Your Coast FIRE number is the amount that, invested by a chosen age, could grow to your retirement target on its own, with no new contributions. This calculator estimates it in today’s dollars from your retirement spending, a withdrawal rate, and growth after inflation.

No. It means retirement savings could grow to the target on their own from that point. You still need income to live on until you retire, you just may not need to keep adding to retirement savings.

Real return means growth after inflation. Using it keeps the output in today’s dollars so the number is easier to understand.

The total monthly saving needed from now until your coast age to hit the checkpoint. It replaces your current monthly amount rather than adding to it.

No. They are planning assumptions. Markets, inflation, taxes, fees, and your own spending can all change. Use cautious and optimistic settings to see how sensitive the plan is.

Only include an after-tax annual estimate if you are comfortable using it. CPP, OAS, and pensions depend on personal history and future rules, so leaving them out is simpler and more conservative.

Today’s dollars make the result easier to understand. A $4,500 monthly spending goal means the buying power of $4,500 today, not a larger future inflated amount.