FIRE Checklist
Your step-by-step action plan for achieving Financial Independence, Retire Early
0 of 17 items completed
1. Understand what FIRE means
Financial Independence, Retire Early - focus on passive income covering expenses
2. Calculate your FIRE number
Multiply your annual expenses by 25 (4% rule) or use Delphina calculator
3. Start tracking your net worth
Know exactly where you stand financially - assets minus liabilities
4. Create and follow a budget
Track income and expenses to maximise savings rate
5. Build an emergency fund
3-6 months of expenses in easy-access savings
6. Pay off high-interest debt
Credit cards, personal loans - focus on debt elimination
7. Maximise employer pension match
Get free money from your employer before investing elsewhere
8. Max out your ISA allowance
Use your £20k ISA limit for tax-free growth
9. Aim for 50%+ savings rate
The higher your savings rate, the faster you reach FIRE
10. Start investing in low-cost index funds
Global trackers like Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap
11. Diversify across asset classes
Stocks, bonds, property - understand your allocation
12. Consider a side hustle
Increase income through freelancing, consulting, or business
13. Identify areas to reduce expenses
Housing, transport, food - biggest expenses offer biggest savings
14. Set mini-FIRE milestones
£100k, £250k, £500k - celebrate progress along the way
15. Calculate Coast FIRE number
The point where you could stop saving and still retire by 65
16. Consider Barista FIRE
Part-time work covering expenses while investments grow
17. Plan your withdrawal strategy
4% rule, variable percentage, or bucket strategy
Continue Your FIRE Journey
Ready to take the next steps? Use Delphina to track your progress: