what are general spending/saving guidelines?

[shibabigk]

I know each situation is unique, but I am curious to know what the suggested numbers are. How much in percent should be saved for retirement? Saved for non retirement? How much should your mortage be, your car payment etc?
Our budgest is good right now I think, but I am curious to know what recommendations are or how you guys distribute your income.

[jIM_Ohio]

If you save 20% and spend 80% of gross you are doing quite well. How you allocate the 20% "savings" can be adapted to taste.

Examples:
Retirement accounts (401ks/IRAs)
paying down debt
cash savings (emergency fund)
real estate (rentals)
fine art/ collectables

[maat55]

I followed the Dave Ramsey approach.

1000 EF.
Payoff all debts
build 3 to 6 month EF
Invest 15% towards retirement
Additional towards college
Then house
Then giving

Typically, you want around 25% or less towards house. 15% towards retirement. I save and pay cash for cars, so I maintain other savings for consumption items.

[kork13]

For savings, I do at least 10% for long-term savings (retirement), 10% for mid-term (home DP for me), and 10% for short-term (car, travel, general spending, etc).

The best rule of thumb I've heard is no more than 25% goes to housing.

I bought my first car on a loan, but now that I've been able to save enough to buy a new car with cash, I plan on never having a car payment again. In general, however, I wouldn't want more than $200-$300/mo on a car payment. When I had my loan, my payments were $225/mo, though I paid $500/mo in order to pay it off faster.

That's just for me, however, and no "rule of thumb" works for everybody. Others like the 50%/30%/20% for needs/wants/savings. Just figure out what works for you, and do that.