Reply to Critique my budget, please. Need to increase retirement savings.

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]HHI = $145k. No debt other than mortgage. We have a strong emerg fund but only ~$100k in retirement savings (early 30's). Saving about 8%/year towards retirement so I know it needs to increase.
Current net monthly = $8400 after medical and 401k

[b]Expenses:[/b]
- $2500 PITI 
- $1000 groceries/food
- $500 utilities, cell phones
- $160 biweekly cleaning 
- $1300 daycare for one infant
- $250 gas/car insurance/life insurance
- $400 shopping/gifts/charity
- $100 pet
- $300 health-related expenses (copays, pharmacy, gym)
- $400 extra (travel, home repairs, etc)[/quote]

I would suggest making travel, home repairs, etc. part of your savings plan. You shouldn't have $400 for those expenses AND $400 for shopping, etc. It seems like close to $1000 a month is flying out the door on extras and that could be reigned in.

Your health expenses are high too, not sure how much of that is the gym. We are in the same ballpark as you and had to choose btwn cleaning and the gym (we chose cleaning). If you are not using a low-cost cell carrier, switch to one.[/quote]

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