367 | How to Calculate Your FI Number: Retirement Planning Basics

Most retirement calculators are lying to you—they base your FI number on income, not on what you actually spend. Brad and Jonathan break down why this matters and how to fix it. If you spend $40,000 annually, you need $1 million to retire comfortably using the 4% withdrawal rule. That's your real FI number—not some inflated figure based on replacing your current salary. The hosts walk through the math, expose common calculator flaws, and explain why understanding your actual expenses (including taxes and insurance) is the foundation of any realistic retirement plan. The discussion also covers financial advice for recent graduates: start 401(k) contributions immediately, avoid charging more on credit cards than you can pay off monthly, and resist lifestyle inflation. A high savings rate from the beginning compounds over decades, making early career choices disproportionately powerful. Key Takeaways Understanding Your FI Number: Your FI number is determined by your actual annual expenses. Spending $40,000 per year means aiming for a $1 million FI number. Starting 401(k) Contributions Early: Begin contributions with your first paycheck to maximize growth through compounding and employer matching. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation: Maintaining a modest lifestyle significantly increases your savings rate. Chapters [00:00:12] Introduction and Episode Overview [00:01:05] Audience Feedback Interaction [00:07:01] Understanding Annual Expenses [00:08:22] Common Misconceptions with Retirement Calculators — Traditional retirement calculators often rely on current income rather than actual expenses. [00:32:09] Financial Lessons for College Graduates Key Quotes "Understand your FI number through your expenses." [00:20:03] "High savings rates lead to financial security." [00:41:06] "Keep your lifestyle in check to boost savings!" [00:41:45] Action Items Calculate your annual expenses accurately to set your FI number. [00:20:03] Start 401(k) contributions early in your career. [00:33:17] Develop a personal budgeting system to track expenses and savings. [00:41:06] Terminology FI number: The amount of money needed to retire, typically calculated by multiplying annual expenses by 25. [00:20:03] Retirement calculator: Tools used to estimate savings needs based on income and expenses. [00:08:22] Flexible spending rules: Strategies that allow spending adjustments based on market conditions and personal circumstances. [00:32:28] Related Resources Episode 176: Flexible Spending Rules ▶ Listen Next: Ep. 368 — Goal Setting for Financial Independence Part 1 | Essential Listening