How to Save Enough by 30 to Coast to Early Retirement

Your 20s are the most powerful decade for building wealth, thanks to the magic of compound interest. By front-loading your savings and reaching your COAST FIRE number by 30, you can achieve something most people only dream of: financial freedom from the stress of retirement planning.

The Math Behind COAST FIRE by 30

To understand how much you need to save by 30, let's work backwards from typical retirement goals. Assuming a 7% annual return and retirement at 65, here's what you need by age 30:

Real-World Success Stories

Case Study 1: Sarah, Software Engineer

Case Study 2: Marcus, Teacher

The 5-Step Strategy to Save Enough by 30

Step 1: Set Your Specific Target

Don't aim for a vague "save more" goal. Calculate your exact COAST FIRE number based on your desired retirement lifestyle. Use our calculator to determine precisely how much you need by age 30.

Step 2: Maximize Your Income in Your 20s

Income optimization strategies that work:

• Aggressive career advancement: Job hop every 2-3 years for 15-25% raises
• Skill development: Invest in high-value skills (coding, sales, project management)
• Side income streams: Freelancing, tutoring, part-time remote work
• Geographic arbitrage: Work remotely from lower cost-of-living areas

Step 3: Live Like a College Student (But Smarter)

The biggest wealth-building hack in your 20s is keeping your lifestyle inflation minimal:

Step 4: Invest Aggressively and Consistently

Your investment strategy should be simple but powerful:

• Max out tax-advantaged accounts first: 401(k) match, then Roth IRA, then more 401(k)
• Use low-cost index funds: Total stock market or S&P 500 index funds
• Automate everything: Set up automatic transfers so you can't spend the money
• Don't try to time the market: Consistent investing beats perfect timing

Step 5: Track Progress and Adjust

Monitor your progress monthly and make adjustments. If you're behind target at 25, you still have 5 years to catch up through increased income or reduced expenses.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: "I Can't Save 50% of My Income"

Solution: Start with what you can do. Even saving 30% puts you ahead of 95% of people. Gradually increase your savings rate as your income grows.

Challenge: "I Have Student Loans"

Solution: Balance loan payoff with investing. If your loan interest rate is below 6%, prioritize investing. Above 6%, focus on loan payoff first, then catch up on investing.

Challenge: "I Want to Enjoy My 20s"

Solution: Budget for fun, but be intentional. Spend money on experiences that matter, cut ruthlessly on things that don't. Remember: sacrificing 8 years for 35+ years of freedom is a good trade.

The Compound Interest Magic

Your 30-Day Action Plan

The Mindset Shift

Achieving COAST FIRE by 30 requires a fundamental mindset shift from consumption to investment. Instead of asking "Can I afford this?", start asking "What is this costing me in future freedom?"

Every $1,000 you don't save by age 30 becomes $18,000+ less at retirement. That expensive car payment or fancy apartment isn't just costing you money now— it's costing you years of potential freedom later.

Start Today, Not Tomorrow

The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Every month you delay starting costs you exponentially more in required future savings.

Your 20s are your superpower decade for wealth building. Use them wisely, and you'll thank yourself for the next 40+ years.