Fat FIRE
Financial independence at a comfortable or affluent spending level, requiring a larger portfolio.
Fat FIRE is the opposite end of the spectrum from Lean FIRE: financial independence without cutting your lifestyle. You target a spending level that supports comfort, travel, generosity, or simply not tracking every dollar — which means a larger FI Number and usually a longer or higher-earning accumulation phase.
The advantage is resilience and flexibility. A bigger portfolio relative to spending means a lower effective withdrawal rate, more cushion against bad markets, and room for the budget to flex. The cost is the additional time or income required to get there.
This definition is general information to help you understand a term, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures that change year to year (limits, thresholds, rates) should be confirmed against current official sources. For guidance on your situation, a licensed fee-only fiduciary is the right next step.