Correct. Even before covid, 50-80% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. Median income and median rent don't leave a lot of wiggle room to hit that 2

Correct. Even before covid, 50-80% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. Median income and median rent don't leave a lot of wiggle room to hit that 20% target. With decently priced health insurance (unlikely), moderately priced beans and rice, and a low TCO used vehicle (since that's usually cheaper than rent close enough to your job and/or public transit) you'll be able to save 25% or so I'll. With any dependents, with average-cost health insurance, or with a host of other common scenarios those savings never actually materialize.