Slow FI calculator

Slow FI calculator: how long does FI take if you live now?

Slow FI means aiming for financial independence on a longer timeline so you can take time off, work less, or spend on what matters before you get there. The cost is a later FI date. This page shows how much later.

Pausefi models breaks along the way, so you can see your Slow FI date instead of guessing it.

Calculate your Slow FI date →

Free. No signup. Your numbers stay in your browser.

Slow FI: breaks vs. FI date

Example: you are 30, have $50,000 invested, add $1,500 a month at 7% a year, and want $3,000 a month once you stop working. Working straight through, you reach FI at 48. Each break below lasts 6 months, with $2,500 a month drawn from savings.

FI age with 6-month breaks every 4 years, starting at 32.
BreaksTime offFI ageFI delayOpen in calculator
1 (32)6 months491 yearOpen →
2 (32, 36)1 year49 y 9 m1 year 9 monthsOpen →
3 (32, 36, 40)1 year 6 months50 y 5 m2 years 5 monthsOpen →
4 (32, 36, 40, 44)2 years50 y 11 m2 years 11 monthsOpen →

Is Slow FI worth it?

In this example, 2 years of time off in your 30s and 40s moves FI from 48 to 50 y 11 m. You give up 2 years 11 months at the end in exchange for two years of freedom while you are younger.

There is no right answer, but there is a right way to decide: with your own numbers. Put your savings, returns and planned breaks into the calculator and compare the FI date with and without them.

All figures are computed with the Pausefi calculator using constant returns and no inflation. They are illustrations, not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is Slow FI?

Slow FI is an approach to financial independence that accepts a longer timeline in exchange for a better life on the way: time off, shorter hours or career changes, instead of saving as hard as possible to retire early.

How is Slow FI different from FIRE?

FIRE (financial independence, retire early) optimises for the earliest possible FI date. Slow FI treats FI as a long-term goal and uses some of the freedom earlier. The maths is the same; the trade-offs are different.

How much do breaks delay financial independence?

In our example, two 6-month breaks at 32 and 36 delay financial independence by 1 year 9 months, and four breaks between 32 and 44 delay it by 2 years 11 months. Your result depends on your savings rate, returns and spending.

What withdrawal rate does the Slow FI calculator use?

It uses the 4% rule: you are financially independent when 4% of your invested net worth covers a year of your target spending. You can change your target spending in the calculator.

Related calculators