Interesting that you forgot to mention the most important number—even after the article focused on it.
How much are you going to spend each year when you retire?
If you can nail down a solid budget then you will have a much better handle on where you stand.
I have never used a hard and fast budget and do not use one now. I know what my income is and what my credit card balance is now and if I get a gut feeling we are spending too much, I rein it in so I can pay off the Amex every month.