Your take-home pay from teaching
$
Your total yearly spending
$
403(b), Roth IRA, and other investments
$
Average annual return (7% is historical stock market average)
3%7%12%
4% is standard; teachers with pensions may use higher
3%4%5%
$900,000
Your FIRE Number
17.2
Years to FIRE
45
FIRE Age
25%
Savings Rate
$1,000
Monthly Investment
Wealth Accumulation Over Time
💡 Key Insights for Teachers
  • Your savings rate puts you on a solid path to FIRE
  • Consider summer tutoring or curriculum work to boost income
  • At your FIRE number, you can safely withdraw $36,000/year

FIRE Strategies for Teachers

  • Max your 403(b): Many districts offer matching - don't leave free money on the table
  • Use your pension strategically: Your pension may reduce the amount you need to save
  • Summer income: Tutoring, curriculum writing, or summer school can significantly boost savings
  • Consider Roth: Teachers often retire in lower tax brackets - Roth accounts can be advantageous
  • Healthcare planning: Factor in health insurance costs before your pension kicks in

FIRE Calculations for Teachers

As a teacher pursuing FIRE, you have unique advantages: job stability, pension benefits, and summers that can be used for additional income. This calculator helps you plan your path to financial independence.

FIRE Number = Annual Expenses / Safe Withdrawal Rate

Pension consideration: If you have a teacher's pension, your required FIRE number may be lower. A pension covering $20,000/year reduces your FIRE number by $500,000 (at a 4% withdrawal rate).

Average teacher salary: The national average teacher salary is around $65,000 gross ($48,000-52,000 after tax). Salaries vary significantly by state and years of experience.

Effective FIRE Number = (Expenses - Expected Pension) / Withdrawal Rate

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and may contain errors or inaccuracies. This tool does not constitute professional financial, investment, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, and you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, accountant, or other professional before making any financial decisions. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the calculations or results provided.

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