow FIRE — The Patient Path to Financial Independence
  September 15, 2023

  Not everyone wants to retire at 35. Slow FIRE is the sustainable, balanced path to financial independence — without the extreme sacrifices.

• Real Estate Investing for FIRE: Rental Properties vs REITs vs Primary Residence
  November 5, 2023

  Should FIRE investors buy rental properties, invest in REITs, or focus on their primary residence? Compare returns, tax benefits, leverage, and time commitment.

• Can You FIRE in St. Louis, MO? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 20, 2023

  St. Louis offers big-city institutions (Washington University, Boeing, BJC Healthcare) at small-city prices. A FIRE value play.

• Can You FIRE in Louisville, KY? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 20, 2023

  Louisville combines Southern hospitality with serious affordability — homes ~$230K and a strong UPS/hospitality economy.

• Can You FIRE in Boston, MA? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  November 20, 2023

  Boston has biotech salaries and world-class education — but housing costs rival NYC. Is FIRE achievable in Beantown?

• FIRE vs Traditional Retirement — Which Path Should You Choose?
  December 20, 2023

  FIRE and traditional retirement are two different life paths. Here's the honest comparison — no dogma, just numbers and trade-offs.

• Can You FIRE in Tampa, FL? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 10, 2024

  Tampa combines no state income tax, beach lifestyle, and relatively affordable housing. A top contender for FIRE on the Gulf Coast.

• Can You FIRE in Madison, WI? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 10, 2024

  Madison consistently ranks as one of America's best places to live. Epic Systems, UW-Madison, and state government provide stable, well-paying jobs.

• Can You FIRE in Bozeman, MT? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  January 10, 2024

  Bozeman is the Yellowstone FIRE hub — outdoor access, growing tech scene, no sales tax. But the secret is out and costs have risen sharply.

• FIRE With Kids: How to Reach Financial Independence as a Parent
  February 10, 2024

  Raising kids while pursuing FIRE? Complete guide to calculating your family FIRE number, managing child costs, saving for college, and teaching kids about money.

• Millennial FIRE — Financial Independence for the Largest Generation
  March 8, 2024

  Millennials face unique FIRE challenges: student debt, housing costs, and gig economy income. But they also have unique advantages. Here's the plan.

• Can You FIRE in Tucson, AZ? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  March 25, 2024

  Tucson offers Phoenix's sunshine at 20% lower cost — plus a college town vibe and mountain views. A strong FIRE contender in the Southwest.

• Can You FIRE in Memphis, TN? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  March 25, 2024

  Memphis has no state income tax, among the lowest housing costs of any major US metro, and FedEx's global hub. A top FIRE value.

• Can You FIRE in Buffalo, NY? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  March 25, 2024

  Buffalo has some of the Northeast's lowest housing costs, a revitalizing waterfront, and strong healthcare/education jobs.

• Geo-Arbitrage for FIRE: How Moving Abroad Can Cut Your FIRE Number in Half
  April 18, 2024

  Discover how retiring to a lower-cost country can dramatically reduce your FIRE number. Compare costs, visas, healthcare, and the best countries for geo-arbitrage.

• How to Retire at 50 — Your 15-Year FIRE Plan
  May 14, 2024

  Retiring at 50 is the most popular FIRE goal. Here's exactly how much you need, how to get there from any age, and how to make your money last 40+ years.

• Can You FIRE in Tulsa, OK? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  May 18, 2024

  Tulsa offers America's best FIRE math plus the famous Tulsa Remote program paying $10K to relocate. Unmatched value.

• Can You FIRE in Miami, FL? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  May 18, 2024

  Miami has no state income tax and beautiful weather — but housing costs have skyrocketed. Can you still FIRE in the Magic City?

• Can You FIRE in Charleston, SC? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  May 18, 2024

  Charleston is one of America's most beautiful cities — with costs rising as its popularity grows. Can you still FIRE here?

• Best Index Funds for FIRE — Build Your Financial Independence Portfolio
  June 25, 2024

  Index funds are the engine of the FIRE movement. Here are the exact funds, allocations, and strategies that FIRE investors use to build seven-figure portfolios.

• How to Retire at 55 — Your 10-Year Sprint to FIRE
  July 20, 2024

  Fifty-five is the most achievable early retirement age. Catch-up contributions, the Rule of 55, and a 10-year Medicare bridge — here's your complete plan.

• Can You FIRE in Washington, DC? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  July 22, 2024

  DC offers stable federal salaries, FERS pensions, and high costs. Here's the FIRE path for the nation's capital.

• Can You FIRE in Milwaukee, WI? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  July 22, 2024

  Milwaukee offers lakefront living, a revitalized downtown, and housing costs 35% below the national average. A FIRE sleeper on Lake Michigan.

• Can You FIRE in Charlotte, NC? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  July 22, 2024

  Charlotte blends banking industry salaries with moderate Southern costs — a powerful FIRE combination. Full cost breakdown.

• Best Cities for FIRE: Where Your Money Goes Furthest
  August 30, 2024

  Discover the most affordable US cities for pursuing financial independence, from the Midwest to the Southeast.

• Can You FIRE in Wichita, KS? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  September 14, 2024

  Wichita has some of America's lowest costs — period. Aviation jobs (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron) pay well in a city where homes average $190K.

• Can You FIRE in Minneapolis, MN? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  September 14, 2024

  Minneapolis offers Fortune 500 jobs, surprisingly affordable housing, and a high quality of life. A underrated FIRE city in the Midwest.

• Can You FIRE in Chattanooga, TN? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  September 14, 2024

  Chattanooga has municipal gigabit fiber, no state income tax, world-class climbing, and costs well below Nashville. The remote worker's FIRE dream.

• 4% Rule vs Variable Percentage Withdrawal — Which Is Safer?
  October 5, 2024

  The 4% Rule is simple but rigid. VPW adapts to markets but creates income swings. Here's the real trade-off for your retirement withdrawals.

• FIRE Statistics & Trends 2026
  November 12, 2024

  Data-driven insights into the Financial Independence Retire Early movement — who's pursuing FIRE, how much they save, and what it takes to reach financial independence.

• Can You FIRE in Nashville, TN? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 30, 2024

  Nashville combines no state income tax with a booming economy and relatively affordable housing. One of the best cities for FIRE.

• Can You FIRE in Chicago, IL? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  November 30, 2024

  Chicago offers big-city amenities and housing costs below coastal peers — strong value among major US cities for FIRE.

• Can You FIRE in New Orleans, LA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 8, 2025

  New Orleans offers unmatched culture, food, and music — at costs well below other iconic US cities. A lifestyle-first FIRE destination.

• Can You FIRE in Cincinnati, OH? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  January 8, 2025

  Cincinnati has 6 Fortune 500 HQs, charming historic neighborhoods, and housing costs 30% below the national average. A FIRE gem.

• Social Security and FIRE: When Should You Claim?
  January 25, 2025

  How Social Security fits into an early retirement plan and the trade-offs of claiming at 62, 67, or 70.

• Can You FIRE in New York, NY? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  February 20, 2025

  New York is the ultimate FIRE challenge — highest costs, highest salaries. Here's what it really takes to reach financial independence in NYC.

• Can You FIRE in Cleveland, OH? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  February 20, 2025

  Cleveland has some of America's lowest housing costs — median homes ~$200K. A top FIRE destination for those prioritizing speed over weather.

• How Much Should I Have Saved by 30? — Retirement Savings Benchmarks
  March 5, 2025

  Age 30 is a critical checkpoint on the FIRE journey. Here's how much you should have saved, what's realistic, and how to accelerate if you're behind.

• Can You FIRE in Oklahoma City, OK? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  April 5, 2025

  Oklahoma City has some of America's lowest costs, a growing energy/healthcare sector, and homes under $250K. Elite FIRE math.

• Can You FIRE in Colorado Springs, CO? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  April 5, 2025

  Colorado Springs offers Denver's mountain lifestyle at 25% less cost — plus a strong military and aerospace job market.

