<prompt> Human: Okay so I am going to keep this short. I am a 18 year old with limited work experience thatll be shipping off to the U.S Navy in a couple of weeks. I am easy to pick up concepts but I have as much a grasp on personal finance as a dog has on calculus. So Im here to remedy that. I will be making, in the next year or so, about 2k with no sort of bills to speak of along with a 6k bonus and the only question I have for you all is WHAT THE HELL DO I DO!? I want to set myself up for a bright future and I have every intention of funneling around 10pct directly into savings but what can I do to actually make my money work for me? What unique opportunities come with this unique setup? In reality I dont even know how to phrase this post as I really know so little that I have no idea of what questions to even be asking. So I humbly ask those of you with more knowledge than me every last one of you to impart me with wisdom and guidance. I feel lost on this subject and actually kind of scared. All input is appreciated. The more in depth the better. Thank youEdit: thank you all again for the overwhelming response. Your help is amazingly appreciated.  <response>: Please read the information found in the FAQ particularly I Have X ... What Do I Do With It?! and the Long-Term Investing Start-Up Kit You may find Your 401k and You: Basic Information and Your IRA and You: Basic Information worth a read as well.Dont do what lots of new military members do - blow your money on a new car, new house, whatever. Join USAA. Get into a saving mindset rather than a spending mindset. Contribute as much as you can to the TSP - at your income level the Roth TSP is probably a good option. Make sure to call home every once in a while. 