[kbob]

Retiring at 35 is an unrealistic goal unless you either inherited a bank or want to live under a bridge. Since you have one income and two kids, saving 3-5% is pretty good.

The easiest way to save money is to have it deducted from your paycheck and routed into a tax-advantaged account (e.g., 401(k)). There's no temptation to spend the money since you never see it. Your savings grow faster since the interest is not taxed. And your employer may match your contributions, which is free money.

If you're in an early-stage startup, that doesn't apply, of course.