• How Much Should I Have Saved by 40? — Mid-Career FIRE Checkpoint
  April 12, 2025

  Age 40 is the make-or-break decade for FIRE. Here's how much you should have saved, the Coast FIRE inflection point, and how to close the gap.

• Can You FIRE in Omaha, NE? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  May 15, 2025

  Omaha has 5 Fortune 500 HQs, homes under $300K, and a cost of living 12% below the national average. A FIRE sleeper in the Heartland.

• Can You FIRE in Columbus, OH? — Cost of Living & [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) 2026
  May 15, 2025

  Columbus offers Midwest affordability with a growing tech scene (Intel's $20B fab). One of the best-kept FIRE secrets.

• How Much Should I Have Saved by 50? — Pre-Retirement FIRE Check
  May 20, 2025

  Fifty is the final decade before traditional retirement. Here's what your portfolio should look like, the catch-up contribution advantage, and your realistic FIRE options.

• Can You FIRE in Orlando, FL? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  June 28, 2025

  Orlando has theme park jobs, growing tech, and no state income tax. Is it a good city for FIRE?

• Can You FIRE in Dallas, TX? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  June 28, 2025

  Dallas offers Fortune 500 jobs, no state income tax, and housing costs well below Austin. One of the best big cities for FIRE.

• How Much Should I Have Saved by 60? — Final Retirement Checkpoint
  July 1, 2025

  Sixty is the final countdown. Here's what your nest egg should look like, how to optimize Social Security, and whether FIRE is still achievable starting at 60.

• Can You FIRE in Philadelphia, PA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  August 10, 2025

  Philadelphia offers big-city amenities at a fraction of NYC or DC costs. One of the best-value Northeast cities for FIRE.

• Can You FIRE in Denver, CO? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  August 10, 2025

  Denver offers 300 days of sunshine and a growing tech scene — but housing costs are steep. Is FIRE achievable in the Mile High City?

• Index Funds vs Real Estate FIRE — Which Asset Strategy Wins?
  September 18, 2025

  Index funds are passive. Real estate offers leverage and tax advantages. Here's how to choose the right FIRE asset strategy — or combine both.

• Can You FIRE in Phoenix, AZ? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  September 22, 2025

  Phoenix offers affordable housing, low taxes, and 300+ sunny days. One of the best Sun Belt cities for FIRE — but AC costs add up.

• Can You FIRE in Des Moines, IA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  September 22, 2025

  Des Moines has one of America's strongest job markets (insurance capital), affordable homes, and big-city amenities at small-city prices.

• Can You FIRE in Pittsburgh, PA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 5, 2025

  Pittsburgh might be the most affordable major city for FIRE — housing costs half the national average and a growing tech/healthcare economy.

• Can You FIRE in Detroit, MI? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  November 5, 2025

  Detroit has the lowest housing costs of any major US city. For FIRE seekers willing to embrace the Motor City, it's a unmatched value.

• Can You FIRE in Portland, ME? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  December 18, 2025

  Portland, Maine is a coastal FIRE gem: nationally recognized food scene, growing remote worker population, and costs below Boston/NYC.

• Can You FIRE in Durham, NC? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  December 18, 2025

  Durham is the cultural heart of the Research Triangle — Duke, biotech startups, and a nationally recognized food scene. Strong FIRE math.

• Can You FIRE in Portland, OR? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 10, 2026

  Portland offers urban forests, farm-to-table living, and no sales tax — but Oregon's 9.9% income tax + Multnomah County 1.5% surcharge means your FIRE number is higher than it first appears.

• Can You FIRE in El Paso, TX? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  January 10, 2026

  El Paso has Texas's lowest housing costs, no income tax, and 300 sunny days. A top FIRE value in the Lone Star State.

• State of FIRE 2026 — Annual Report on the Financial Independence Movement
  January 15, 2026

• Can You FIRE in Providence, RI? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  February 14, 2026

  Providence has Brown, RISD, and a thriving food scene — plus you can commute to Boston jobs. A New England FIRE play.

