I am amazed at how much people are saving. I thought i was doing great, my friends think i am crazy for saving what i do! ("Enjoy Your life" they say. But i see them getting more and more in debt, etc...with new cars and houses...that does not look too enjoyable to me) After reading this forum, see i have a long way to go. This place has inspired me to keep trying though, which is why i felt i should contribute my information too (not sure if its helpful):

Lets See:

Monthly Expenses: ~$2200 (including debt)
Pre-Tax ~19%
Post-Tax ~27%
No Kids, No Wife
Max out my Pension plan (Similar to a 401(k))
Also use a tax-defered 403(b) as a tax shelter. (i wish i could max it out...)
My Net-worth is unfortunately negative because of debt (school loans,small credit card)


I am in my late 20s. I have been thinking of giving up cable, it takes a big chunk of my time (expecially now with the DVR function....something is on ALWAYS!). I can at least shave off around $1000 a year for that, (plus i should really re-invest that time into myself, either for making money on the side, a hobbie, etc)

One of my big expenses are my traveling expenses. During my college years (ended about 2-3 years ago) I was stuck in one city for about 6-7 years, i didnt own a car, or anything (though, I did visit home using the greyhound...home wasnt too far away). I promised myself that i would travel at least twice a year (anywhere in US or Canada...though i am looking into the rest of the Americas). It could be as short as a weekend, or as long as two weeks (I also like renting sports cars during my travels, just for fun).

Between me and my wife we stash aside the following % based off our combined medicare wages:

50% TDSP+EDCP (not including Employer Match)
2.5% IRA
5% 529 Plans
10% Other savings plans

We have 2 little girls, 2 vehicles and a house. Also no debt.

secstate said:VirginiaBob said:10% pretax in 401K which results in 15% with employer match.


Let me guess Virgina Bob you live around the Richmond area and work for a large Tobacco/Consumer Goods Co. I nearly accepted an offer there a few years back but couldn't get around the idea of folks smoking in the office. Otherwise awesome benefits.

No, I'm with the government. It's really the TSP. The match isn't 15%, the match is 5%. I put in 10% out of my paycheck which brings the total to 15%.