<prompt> Human: Nearly every post I see on here seems to be from people looking to spend money on stocks, retirement, home purchases, etc... These things require cash upfront, and I dont know how everyone on here manages to build that wealth and stability so rapidly. Im about two years out of college now and am STILL nearly 15k in debt between college loans and cc. I make regular payments on this debt and I have my spending under control, but its as if Im missing a something here. Dont get me wrong, Im not complaining and Im glad everyone is financially stable... But how do you do it? Am I missing something? Are there better alternatives to spend my salary on other than just paying off debt?  <response>: Im 31 and a half and I JUST NOW got my 3 month emergency fund.And I just got out of the hospital from an emergency appendectomy. There goes my emergency fund. Dont compare yourself to others! 