Fat FIRE: The Bigger Life With More Room to Breathe

What Even Is Fat FIRE?

There’s a very specific kind of person who dreams about Fat FIRE.
They’ve got spreadsheets with tabs labelled “Italy Villa” and “Business Class Points Strategy.” Their ideal day probably involves yoga on a sun-drenched balcony, followed by a leisurely brunch and a weekday massage — all funded by years of careful investing, sky-high savings goals, and maybe a business (or three) along the way.
Honestly? I admire it. These are the people who know exactly what they want — and go after it with quiet, calculated determination. No shame. No apologies. Just spreadsheets, vision, and a surprisingly well-curated wine fridge that’s probably better stocked than most restaurants.

Fat FIRE is financial independence — but with plenty more wiggle room in the budget. Think no-compromise living: nicer homes, longer holidays, upgraded flights, and yes, better snacks and fluffier towels. All while still not needing to work another day — unless you really want to, of course.
Unlike Lean FIRE (which leans hard on minimalism and cutting costs), Fat FIRE is about freedom with a comfy cushion — both literal and financial. It’s the version where you can confidently say “yes” to the fancy cheese, the indulgent spa day, and that heated mattress pad you secretly crave, then walk away from your job without even batting an eye.
Some people want to retire early and live well. Fat FIRE says: “Why settle for one, when you can have both?” And maybe throw in a steam room and a personal barista while you’re at it.

How the Maths Works (and Why It’s Not for Everyone)

Fat FIRE isn’t just about a bigger lifestyle — it means a bigger number. A bigger pot. A longer runway.

The standard FIRE rule of thumb goes like this:

FIRE number = your annual spending × 25

This gives you a rough idea of how much you’d need invested to safely withdraw 4% a year, without running out of money.

Let’s say you’re aiming to spend:

£20,000/year (Lean FIRE) → FIRE number: £500,000
£40,000/year (Comfortable FIRE) → FIRE number: £1 million
£70,000–£100,000/year (Fat FIRE) → FIRE number: £1.75–£2.5 million+

That’s a lot of zeroes. But that’s the whole point. Fat FIRE isn’t about scraping by or settling for “just enough.” It’s about abundance — options, buffers, upgrades… maybe a regular Ocado delivery just because you can, and of course, don’t forget the fluffy towels.

Who Actually Gets There?

Most people chasing Fat FIRE fall into one of two camps:

1. High earners, high savers

They’re pulling in six figures, maxing out pensions, and investing every spare penny. They might still pack their own lunch — but it’s probably organic sourdough with heritage tomatoes, not last week’s takeaway. These folks are laser-focused, fighting through earning days like Neo in The Matrix — dodging lifestyle creep, negotiating pay rises, and mastering the art of financial kung fu. Their income gives them the luxury of choice, and they use it wisely.

2. Slow and steady builders

They’re not in a rush. Happy to work longer, save steadily, and grow their wealth over time. Maybe they love their job. Maybe they’re just very patient. Either way, they’ve chosen comfort and certainty over sprinting to the finish line. For them, Fat FIRE is less about flashing cash, and more about a steady, peaceful build-up to a big, cushy retirement.

What They Have in Common:

Whether they earn big or take the slow road, most Fat FIRE folks share a few key traits:

They know how to budget, invest, and sidestep lifestyle creep — spending on things they love, while cutting costs mercilessly where it doesn’t matter.
They’ve usually sorted their housing situation (owning helps!), and genuinely love where they live — no under-bridge trolls here, thank you very much.
They’re not winging it — they’ve run the numbers, made a plan, and act as CFOs of their own lives, aiming for a big payout down the road.

Fat FIRE isn’t better — it’s just different. It trades time or effort for more space, more comfort, more “yes.”

Personally? I’ve never craved that level of spending. But I get it. I see the appeal of first-class upgrades and early freedom. And if that’s your version of a good life — that’s valid, too.

My Tiny Slice of Fat FIRE

I’ve never chased Fat FIRE myself — not because it’s a bad idea (it’s actually pretty brilliant if that’s your vibe) but because luxury just isn’t my thing. Give me a cosy Airbnb or even a tent, and I’m as happy as someone staying in a four-star hotel… minus the mini-bar prices.

Honestly, I might not even know what I’m missing. Then again, who really needs silk sheets when you’ve got clean socks and a good book?

That said, I absolutely admire those who build the big life with intention and care. Fat FIRE folks aren’t just after early retirement — they want it stress-free, elevated, and on their own terms. And that, I think, is genuinely beautiful.

Even on my slower, simpler path, I do carve out a little comfort. We have a cleaner, which feels like having a tiny, magical fairy on speed dial. It’s hands-down one of the best decisions we’ve made — our home feels lighter, happier, and best of all, it gives us back energy to be present, not resentful.

If I ever did go full Fat FIRE? Well, I’d definitely draw the line at economy flights over five hours. After that, it’s business class or bust — because after a certain age, folding yourself into a pretzel just isn’t a personality trait.

Gentle Questions for the Road

I love that people are chasing Fat FIRE. They’ve got clear goals, they’re working hard, and let’s be honest — having goals and actually hitting them is pretty sexy. There’s something deeply satisfying about setting your sights on a big life and steadily building your way toward it.

But maybe the real point isn’t how much you spend or what your FIRE number looks like. It’s about how clearly you know what you want — and being brave enough to build a life around that.

So, as you reflect on your own journey, here are some gentle prompts to mull over:

If money weren’t a limitation, what part of life would you upgrade — just for joy, comfort, or ease?
What are your little luxuries that you’d love to spend more on? For me, it’s that cleaner — and honestly, it’s like having a small cloud of calm follow me around. I’d love to hear what makes your life feel a bit more indulgent.
What doesn’t need to be upgraded, no matter how wealthy you get?
I always love reading the answers to this one because they make me think harder about what truly matters. For me, it’s simple evenings with family, a good walk, and a cup of tea. Those moments don’t get better with a bigger budget — they just get richer in meaning.
Are you building the version of freedom that actually fits you — or someone else’s idea of success?
It’s easy to get caught up in what other people say freedom should look like. But real freedom is personal. It’s messy, imperfect, and utterly yours.

Whatever your style of FIRE — be it Lean, Fat, or somewhere in between — my hope is that it gives you room to breathe and a life that feels truly, beautifully yours.