<prompt> Human: I have been fortunate enough to have an internship for this upcoming summer. At the end, I believe I will have about 12k-15k saved up. Ive been lurking around rinvesting and the other related subs recently. I would like to set aside 1k into a trading account to experiment with, doing my own research on companies. I have been fooling around with simulators for the past year, and I can do okay. Is this a bad idea? I dont know much about investing, but I have been trying to learn by looking through these boards, reading investopedia, and all that other good stuff. I dont have a Roth IRA... I know its good. I should start one?Ive read a bit about mutual funds. Would that be my best bet as far as investing?What about paying off student debts? I think Ill be in the hole about 40k by the time I graduate. Ive seen some people on here saying that paying off debt is the best investment. However, assuming I get a job in my field when I graduate, I will be making more than that in one year. Another quick question: What are the differences between an ETF and a mutual fund?  <response>: What about paying off student debts? I think Ill be in the hole about 40k by the time I graduate. Ive seen some people on here saying that paying off debt is the best investment. However, assuming I get a job in my field when I graduate, I will be making more than that in one year.Dont fall into that trap. You can always find something else to spend money on no matter how much money you make. Personally, Id say save the money for now. Minimize the additional debt youll be taking on for school. Keep a little for yourself for fun. Earmark some for moving to your new job, deposit for an apartment, etc. I dont think investing at this point is wise but it cant hurt too much if you treat it like a casino: Expect to lose everything and dont bring your wallet. 