Ask HN: How much disposable income should you have?

5 points by cunninghamd 12 years ago | 4 comments

I'm curious, how much disposable income should you have, after things like rent/mortgage, car payment(s), groceries, etc.? I know it's subjective, but what are the general budgeting guidelines?

ctb_mg 12 years ago |

I think you'll struggle to find a solid suggestion since disposable income isn't something people directly budget for; it's what's left over after you've ensured everything else is budgeted for.

The thing is, what is your disposable income for? Going out to the movies every weekend? If you enjoy movies that much, why not roll it out of 'disposable income' and into your regular monthly budget?

Or did you have a more refined definition of disposable income?

josephjrobison 12 years ago |

Are you wondering percentage wise or an absolute dollar amount for living in one of the top 10 largest cities in the world or US?

cunninghamd 12 years ago | |

Dollar value of disposable income. Retirement is a good consideration (per the other poster), however I do have a pension plan, so I'm slightly less concerned about that.

Ultimately, I'm considering financing or leasing a (pretty expensive) car, and wonder how short I should leave myself.

sharemywin 12 years ago |

you didn't mention retirement. That should be about 10% of your income.