<prompt> Human: I went from working for the state in France for about 30k to working for a big tech company in Switzerland and earning a base salary of 185kCHF benefits car allowance, stock, and not being used to having money, Im clueless as to what to do. A lot of the advice here seems to be rather US-specific. For the first months, I was planning to use a French Plan Epargne Logement in France, which gives you 1 a year tax-free up to around 60k, with zero risks, and your money locked in for 4 years. But Im thinking maybe its stupid to start with such a low interest rate, and if I want to get anything from compound interest, I should start riskier investments higher returns early?Does anyone have any advice regarding what I could do? Interest rates seem so low these day that I wonder if 1 would be so bad after all. Would investing in low-cost index funds be a good idea at all?Housing in Switzerland seems pretty crazy, with very few units under a million. Doesnt seem doable for now especially since I dont plan on staying in the country forever.  <response>: A lot of the advice here is pretty US specific, but mostly in regards to taxes. A low cost index fund is still the best vehicle for long term savings. The other advice applies very well:Live below your means, have 3-6 months worth of spending saved up and available for emergencies, invest the rest in the most tax-advantageous way that you can, aim for the lowest fee diversified index fund you can get. Good luck! 