<prompt> Human: 24M in LCOL area. I just started a job at the beginning of November, and didnt have any taxable income prior to that. Heres my current financial situation. 2,800month in net income 1,000month in expenses could drop this much lower if I lose income 3,500 in savings 3 months of current expenses 3,100 in Roth IRA from previous years 2,400 in single taxable account with Edward Jones 0 in debt with a college degree No company match on 401K automatic 3 Part of me wants to rush to hit 10,000 in savings for comforts sake and things like trips.Should I max out my Roth IRA for 2017? Before April 15th end of 2017 contribution period, I can save roughly 10,000 after expenses. Should I put 5,500 of that into my Roth IRA? Should I think about liquidating my Edward Jones account to use for expenses so I can put more taxed money into the IRA? If not, I want to move the Edward Jones money somewhere like Vanguard.  <response>: Saving as much as you can now has incredible time value for a person your age. If you can max out in retirement savings now it could mean retiring years earlier in comfort. So I respectfully suggest maxing your 401k and then Roth too, if you can do both. PS. Congrats on having ANY savings. A shocking percentage have zero savings. 