I have seen many different methods of calculating ones savings rate on this forum (all with their merits). Some use gross, some use net, and many include 401K and other factors in their formulas. I try to keep it very simple and just use my take home pay (plus any side income) minus spending. I don't include my 401K and any match. By this method I averaged 41% for 2015 (hope to do better this year). I don't include my 401K as it comes off the top before I ever see it. Maybe I am all wrong , but the way I look at it, if I were to include this then why not include my FICA tax because it comes out of my gross pay also and goes toward future retirement (social security). The point I am trying to get at is that I think the method of calculation used is less important than having a consistent way in which you can measure your progress and keep yourself accountable. I think that sometimes we get so caught up in the details and methodology and forget that it is all in service of a greater goal (financial independence). Just curious is anyone feels the same as I do on this.