import Link from 'next/link'; import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'; import { Separator } from '@/components/ui/separator'; import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from '@/components/ui/card'; import { CoastFireChart } from '@/app/components/charts/CoastFireChart'; import { AuthorBio } from '@/app/components/AuthorBio'; import { FaqSection, type FaqItem } from '@/app/components/FaqSection'; const faqs: FaqItem[] = [ { question: 'What is the main difference between Coast FIRE and Lean FIRE?', answer: 'Coast FIRE focuses on front-loading your savings early so compound interest does the rest—you still work but only to cover current expenses. Lean FIRE means fully retiring but on a minimal budget, typically under $40,000/year.', }, { question: 'How do I calculate my Coast FIRE number?', answer: 'Your Coast FIRE number depends on your target retirement age, expected investment returns, and desired retirement spending. Use the formula: Coast Number = Target FIRE Number ÷ (1 + annual return)^(years until traditional retirement). Our calculator handles this automatically.', }, { question: 'Is Lean FIRE sustainable long-term?', answer: 'Lean FIRE can be sustainable if you genuinely enjoy a minimalist lifestyle and have low-cost hobbies. However, it has less margin for unexpected expenses like healthcare or inflation spikes. Consider building a buffer or having flexible spending categories.', }, { question: 'Can I combine Coast FIRE and Lean FIRE strategies?', answer: 'Absolutely. Many people save aggressively (Lean FIRE mindset) to hit their Coast number early, then switch to a lower-stress job while their investments compound. This hybrid approach offers flexibility and reduced burnout.', }, { question: 'Which strategy is better for someone in their 20s?', answer: 'Coast FIRE often works well for young savers because you have decades for compound growth. Save aggressively for 10-15 years, hit your Coast number, then enjoy career flexibility. Lean FIRE might suit those who want to exit the workforce entirely ASAP.', }, { question: 'What are the biggest risks of each strategy?', answer: 'Coast FIRE risks include poor market returns during your coasting years or lifestyle inflation. Lean FIRE risks include unexpected expenses, healthcare costs, or finding the frugal lifestyle unsustainable over decades.', }, ]; export const metadata = { title: `Coast FIRE vs. Lean FIRE: Which Strategy Is Right For You? (${new Date().getFullYear().toString()})`, description: 'Compare Coast FIRE (front-loading savings) with Lean FIRE (minimalist living). See the math, pros, cons, and find your path to freedom.', openGraph: { title: 'Coast FIRE vs. Lean FIRE: The Ultimate Comparison', description: "Don't just retire early—retire smarter. We break down the two most popular alternative FIRE strategies.", type: 'article', url: 'https://investingfire.com/learn/coast-fire-vs-lean-fire', }, }; export default function CoastVsLeanPage() { const jsonLd = { '@context': 'https://schema.org', '@type': 'Article', headline: 'Coast FIRE vs. Lean FIRE: Which Strategy Is Right For You?', author: { '@type': 'Organization', name: 'InvestingFIRE Team', }, publisher: { '@type': 'Organization', name: 'InvestingFIRE', logo: { '@type': 'ImageObject', url: 'https://investingfire.com/apple-icon.png', }, }, datePublished: '2025-01-20', description: 'Compare Coast FIRE vs Lean FIRE strategies to find your best path to financial independence.', }; return (