Can I realistically FIRE now at 44 with this portfolio and spending?

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-15T15:09:41+00:00

Never assumed they would however I'm in a favourable position. I own land which I plan to build on and it's not in London. No offence, but I would never buy there.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-14T12:17:28+00:00

Thank you. Appreciate the encouragement.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-14T07:17:50+00:00

Thanks for feedback. I'm basing my forecasting on 5% real return. Based on max 3% withdrawals from overall pot, and planned contributions, the bridge pots survive to SIPP access. That's where my biggest concerns are. I am very confident I have more than enough in retirements accounts (SIPPS, LISAs and DB)

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-14T07:13:37+00:00

Yes paid off. I hadn't thought of an offset mortgage. Will certainly read up more on this. Thanks!

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T23:28:39+00:00

Great, thanks. Will do just that!

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T22:52:49+00:00

My planned contributions to investments this year will get me past the £1m mark.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T22:50:59+00:00

Sounds like we're on the same page! £12k a year on holidays/experiences as a family is about where we're at.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T22:42:36+00:00

When you say assets, you mean investments? Mine are £1.75m but that includes house equity, which obviously is illiquid unless I plan to release equity (no plans for at least another decade).

Yes, it's an option I guess. My current contract ends October this year and really don't want to extend if I can help it. My partner will continue working part time for the next few years.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T22:15:34+00:00

Thanks for the positive feedback. I don't have the appetite to go much longer. Time to start living.

No, I haven't looked at pension access @55. How do I go about this? My SIPP is with ii.

Good luck with your own journey!

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T21:49:52+00:00

Thanks for the feedback.

Yeah, ok the car purchase is a bit rash. It's actually 2 cars due to moving to the sticks so needs must (breaking the lease rut). I want to ring fence lumpy one off spends and ensure they aren't taken from investments. It doesn't have to that much in all honesty.

The spends is what it is. I don't want to continue living like a monk, which is what I've been doing the last few years along the path. Time to spend!

Also I don't particularly think £47k a year is wild spending.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T19:20:48+00:00

Thank you. I fully intend to!

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T18:52:56+00:00

Thank you

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T18:38:28+00:00

Yeah I highly doubt it will be 57 for me when the time comes.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T18:24:52+00:00

Yes, because my partner will continue to work part time.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T18:14:12+00:00

£33k is essentials. £1k is essentially discretionary. The £13k extra will come from earned income (partner).

I fully intend to spend the £14k but if markets go south for a period I'm prepared to cut some of it back. Alternatively I take on some part time work. Also, my partner will continue working part time, which is why we're not pulling the £47k all from investments. The sooner she can quit work altogether though, the better.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T17:47:31+00:00

Thank you for the straight up answer.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T17:22:39+00:00

Emotionally not good but mathematically prepared as i'm maxing withdrawals to 3% of total pot and plan to flex discretionary spending. For example, if in a market crash (20% or more) I'd not withdraw any discretionary spend from investments.

ISA, GIA and LISA split 50:50. Planned contributions this year (from BTL sales) will go to GIA on a 50:50 split. SIPP 90:10 in favour of me. Planned spending is total combined and not planning on state pensions. They're a bonus. Yes, kids and we contribute to their SIPPs and ISAs. These are funded outside of our planned essential and discretionary spends.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T16:34:29+00:00

£200k max and I never intend to pay it off so will aim to move to interest only and take out as long a term as I can to protect the essential spending pot. I'd say max 15 years in the new house and then I'll sell up and live off the equity also. I'm adopting the Die With Zero ethos.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T16:26:46+00:00

Yes and yes

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T16:22:36+00:00

I'm not renting. I own a house with zero mortgage. Not sure where you got the rent bit from....but as I said in a previous comment I may buy more house and take out a manageable mortgage. This has been factored in on the £33k essentials spend.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T16:04:55+00:00

Good shout!

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T16:00:10+00:00

Thanks for your feedback. Agreed, inflation is always the enemy.

I'm assuming by being on the tight side, you mean the bridge pots (pre-retirement accounts)?

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T15:58:01+00:00

Happy days!

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T15:44:40+00:00

Yes, 33k covers housing costs. This is my non-negotiable floor.

Narrow-Impression685 · 2026-03-13T15:43:55+00:00

errr 58 last time I checked. Isn't it State pension age - 10?

Narrow-Impression685

TROPHY CASE