Alpine Road Financial · FIRE Planning Tool
You're in. Here's your calculator.
What does that car
actually cost you?
Every dollar you spend today requires a FIRE number to support it forever — and sacrifices years of compounding. Plug in your real numbers below.
Your Numbers
Adjust to match your situation. Defaults assume age 45, retiring at 65, 7% market growth.
The Full Math
Step-by-step, what each option demands from your financial independence number.
Step 1
Monthly cost
All-in cost of ownership per month
Step 2
Annual cost
Monthly × 12
Step 3 — FIRE Number
Portfolio needed to cover this expense forever
Annual cost × 25 (4% safe withdrawal rate)
Step 4 — If You Invest the Savings
Monthly savings invested over 20 years at your market return
If you invest the savings instead — at your market return rate
Additional Wealth at Retirement
$599,070
The Real Question
Is that car worth $345,000 on your FIRE number and $599,070 in lost wealth?
Extra FIRE Number Required
$345,000
Lost Wealth by Retirement
$599,070
Your FIRE number grows by the first amount. The second is what you'd build if you invested the savings instead. Both work against you.
Monthly × 12 = Annual cost · Annual × 25 = FIRE Number · Monthly Δ invested monthly = Future Value
Step 2
See a number that surprises you?
The car is one piece of your FIRE plan. If you want to map out the full picture, I offer a free 20-minute intro call. No pitch, no pressure.
Book a Free Intro Call →
Jonathan Nagy · Alpine Road Financial