Difference between lean F.I.R.E. and fat F.I.R.E.

If you are a F.I.R.E. enthusiast, you must have heard the terms lean and fat F.I.R.E. If you are absolutely new to the F.I.R.E. movement, the core philosophy is discussed in this post.

There are two ways people look at F.I.R.E. First, they can retire as soon as possible and live off their savings with a minimalistic lifestyle. This is what is called lean F.I.R.E. The other approach is to live a lifestyle without cutting corners and, in fact, a better quality of life. This is called fat F.I.R.E. Living a minimalistic lifestyle is not a bad idea and is not inferior. It is just a lifestyle choice that one makes.

Going for fat F.I.R.E. may require significantly more effort and a longer time horizon to retire than going for lean F.I.R.E. as it will require building more passive income-generating streams. Though, in theory, fat F.I.R.E. sounds like a more promising and desirable way to F.I.R.E., it does not guarantee a better quality of life than lean F.I.R.E.

The quality of life depends on several non-monetary investments, such as your health, relationships, and willingness to enjoy life.

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