How to calculate savings rate for the not mathematically inclined

[badassprof]

Hi everyone:

Just wondering if someone has some thoughts about the best way to calculate our savings rate. Part of our savings is pretax (401ks) and part of it is a dollar amount from take home. How would you calculate that?  Also, do any of you count employer matches or stock options into savings rates or do you just consider that extra? Thanks.

[arebelspy]

Previous discussions on the topic:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/calculating-savings-rate/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/probably-answered-already-but-i-can't-find-it-calculating-your-savings-rate/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/antimustachian-wall-of-shame-and-comedy/how-do-you-calculate-your-savings-rate/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/best-way-to-calculate-to-savings/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/saving-50-of-gross-or-net/

[badassprof]

ha, ha!  Clearly I have some afternoon reading to do!

[marty998]

Probably the wrong question to ask on this forum but does it really matter what your savings rate is?

I reckon a better measure is the concept of "jaws" (think of a big saltwater crocodile). Getting income up and expenses down and progressively growing that gap.

[arebelspy]

Probably the wrong question to ask on this forum but does it really matter what your savings rate is?

I reckon a better measure is the concept of "jaws" (think of a big saltwater crocodile). Getting income up and expenses down and progressively growing that gap.

Just for projections, and measuring progress, and setting goals.

In other words, no, not really.

[dragoncar]

Just for projections, and measuring progress, and setting goals.

In other words, no, not really.

And most importantly bragging

[badassprof]

Probably doesn't matter at all.  I have a goal to improve it by a certain percentage per year, so I want to keep better track than I have in the past.

[arebelspy]

Just for projections, and measuring progress, and setting goals.

In other words, no, not really.

And most importantly bragging

D'oh!

That's twice in one day.

I'm almost to the point of saddle shopping*, or at least shutting my mouth.  :X

*If one man calls you a horse, ignore him. If two men call you a horse, consider it. If three men call you a horse, buy a saddle. -Old Proverb

[dragoncar]

D'oh!

That's twice in one day.

I'm almost to the point of saddle shopping*, or at least shutting my mouth.  :X

*If one man calls you a horse, ignore him. If two men call you a horse, consider it. If three men call you a horse, buy a saddle. -Old Proverb

Lol!  I didn't mean to refer to you specifically.

[velocistar237]

Probably the wrong question to ask on this forum but does it really matter what your savings rate is?

"It turns out that when it boils right down to it, your time to reach retirement depends on only one factor: your savings rate, as a percentage of your take-home pay."
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/

[marty998]

Ha yes i've read the shockingly simple math. But my problem with it is that it is shockingly simple.

What happens if the sharemarket loses 40% in a year? You could have an 80% savings rate and still find yourself going backwards.

You could also end up the other way cutting 3 or 4 more years off your projected retirement date but that is beside the point.

%'s have always been a bugbear for me because it all depends on starting points lowbase/highbase etc etc.

Actual $ values have always mattered more to me, but each to their own

[arebelspy]

You can't control that.  You can control savings rate.

All that matters is the amount you save. By increasing savings rate it incorporates both earning more and spending less, very powerful tools.

[Cinder]

I think we should sticky this post, or add it into the 'case study' thread.  I knew it existed so I found it with a simple search, but it may be useful to other people!

Previous discussions on the topic:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/calculating-savings-rate/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/probably-answered-already-but-i-can't-find-it-calculating-your-savings-rate/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/antimustachian-wall-of-shame-and-comedy/how-do-you-calculate-your-savings-rate/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/best-way-to-calculate-to-savings/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/saving-50-of-gross-or-net/