[rtc1184]

Originally Posted by helomech

I also left home at 17, and know I have 2 kids and a wife that doesn't work (hopefully soon she will be a real estate agent). I am 34 right now and have been putting over 700a mont h into my 401k for the last 11 years. I also have another savings account that I put about 400 a month in. I own my own place 40 acres and a small house. I bought a small used car for 4k and it gets high 30mpg's on the hwy (it's ugly, but has a/c, cruise control, and a radio), so the titan doesn't get driven much. I don't buy any meat, we eat what I kill, or catch, so my grocery bill is low. If I want something I work overtime to buy it, or I don't get it. I will not use my normal income to buy anything that isn't a neccesity. I have no plans on working after the age of 53, that gives me 10 years of working after my youngest son is 18 and on his own.

i have been putting 10% in my 401k for the past 5 yrs. i am only 24, but i have a best friend who is 30 and he helps me out finacially alot(savings, investment, planning, ect.) so for my age im in a crunch sometimes, but in the long run it will(or atleast some) help out with my retirement.