PlanFolio Blog
Free guides, comparisons, and resources to help you plan your financial independence journey. Written for the FIRE community, by people who believe retirement should be a choice — not an obligation.
What is FIRE? Complete Beginner's Guide to Financial Independence
Learn what the FIRE movement is, how the 4% rule works, and how to start your journey.
The 4% Rule Explained: Trinity Study Made Simple
Understand the 4% safe withdrawal rule from the Trinity Study. Why 3.5% may be safer.
Lean FIRE vs Fat FIRE: Which Path is Right for You?
Compare Lean FIRE and Fat FIRE lifestyles, costs, and strategies.
Best FIRE Calculator 2026: 8 Free Tools Compared
We tested the top FIRE calculators. Compare features, accuracy, privacy, and UX.
How to Calculate Your FIRE Number (Step by Step)
Learn how to calculate your FIRE number using the 4% rule and 25x rule with examples.
Can I Retire at 45? FIRE Calculator Analysis & Real Numbers
See what it takes to retire at 45: savings rate, nest egg, and lifestyle requirements.
How Much Do I Need to Retire at 50?
FIRE number by spending level from $40K to $100K/year for retiring at 50.
Daily vs Monthly Compounding — Which Grows Faster?
Is daily compounding really better than monthly? See the real numbers.
Retire at 62 vs 67 — What 5 Years Means for Your Nest Egg
Five extra years of contributions and five fewer years of withdrawals.
Should I Pay Off Credit Card or Invest? — The Math
20% APR debt vs 7% market returns. The math answer and the real-world answer.
Are CDs Worth It in 2026? CD Rates vs Inflation
With CD rates at 4.5-5.5%, are certificates of deposit worth it?
How Much Tax Is Taken Out of My Paycheck?
Federal tax, FICA, state tax — see where every dollar goes.
FIRE Number by Age — How Much at 30, 40, 50
See your FIRE number at every age. Tables by spending level.
Savings Rate & FIRE — When Can You Retire?
Your savings rate determines your retirement age. See the math.
72(t) SEPP Explained — Access IRA Before 59½
IRS Section 72(t) penalty-free early withdrawals explained.
1099 vs W-2 — The Real Tax Difference
Self-employment tax, deductions, and take-home pay comparison.
The FIRE Healthcare Blind Spot — $375K Mistake
Forgetting health insurance in FIRE planning. See ACA estimates.
Simple vs Compound Interest – The Real Difference
Simple interest vs compound: which earns more? See the math with examples.
APY vs APR – What is the Difference
APY vs APR: the difference can cost you. Always compare savings by APY.
How Much Should I Save Each Month?
The 20% rule, 50/30/20 budget, and FIRE savings rates compared.
Salary vs Hourly Pay – Which Pays More?
Compare salary vs hourly take-home pay, benefits, and overtime.
Are Balance Transfers Worth It?
Should you transfer your credit card balance? See the math.
How APR Affects Your Loan Payment
A 3% APR difference costs thousands. See real loan payment numbers.
DTI Ratio for Mortgage – What You Need
What debt-to-income ratio do you need for a mortgage?
Why Minimum Payments Keep You in Debt
Credit card minimums are designed to maximize interest. See the real cost.
401k Employer Match – Free Money Explained
How 401k matching works. Do not leave your employer match on the table.