I check the calculators a few times each year just to see where I am. I don't get too wrapped up with them because I thought I was about 10-14 years away. This is based on using Cfiresim most of the time.
Yesterday, I checked Cfiresim and it gave me the same answer I have been seeing the last few years. If I want to fire on 70K annually (my Lean FIRE is 40K), I will have wait 13 years. I'm 46, so as usual, it's kind of depressing to think of 59, especially with so many examples of much younger FIREs. Usually, I keep a stiff upper lip and carry on. But today, I tried other calculators and used 70K for all of them.
Firecalc, 95% success rate FIRE at 56. Hmmm...3 years faster than Cfiresim.
Nerdwallet, retire at 55, 6% investment annual return rate
Vanguard, retire at 55, selecting 6% investment annual return rate (which is pretty conservative, right?)
Now, I'm wondering if I have been using Cfiresim incorrectly? For someone doing an older FIRE, 55 versus 59 is a huge difference!
EDIT: Clearly I struggle with math and calculators--had to redo the numbers and the calculators are now giving 55-56 in age. They seem more in line. Thought Vanguard was odd at 52...I was so excited!