The FIRE Math for Indian Software Engineers: How Much Do You Actually Need to Retire?

AnushaK — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:17:27 +0000

A good software salary can accelerate financial independence. But long hours, layoffs and burnout raise an important question: how much money would you need before work becomes optional?

Why 25× expenses may not be enough

The traditional FIRE formula is simple:

FIRE corpus = Annual expenses × 25

It comes from the 4% withdrawal rule. However, that rule originated in the US. FinPlann's India retirement guide explains why Indian inflation, healthcare costs and longer retirements call for more conservative planning. Its guide indicates roughly 26× expenses for retirement at 60 and 30× at 55, with higher multiples for earlier retirement.

Three developer scenarios

I used the FinPlann FIRE calculator to compare three illustrative profiles:

Bengaluru engineer: ₹25 LPA salary, ₹80,000 monthly spending, ₹20 lakh invested and ₹9 lakh invested annually. Calculator result: FIRE number - 2,88,00,000 and Estimated Time - 20 Years.

US-based NRI: Planning to retire in India, with ₹2 lakh monthly spending, ₹1 crore invested and ₹30 lakh invested annually. Calculator result: FIRE number - 7,20,00,000 and Estimated Time - 15 Years.

Freelancer: ₹60,000 monthly spending, ₹10 lakh invested and ₹3.6 lakh invested annually. Calculator result: FIRE number - 2,160,00,000 and Estimated Time - 30 Years.

These are assumptions, not predictions. Spending is the starting point not the salary.

Don't ignore the hidden costs

Healthcare, lifestyle inflation and currency movements can derail an otherwise sensible plan. NRIs should also consider where they'll retire and which currency will fund their expenses.

What would change your FIRE target most: lower spending, higher savings or retiring later?

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only; not financial advice.

Silver ETF vs Physical Silver vs Silver Fund of Funds: What Should Indian Investors Buy in 2026?

AnushaK — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:52:21 +0000

Silver has transitioned from a traditional precious metal into an indispensable industrial commodity. Indian investors are adding white metal allocations to hedge against equity volatility and inflation. However, deciding how to gain silver exposure is just as critical as the decision itself.

Three Ways to Own Silver in India

1. Physical Silver
Physical silver offers tangible ownership with zero counterparty risk. However, it is the most expensive route. You pay 3% GST upfront, plus 3% to 15% in making charges that you never recover when selling. Add bank locker fees or insurance, and holding physical silver creates a heavy ongoing cost drag.

2. Silver ETFs
Silver ETFs trade on stock exchanges and track 99.9% pure domestic silver. They bypass GST and making charges entirely. You pay a low annual Expense Ratio of 0.35% to 0.60%. Tax-wise, ETFs hold a key advantage: gains qualify as Long-Term Capital Gains (taxed at 12.5%) after holding for just 12 months.

3. Silver Fund of Funds (FoF)
Silver FoFs invest directly in underlying Silver ETFs. They allow you to set up automated monthly SIPs using standard mutual fund apps without needing a demat account. Total expense ratios are slightly higher (0.60% to 1.10%), and long-term tax status kicks in after 24 months.

Which Should You Choose?
Physical Silver: Best for family gifting, jewelry, or holding offline assets.

Silver ETFs: Best for active demat account holders seeking the lowest costs, intraday trading, and a shorter 12-month tax window. How to choose silver ETFs

Silver FoFs: Best for hands-off investors who prefer simple monthly SIPs without a trading account.

Also find more financial calculators.

DEV Community: AnushaK

The FIRE Math for Indian Software Engineers: How Much Do You Actually Need to Retire?

Why 25× expenses may not be enough

Three developer scenarios

Don't ignore the hidden costs

Silver ETF vs Physical Silver vs Silver Fund of Funds: What Should Indian Investors Buy in 2026?