Episode 5 of 6
The FIRE Feasibility Check
Dan and Dana earn $320k and save $94k/year. They run the FIRE model: at what age could they both stop working? The answer depends entirely on whether they stay in NYC or relocate.
Key Insight
At their $13,500/month expense rate in NYC, they need $4.05M at 4% withdrawal. That is age 54. Relocating to a market where expenses drop to $8,500/month, they need $2.55M — achievable by 48. The 6-year difference is entirely explained by New York's cost of living.
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