what is a good way to save. What percentage should go to savings gas food entertainment?

Giovanna Sherlin: "Pay yourself first" is a good way to go. Savings of 10-15% should come off the top, be put in the bank or credit union until you have a fair amount saved up as an emergency fund (8 months' living expenses). If your company has a 401k, contribute the max, then personal savings in addition, up to the 10-15% level. Gas: probably can't change this.Food: $50-100/week for a single person, not including eating out.Entertainment: 5-10% depending on how active your social life is (and if you're looking to find a wife!). For comparison, here's a chart with average expenditures for an "average" American (48 years old, with a family):http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/14/the-s...Here's another that gives less info about "who" is doing the spending:http://www.bts.gov/publications/pocket_guide_to_tr...Anyway, this will give you some idea of what "average" is. good luck!...Show more

Solomon Belback: At least 15% of your every pay check should go dire! ctly to your savings. For essentials like gas, food, bills etc. keep aside around 50% of your check. Rest 35% you can spend on entertainment and other stuff.