what is a "normal" amount to have saved in a year?

chauntecleer asked:


Last year I finally achieved a positive net worth for the first time in my adult life (I'm 34). I am not prolifigate or materialistic but due to some unavoidable personal circumstances I've spent the last 8 years paying off almost $200K in unsecured debt. This is SUCH a relief and I have to give myself credit for being disciplined about paying it off. But here's my dilemma.

I am self-employed and made some good money last year but I feel like I ought to have more saved up at the end of the year. I keep track of every single thing I spend money on, business and personal, literally to the penny. So I know what I've spent money on and how much. But while I can see how I ended up with the amount I have, I just can't shake the feeling that I should have saved more.

What I'm wondering is maybe I have cockeyed ideas as to how much I should have saved? ie, maybe I'm being too hard on myself or having unrealistic expectations.

So what I'd like to know is how much does a "normal" person save in a year? ie, not super cheap, not spending crazy, making enough money for thier expenses that they don't have to lay awake at night worrying about paying the rent (been there, done that).

I'm looking for whatever you think, ie a percentage, an actual amount, etc. I don't need advice so much as to re-calibrate my expectations.

thanks very much!

Andrew

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