What is a reasonable amount to save and invest? I keep reading 10% minimum, but 10% of what, gross or net? And is that really enough?

It's really a combination, how much should you save when. If you are young, saving and investing a small amount will pay off big in the future. Unfortunately, that's the time when most people are least likely to save.

The more the better! You need to spend some time researching investments or getting help from a professional adviser.

The earlier you start the better. You also need to factor in that you will probably want to buy a house at some stage, which you will need at least 10 per cent of the purchase price.

yes you are absolutely correct

The people I know who have done the best financially are the ones that really pay attention to everything. They keep on top of their investments, look for bargains, try to save more, and work hard to increase their income. The ones who don't do as well are those that, like me, tend to ignore one of them. I hunt for bargains, but use the extra money to spend on other bargains. I think I save the same dollar amount every month that I saved two years ago.

I try to make everything as automatic as possible. That advice to pay yourself first works. If you think of saving as the same thing as having your tax taken out, you don't make plans to spend it.

It is hard to say.
Although if you have an idea it will usually dictate you saving and investment circle. The seriousness of your commitment will further define your involvement.
cheers
AL

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AL
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Find an amount that you are comfortable with, commit to doing it and pay your self first! Though if you have consumer debt like credit cards you don't clear every month pay those off first!

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Lis Moving to Australia

The '10% you keep reading' might be referring to compulsory superannuation?

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Hi

Sorry to bring up this topic again, since I just popped in and can't help to giving out some thoughts.

IMHO, it's not the matter of how much, but more importantly is when. We might wait for 10 years to accumullate $1000 to save. Instead, why don't we start up with 50 cents everyday ? When we accumulate the whole amount, within 10 years time, we already get $1,800 to save, which is almost double our previous amount.