BiggerPockets Money Podcast · Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community's target savings number has increased significantly over the past decade, with $1 million once being the benchmark and now closer to $2.5 million or even $5 million. Hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench discuss whether these higher numbers are necessary or if people are becoming overly conservative.
“10 years ago, $1 million was kind of the benchmark for the FI community. Then it became $2 million. Today, I'm hearing $2.5, $3, even $5 million. So, what happened?”
“Are these inflated FI numbers actually necessary or are people being too conservative?”
“Yes, I think that $2.5 million is enough for most people to enjoy true and lasting financial independence, even with a family in this country in most places.”