FIRE movement outlines savings needed for early financial independence

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement encourages aggressive saving and long‑term investing so individuals can stop relying on a monthly salary.

Participants often set aside 50‑75 % of their income and target a portfolio that can fund their living costs. The widely used “Rule of 25” states the needed nest‑egg should equal 25 times annual expenses, allowing a 4 % yearly withdrawal rate. For example, annual spending of 100 000 lei would require roughly 2.5 million lei.

Born in the 1990s after the publication of “Your Money or Your Life,” the approach does not always mean quitting work; many adherents continue part‑time or pursue passion projects once financial independence is achieved.