re: What retirement savings balance is your goal, and by what age?

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Not to imply this is what you are doing, butthe Dave Ramsey method works. I did this, got focused on my debt, got rid of it, and had no mortgage for 8 years. Allowed me to be more aggressive towards saving for retirement.

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It's probably the best method for most people. Now all the "gurus" can pick it apart, but like I said, each person and situation is different. I don't have any issues managing debt and saving/investing. If I can get cheap money, and know I can earn more with it than I'm paying in interest(especially if it's tax deductible interest), I have no problem letting the bank's money work for me. But I'm not upside down on anything and have the equity and cash flow to handle the payments if shite hits the fan. I abhor having debt, but I'm also rational and pragmatic with my money decisions. I make a plan and stick to it and I'm not scared to "lose" money. Can't hit a homerun with every swing. And I don't consider myself as highly risk tolerant. But as my financial status has improved and prospered, I'm feel more comfortable taking some shots and I go in the the mindset that the it will go to zero and I'll lose it all. If hit hits though... But I do that will a small portion of my wealth. Overall I haven't done anything special except started investing young, lived well below my means (even if it seemed OT Baller to some), kept my debt to a minimum and stuck with my plan.