FIRE and the 4% rule
FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) means covering living costs entirely with returns from your assets. The 4% rule, from a US study (the Trinity Study), is a rule of thumb that withdrawing 4% of retirement assets each year has a low chance of running out over 30 years. So the assets needed are roughly annual living costs × 25.
3 ways to get there sooner
- Raise your savings rate: it matters more than returns. Find money leaks first with the budget book.
- Cut taxes: keep more of the same returns after tax with pension savings, IRP and ISA
- Build side income: reward apps, selling templates and more
Korea has variables like the national pension and health insurance premiums, so also try a more conservative 3–3.5% withdrawal rate. Investment returns aren't guaranteed.