What is a good savings rate for my age?

General rule: save 15-20% of income from your 20s onward. If starting in your 30s, aim for 20-25%. If starting in your 40s, aim for 30-40%. The later you start, the higher your rate needs to be due to lost compounding time. The best savings rate is the highest one you can sustain.

Should I count employer 401k match in my savings rate?

Yes. Employer match is part of your total compensation and counts toward savings. If you save 10% and your employer matches 5%, your total savings rate is 15%. Always contribute enough to get the full match - it's free money with instant 100% return.

How does savings rate compound over time?

A 10% savings rate with 7% returns grows to 1x annual expenses saved in ~5 years, 5x in ~18 years, 10x in ~27 years, and 25x (FIRE) in ~43 years. Doubling the rate to 20% cuts FIRE time to ~32 years. At 50%, FIRE in ~17 years. Rate matters more than returns.

Should I pay off debt or save?

High-interest debt (credit cards over 15% APR): pay it off first (guaranteed return). Mid-interest debt (student loans 4-7%): invest if expected returns exceed interest rate. Low-interest debt (mortgage under 4%): invest, especially in tax-advantaged accounts. Emergency fund (3-6 months expenses): save before investing.

What is the 50/30/20 budget rule?

The 50/30/20 rule allocates 50% of after-tax income to needs (housing, food, utilities), 30% to wants (entertainment, travel, dining out), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. It's a simple starting point - adjust based on your goals and cost of living.

How do I increase my savings rate without feeling deprived?

Focus on the big three: housing (30% of income or less), transportation, and food. Automate savings so you never see the money. Cut subscriptions you don't use. Use cash-back apps. The goal is mindful spending, not deprivation - spend extravagantly on what you love and cut mercilessly on what you don't.

What savings vehicles should I use?

Order of priority: 1) Emergency fund (3-6 months in HYSA), 2) 401k up to employer match, 3) Roth IRA (or Traditional IRA), 4) Max out 401k, 5) HSA (triple tax-advantaged), 6) Taxable brokerage. Each has different tax advantages and withdrawal rules.

How does inflation affect my savings goals?

Cash savings lose purchasing power to inflation (~3% annually). A $50K goal today will need $67K in 10 years at 3% inflation. That's why long-term savings should be invested in assets that outpace inflation (stocks, real estate) rather than sitting in a savings account earning 1-4%.

貯蓄率計算機

収入と支出に基づいて貯蓄率と目標達成までの期間を計算します。