• Can You FIRE in Fort Collins, CO? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  February 14, 2026

  Fort Collins consistently ranks as one of America's best places to live. CSU, craft breweries, and Rocky Mountain access at Denver-competitive costs.

• Can You FIRE in Raleigh, NC? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  March 20, 2026

  Raleigh offers Research Triangle jobs, moderate costs, and mild winters — one of the most balanced cities for FIRE in the Southeast.

• Can You FIRE in Fort Worth, TX? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  March 20, 2026

  Fort Worth combines Texas no-tax advantage with a more laid-back, affordable alternative to Dallas — just 30 miles west.

• Can You FIRE in Reno, NV? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  April 8, 2026

  Reno is the up-and-coming Austin — no income tax, growing tech (Tesla Gigafactory, Apple), and Lake Tahoe in your backyard.

• Can You FIRE in Grand Rapids, MI? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  April 8, 2026

  Grand Rapids has a booming craft beer scene, strong manufacturing/healthcare economy, and costs well below the national average.

• Can You FIRE in Richmond, VA? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  May 1, 2026

  Richmond offers DC proximity without DC prices — plus a thriving arts scene and strong job market. A Mid-Atlantic FIRE play.

• Can You FIRE in Greenville, SC? — Cost of Living & FIRE Number 2026
  May 1, 2026

  Greenville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast — beautiful downtown, strong jobs, and still affordable.

• Tax Bracket Engineering for Roth Conversions (2026)
  June 8, 2026

  How to optimize your annual Roth conversion amount using 2026 tax brackets, the bracket-fill strategy, and considerations for ACA subsidies and state taxes.

• Roth Conversion Ladder: 4 Real-World Case Studies
  June 8, 2026

  Numbers in theory are different from numbers in practice. Here are 4 case studies using the Roth Conversion Ladder Calculator with very different starting positions.

• How to Fund the 5-Year Roth Ladder Bridge
  June 8, 2026

  The 5-year bridge is the make-or-break part of a Roth Conversion Ladder. Here are 5 funding sources, when to use each, and how to size your bridge correctly.

• Roth Conversion Ladder: The Complete FIRE Guide (2026)
  June 8, 2026

  The Roth Conversion Ladder is the most popular strategy in the FIRE community for accessing retirement funds before age 59.5 without the 10% early-withdrawal penalty. This guide walks through the mechanics, common pitfalls, and how to model your numbers with our free calculator.

• Vanguard vs Fidelity Rollover IRA for FIRE: Head-to-Head
  June 12, 2026

  Vanguard vs Fidelity is the most common brokerage dilemma for FIRE investors. We compare fees, funds, UX, and Roth conversion features side by side.

• Schwab vs Fidelity Rollover IRA: Which Wins for Early Retirees?
  June 12, 2026

  Schwab vs Fidelity is a near-tie for most FIRE investors. Here's how to choose between them based on your specific priorities.

• Rollover IRA vs Keep 401(k): When to Move and When to Stay
  June 12, 2026

  Should you roll your 401(k) into an IRA or leave it where it is? Here are the 5 reasons to move, the 4 reasons to stay, and a FIRE-specific decision tree.

• How to Roll Over a 401(k) to an IRA: Step-by-Step (Avoid the 20% Tax Trap)
  June 12, 2026

  Rolling over a 401(k) to an IRA is one of the most consequential financial moves in your FIRE journey. Get it wrong and you can trigger a 20% withholding tax + 10% penalty. Here's how to do it right.

• Best Rollover IRA for FIRE Investors (2026): Selector Tool + 6-Broker Breakdown
  June 12, 2026

  Choosing where to roll over your 401(k) is one of the highest-leverage decisions for a FIRE investor. We compare 6 top brokerages on fees, Roth conversion support, and investment choice — and quantify the lifetime cost of getting it wrong.

• Best IRA Account for a Roth Conversion Ladder (5-Year Rule Friendly)
  June 12, 2026

  The Roth conversion ladder is the standard FIRE strategy to access retirement funds before 59½. But not all IRA custodians handle it well. Here's how to choose.