The Alistair Blog
Stories about the broken world of traditional financial advice, deep dives into our microtools, and updates on what we're building to fix it.
Microtools
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Meet the Healthcare Cost Calculator: The Early-Retirement Expense Everyone UnderestimatesMicrotools
Healthcare is the line item that blows up early-retirement plans. ACA premiums are age-rated, subsidized by income, and reset completely at Medicare. Alistair's calculator shows your real pre-Medicare cost — and the bridge to 65.
Meet the FIRE Calculator Microtool: Know Exactly When You Can QuitMicrotools
The FIRE movement has millions of followers but most calculators give you a single number and bounce. Alistair's FIRE microtool walks you through every scenario — Coast FIRE, Barista FIRE, and the real math behind your number.
Meet the Rent vs. Buy Microtool: Stop Guessing About the Biggest Financial Decision of Your LifeMicrotools
Buying a home is the largest purchase most people ever make — and the advice you get is terrible. Alistair's Rent vs. Buy microtool does the actual math and helps you think through what no mortgage calculator will tell you.
Meet the FI Planner: The Complete Roadmap to Financial IndependenceMicrotools
Most FI calculators stop at your FIRE date. Real life has pensions, Social Security, time-bound expenses, and what-if scenarios. Alistair's FI Planner models them all so your plan holds up against reality.
Meet the Value Matrix: Stop Cutting Costs Blindly — Start Spending on What MattersMicrotools
Most budgeting advice tells you to cut spending. The Value Matrix tells you where to cut and where to spend more — by scoring each category on joy, utility, and alignment with your goals.
Meet the Tax-Loss Harvesting Microtool: Your Portfolio's Hidden Tax RefundMicrotools
Tax-loss harvesting can save investors thousands per year in taxes. Most advisors do it once in December if you're lucky. Alistair's microtool walks you through it anytime — here's how it works.
Meet the Coast FI Calculator: The Number That Changes How You Think About WorkMicrotools
Coast FI is the point where your investments will grow to cover retirement on their own — no more contributions needed. Alistair's calculator finds your Coast FI number and the freedom it unlocks.
Meet the Mortgage Calculator: Your Monthly Payment, DeconstructedMicrotools
That monthly mortgage payment isn't just one number — it's a story about principal, interest, and how banks make their money. Alistair's calculator shows the full amortization schedule and how much that house really costs.
Meet the Compound Interest Calculator: The Eighth Wonder of the World, QuantifiedMicrotools
Compound interest is the most powerful force in wealth building — and the hardest to visualize. Alistair's calculator shows your money's growth path and why starting early matters more than saving more.
Meet the Savings Rate Calculator: The One Number That Predicts Your Financial FutureMicrotools
Your savings rate determines when you reach financial independence more than any other factor — more than your income, more than your investment returns. Alistair's calculator shows your rate and your timeline.