[Temoin la Nuit]

Just curious after seeing the financial security thread..

And also let's hear about your spending habits, whether you live at home, etc.

For myself, I rent a little studio downtown.. after tax, I save around 55-60% of my income a month. Most of that goes to a mix of degearing my portfolio and production supplies (jewelry stuff). Yeah.. I don't really spend that much..

*Hmm.. It didn't post my poll.. ah well.

[Suggestausername]

I'm a student, and so far I've been a bit negligent, haven't really saved any money at all yet
But when I graduate and start a real job, I'm going to make a practice of always saving at least 10% of my income.

[A.Wesker]

i guess i save alot

i have 2 jobs ... the job on the weekend pays cash which allows me to pay for the transport and food for myself for the week, although i need to spend some of my income to take care of my sis/bro

[Wayves]

I save 50 percent and spend 50 percent.

[badboy yardy]

my wife and i have been saving 80% of our income the past year or so. the catch is that we still live in a small apt and we don't go out that much. lol

[dot1q]

I own and live in a small 3br house. I save/invest about 40%. Me and my wife actually spend minimal on luxuries (car, clothes, jewelry, dining out, etc) and I could probably save a lot more (50%+), but I have this bad habit of purchasing "techy" things which easily makes up for both of us not splurging on luxuries.

You can edit the topic and add the poll.

[ganbatte]

I save about 20% total - 5% cash and invest 15% on stocks. The stocks went down over 50% in past year . I'm actually OK with it because I consider it as a long term investment, I'm sure it will go up later.

[Pogichinoy]

I own a 1 bedroom apartment and after the mortgage, utilities, phone, groceries, and public transport, I save up 25% of my income.

That goes towards entertainment.

[thewhereabouts]

You guys make me look fiscally irresponsible.

5% 401K
15% savings

80% gone in two weeks

[little mixed girl]

uhm 0%.

i'd love to save, but i am *the* breadwinner for the family now, so i gotta send $$ home to pay my loans, bills, etc and take care of my stuff here in japan.
i guess if i turned down the enkais, got rid of the internet, uhhmmm....stopped buying small things, i might be able to save some money...
that i would turn around and spend on a plane ticket back home.

[be_mellow]

save 70%, spend 30%....I think it's reasonable for me.

[mpham725]

everyone sounds so responsible...

my paycheck disappears pretty quick. I don't really know what I spend it on either, which is the sad part. I think since I've moved back with my mom I have the urge to spend money on myself since I don't have to worry about anyone else. I should start putting money in my 401k since my company has one or I should just keep money in my savings.

[dot1q]

It's really easy to say now that 401k can be debatable given the current economy, but in the end, it's a long term investment and you should have been contributing to it long before the economy was bad. In addition, you should still continue to be contributing to it as well. Most companies give some kind of match percentage and thats just free additional money. To me, it's 401k first then anything else you want to contribute to.

[mpham725]

It's really easy to say now that 401k can be debatable given the current economy, but in the end, it's a long term investment and you should have been contributing to it long before the economy was bad. In addition, you should still continue to be contributing to it as well. Most companies give some kind of match percentage and thats just free additional money. To me, it's 401k first then anything else you want to contribute to.

Yeah, a 401(k) in the end is a pretty good way to invest your money. This is the first job I've had that has a 401(k) plan. I should actually be contributing since I work at a TPA 401(k) firm. and most companies do have a match to your contribution, some places depend on how long you've been there, you get a vested amount. And it's pretty nice because some plans allow for you to take money out as a loan or hardship whenever needed.

[l3lo]

i save my whole entire paycheck and take out what i just need to pay off-rent, food, and transportation.
now, don't get me wrong, i do spend my money but when i do i have this little 'spend' thermometer.
i have a limit. i could spend $100-150 in one day but save what i make in one month. its a good plan
especially for shopaholics. splurge what you can in one day or so and save whatever you make in a month
or even more. you need to get it out of your system in order to feel secured.

[SeX1eStAsaBa]

I live at home and save 55%. I'm trying to go for 60% so I've stopped eating out. I've bought groceries for myself and spent $100 for 1 month. Hopefully that'll help me save.

[HSuke]

I live at home and save 55%. I'm trying to go for 60% so I've stopped eating out. I've bought groceries for myself and spent $100 for 1 month. Hopefully that'll help me save.

^ Woah, how do you survive on $100/month? I am impressed. I probably save around 60-70%, though I easily spend 10X that amount.

[Happening.Inc]

I try to save at least 20-25% of was I earn on each pay check and leave the remaining to buy for bills and expenses. Towards spending, i tend to spend more than i need to at times but i am limiting myself this year, and so far been pretty stable at doing so.

[i'm lagging yo]

I live at home and save 55%. I'm trying to go for 60% so I've stopped eating out. I've bought groceries for myself and spent $100 for 1 month. Hopefully that'll help me save.

uh wow... i spent that much in less than one week... and that's only eating out a couple times plus one credit card payment lol

[emma007]

I take out what I need to pay any bills I have and then the rest goes into my savings account.