Save until it hurts just a little bit, and then a little bit more. My wife and I did 50% of our nominal takehome every month in a high COL area. It was fine.

Save until it hurts just a little bit, and then a little bit more. My wife and I did 50% of our nominal takehome every month in a high COL area. It was fine. The more you save, the faster you get to Stage 4.