Patterns · July 31, 2025

spend less than 10k a year

$10,000 a year is $833 a month. It’s below the federal poverty level, and as such you could earn more than twice your expenses and pay no income tax. You’d also likely qualify for subsidized health insurance in the US.

  • An FI stash at 25x (4% withdrawal rate) is $250,000.
  • An FI stash at 33x (3% withdrawal rate) is $330,000.

For an 85% Savings Rate, your annual income would need to be $66,667

Here’s a sample $10k/yr or $844 a month expense breakdown:

  • Shelter/Rent: $400 (includes utilities)
  • Food: $200
  • Transportation: $100
  • Health: $0
  • Phone: $20
  • Misc: $80

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