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Personal finance glossary

Barista FIRE

Definition

A partial version of FIRE where investments cover most, but not all, living costs, and a low-stress or part-time job bridges the gap, often chosen for the health insurance as much as the paycheck.

Why it matters

It converts retirement from an all-or-nothing date into a sliding scale: every additional sum invested permanently shrinks the income you must earn. Health coverage is usually the real reason people pick it over full early retirement.

Example

With $600,000 invested, a 4% withdrawal covers $24,000 of a $40,000 lifestyle. A part-time job covering the remaining $16,000, with employer health insurance, makes the plan work decades before a full portfolio would.

Put it into practice

Related terms

This definition is educational, not financial, legal, or tax advice. U.S. rules and limits change; verify time-sensitive details with official sources. See our disclaimer.

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