The 90%-10% rule

Because I have the world's most annoying accountant--the man has absolutely no sense of humor about meeting deadlines and filing accurately; he is in favor of both--I have already started getting my papers together to help prepare my 2008 tax returns.

Here is something I have noticed in going through my files. I divided by savings/investings into two buckets: Some 90% went to my retirement. The rest to things like my emergency fund and general savings.

I didn't consciously plan it this way, but I think it is a good way to go.

Like you, I am not getting any younger. (I am 54.) And like you, I saw my retirement accounts get hammered last year. (Even with making contributions, I was down 30% year to year.) So, my retirement accounts are a priority.

But with the economy the way it is, who knows if I am going to have work. So, I still need to save outside of my retirement accounts as well.

Would a similar 90%-10% work for you?