<prompt> Human: Hey guys, long time lurker. I just wanted to say thank you to those that are very active here and try to get everyone on the right path. Ive always been a bad manager of my money. I would never go in debt, but I would spend all I had every paycheck. At least I was smart enough to make my 401k automatic. But past that I had no savings. I started poking around here last year on my 23rd birthday wondering where Im supposed to be. I had no idea how I was ever going to buy a house. My eyes were quickly opened. I stopped eating out. I got in shape. I cut cable which I never really used anyways. I did everything that you all were giving as advice to other people. Because I was too chicken to post myself. It has been a year and a half. I now have a solid 4 month emergency fund, some investments about to hit 2k and growing a few hundred every month, and I feel great. But nothing prepared me for today. My boss called me in with a very stern look on his face. Others had already been let go. I was prepared for the worst. Once the door was closed, he smiled and said I didnt want the others upset with you for being rewarded for your hard work and he gave me a 10 raise. I was on orders to leave the office looking sad to hide that I got the raise. It wasnt the raise that surprised me the most. It was that a year and a half ago I would have thought sweet, I can get that car now or some other ridiculous notion. But not today. My first thought today was that I could finally maximize my Roth IRA contributions. It took me a while for the difference in mindset to sink in. And I owe it all to you guys. Dont for one minute think that you arent helping people. Each person you help is one more person that can finally take care of themselves.  <response>: I have only been reading this a couple of months and it was the eye-opener that you just shared for me. These people on this sub really helped me out tremendously in that small window. Unlike you I have CC debt and student loans, but with my new raise I am throwing everything possible at them. About 4x more and I will probably up that soon. This sub has really changed my life. Thank you. 