Volume 16: The Lockshield Letter
Mar 31, 2026
Episode 14: Savings Rate
How Much Should You Save
Episode Description
In this episode, we focus on one of the most important—and most controllable—parts of financial success: your savings rate. At its core, your savings rate is simply the percentage of your income that you consistently set aside, and it all starts with learning to live within your means. We talk about why hitting that 10% mark is a strong foundation, why 15% is even better for long-term retirement goals, and how small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.
We also emphasize the power of starting early, even with your very first paycheck, and how time can become one of your greatest assets when it comes to building wealth. Creating the habit of saving early and often helps set the tone for your entire financial future. Sometimes it’s less about how much you start with and more about getting started at all—following the mindset of “start where you are, with what you have.”
Finally, we discuss simple strategies to make saving easier and more automatic, including using auto-increase features to gradually boost your savings rate over time. By building consistency and removing friction, you can put yourself in a position to grow your savings steadily without having to rely on willpower alone.
Recent Podcasts
Tips, advice, and more
Episode 14: Savings Rate
How Much Should You Save
Episode 13: Distribution Rate
Understanding Distribution Rates
Episode 12: Survivor's Benefits
Survivor Benefits Explained
Episode 11: Social Security Basics
Fundamentals of Social Security