<prompt> Human: Ive watched my parents make massive financial mistakes and want to get ahead of the game so that my children arent put in the position that I am in. Whats the best way for me to start savinginvesting at my age? 19 years old, making 12 an hour, Ive got about 2k tucked away in a savings account making 1 interest but Im hoping I can do better than that.  <response>: A 19 year old doesnt generally need a huge emergency fund, and now is the best time to start investing for anyone. You have to start somewhere, might as well start now. Even if its starting with 1000 and adding 20 a month. That will add up to more than it would delaying. I would suggesting evaluating a Roth IRA. For your income level, this is probably one of the best options for you. However, I dont know your exact circumstances. Look it up and research it. A high level: You contribute after-tax money to it, but it grows tax free and withdraws are tax free. You can take out anything you contribute without penalty, but gains would be subject to penalty before certain time constraints. If you were to open one, I would consider a low cost index fund from Vanguard. Their target retirement funds are some of the best diversified single funds in existence, with some of the lowest fees. The minimum to open one is 1000. Also consider lmcu.org for your cash, where you can get a checking account yeilding 3 interest. 