Pace — what moves you forward
FIRE · BasicsYour pace is the speed at which your wealth grows. It is fed by two sources: what you save (savings rate) and what your wealth earns for you (compound interest).
The ratio shifts over time:
🚲 Uphill (early phase)Little wealth, a high savings rate: you are pedaling, compound interest is still a supporting act. 80–90% of your pace comes from saving.
🛣️ Tailwind (middle phase)Savings rate and compound interest are working roughly on par. You can feel your wealth starting to work for you.
🏔️ Downhill (late phase)Large wealth, compound interest carries most of the load. You could reduce your savings rate and would barely slow down.
🚗 Coast FIREYour wealth is large enough to grow until your FIRE date even without further savings. The car rolls on its own.