1. Savings rate (25 points)
The most powerful variable in your retirement timeline. 15% is considered the benchmark for a comfortable retirement. You score 25/25 at 15%+ and proportionally below that. Saving 10% scores 16.7/25.
Why 15%? At a 15% savings rate, most people with a typical working life can retire between 60–65. The higher you go, the earlier you can retire — at 50% savings rate, you can retire in roughly 17 years regardless of age.
2. Portfolio progress (25 points)
Compares your current portfolio to where it should be on the path to your retirement expenses × 25 (your FIRE number). The benchmark: 15% of your annual income × years left to retire is a rough guide to on-track portfolio size.
Example: Age 35, retiring at 65 = 30 years left. 15% × income × 30 = roughly the portfolio you should aim to have by retirement start. If you're above that trajectory, you score 25/25.
3. Debt freedom (25 points)
Non-mortgage debt (credit cards, car loans, personal loans, BNPL) is the single fastest drain on wealth-building. Zero non-mortgage debt = 25/25. Debt equal to your annual income = 0/25. Every dollar of high-interest debt you carry is costing you 15–25% per year — guaranteed — while your investments might earn 7–9%.
4. Emergency fund (25 points)
Without an emergency fund, a single unexpected expense forces you to sell investments or take on debt — both of which derail wealth-building. 6 months = 25/25. 3 months = 12.5/25. Zero = 0/25.
Why 6 months? Job loss statistics show most people find new employment within 3–4 months. Six months gives buffer for extended searches or medical events.
This scoring system is a simplified framework, not a personalised financial plan. It doesn't account for pension entitlements, property equity, inheritance, or country-specific retirement structures. Use it as a directional indicator and consult a financial adviser for a full assessment.