Do you consider contributions to 529s (HSAs if you have them), and in my situation, payments on commercial real estate loans “investing?” Essentially, should these be included in my 20% or do these fall into another category and I need to increase my savings elsewhere?
529s, no. That money is earmarked for your children's education, not your retirement. Good for you for doing it, though.
HSA, maybe. Most likely, you'll be spending it all on healthcare at some point. Some of that will probably be in retirement.
Payment on commercial real estate, yes. That's an investment, not spending, so it counts.
I'd focus less on the number of the savings rate and more on intentional spending. Try to get good value from the dollars you spend, and invest the rest. You'll likely find your savings rate exceed 20% if you do, regardless of how you calculate it.
Cheers!
-PoF
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