u/millionaireway1900

48M here, currently working full‑time with annual expenses of about $100k, and trying to understand whether BaristaFIRE is a realistic path for me over the next few years. I have around $1.2M in my 401(k) invested for moderate long‑term growth (~6–7%), plus about $250k in taxable investments and $200k saved for my kids’ upcoming college costs.

On the real estate side, I have roughly $400k in equity in my primary home and about $300k in equity across two rental properties, although the rentals are essentially break‑even due to mortgage and maintenance expenses. Excluding college funds, my total net worth is around $1.75M.

Given my current savings and projected growth, it looks like I’m still a few years away from full FIRE, but I may be close to the point where I no longer need a high‑stress full‑time job. My thought is to work a few more years and then transition around age 50 into a lower‑pressure business or part‑time work that brings in $40k–$60k/year. That income would cover a portion of my expenses while allowing my portfolio to continue compounding toward full FIRE in my early‑to‑mid 50s.

For those familiar with BaristaFIRE: based on these numbers, does shifting to part‑time or low‑stress work at 50 seem financially reasonable? And would maintaining even partial income while letting my investments grow untouched be enough to reach full FIRE within a few years? I’d appreciate any insights from the community.

47M here, currently working full‑time with annual expenses of about $100k, and trying to understand whether I’m already at or close to CoastFIRE. I have around $1.2M in my 401(k) invested for moderate long‑term growth (~6–7%), plus about $250k in stock investments and $200k saved for my kids’ upcoming college costs.

On the real estate side, I have roughly $400k in equity in my primary home and about $300k in equity across two rental properties, although the rentals are basically break‑even due to mortgage and maintenance costs. Excluding college funds, my total net worth is around $1.75M as of now.

Given my current savings rate and projected growth, it looks like my retirement accounts alone may grow to a full FIRE number by traditional retirement age even if I stop contributing now — which makes me wonder if I’ve effectively reached CoastFIRE. With layoffs and management changes at work, I’m not very attached to my current job, and I’m considering working only a few more years before shifting to a lower‑pressure business around age 50.

based on these numbers, does it seem like I’ve already hit CoastFIRE or am close to it? And if so, would transitioning to lighter work at 50 still allow my portfolio to compound enough to reach full FIRE in my early‑to‑mid 50s? I’d appreciate any insights from the community.

47M here, currently working full‑time with annual expenses of about $100k, and trying to understand where I stand in terms of CoastFIRE ... I have $1.2M in my 401(k) save past 20 years working, invested moderately for 6–7% long‑term growth, plus about $250k in taxable stock investments and saved for my kids’ upcoming college costs.

On the real estate side, I have around $400k in equity in my primary home and about $300k in equity across two rental properties, although the rentals are currently close to break‑even due to mortgage and maintenance expenses. Excluding college funds, my total net worth is around $1.75M.

Using a $100k annual spend, my full FIRE target at a 3.5–4% withdrawal rate is roughly $2.5M–$2.9M. Based on my current savings and projected 6–7% growth, I’m about 55–60% of the way to full FIRE. However, when I run the numbers for CoastFIRE, it looks like my existing retirement accounts may already be large enough to grow to a full FIRE number by traditional retirement age without additional contributions. That means I may already be at or near CoastFIRE today.

if I were to cover even $40k–$60k of my annual spending through part‑time work or a low‑pressure business starting around age 50, my portfolio could continue compounding in the background and potentially reach full FIRE in mid 50s. I estimate reaching ~$1.9M by age 50, ~$2.2M–$2.4M by 52, and ~$2.5M–$2.8M by 54–55.

Given these numbers, does it seem reasonable to consider myself at CoastFIRE already, and would transitioning to BaristaFIRE or a lower‑stress business around age 50 be realistic while letting my portfolio grow to full FIRE a few years later? I’d appreciate any insights from the community.

Thrilled to share that I passed the CCSP today!

Cleared CISSP three weeks ago, and decided to keep the momentum going by taking on CCSP immediately after.

Coming from a security/risk/grc leadership background with limited hands‑on cloud experience, this exam definitely pushed me — many questions felt super tough and I honestly thought I didn’t make it until I saw the printout.

Study resources that helped me:
• Pocket Prep (~1000 questions, ~75% avg)
• LearnZapp (7 tests, ~80% avg)
• Pete Zerger’s 11‑hour CCSP exam cram
• Claude for concept reinforcement

Grateful for the support and guidance from the community.