Retire Early, Live Free—Rethinking FIRE, Indian Style

The FIRE movement—financial independence, retire early—is fast gaining ground in India as more people seek freedom from corporate life.

- Rushi Anandan

But with evolving work norms, healthcare needs and financial uncertainties, adapting FIRE to Indian realities requires a different playbook.

The core tenets: FIRE is about achieving financial independence by saving and investing enough to support your lifestyle without active income. It follows a three-pronged approach: save aggressively, spend frugally, and invest wisely. Advocates aim for a savings rate of 50% or more, and investments generating passive income. The goal is to reach a "crossover point" where passive income exceeds living expenses, enabling early retirement. This isn't a one-size-fits-all model, especially in India, where cultural attitudes around money are shaped by familial obligations, social expectations, and economic disparities, demanding a shift in traditional mindsets.

India-specific challenges

Rising expenses and inflation: Rising living costs are the biggest hurdle to FIRE in India, with inflation in essentials like health, education and housing posing a major challenge.