<prompt> Human: I graduated college yesterday with no college debt thanks mom and dad. I applied for jobs and got a position making approximately 40,000 per year. I currently live with my parents with no rent or expenses, and I would like to move out here within the next six months if possible. I have 2,000 in emergency savings and 1,300 in stocks. I have been borrowing a car from my parents that I get to take with me that is roughly 8 years old and in good condition. On top of that, my girlfriend of several years wants an engagement ring, but I am trying to prioritize between moving out, saving for retirement, and getting her an engagement ring. My 2,000 can only go so far. Assuming that I start my job tomorrow making 40k per year, do my fellow redditors have any advice? Thank you in advance!edit: Thank you all for the advice. While some of you made comments advising that I dont get married at all, I dont necessarily agree with that. I do agree with everyone elses comments suggesting that I wait at least 6 months for an engagement. She graduates in May, that might be a good time to propose to her. Assistant: Milk living at home for as long as you possibly can.2000 doesnt go very far when moving. Especially moving out for the first time.Cold as it sounds, completely forget about the engagement ring for now.Hard to say more without knowing things like potential rent, expenses, etc.Human: For you and your girlfriends financial future - I hope she sees the logic in waiting for a ring. Explain to her that you need to save up to have a cushion and move out before you get engaged. Because on e you get engaged, the flurry of wedding expenses is overwhelming! Assistant: Ifwhen we get engaged, she plans on being engaged for 1 yr so in her eyes she thinks that we can make enough money before then. I agree with you that I would rather wait and have a cushion. Human: Can you find another agreed upon way to get engaged but not purchase a ring yet? Give her the emotional commitment without the expense? We bought my engagement ring on our honeymoon for far less than we would have paid prior to the wedding traveled to a region with cheaper jewelry costs. We paid 650 for my ring then, and I saw an exact copy of it in a shop a few months back for 7500. Assistant: She is very into the proposal tradition. I am all for trying to save money and not spend thousands of dollars on something that can be purchased for far less elsewhere. I dont know what kind of emotional comitement I could give that would weigh as much as an engagement ring. A dog perhaps? Weve been to Zales and some other jewelry stores and she likes the rings between 2,000 and 3,000.  <response>: Since you mention she is traditional, have you talked to your parents about the engagement? Or her parents? Sometimes, your family may have a ring or diamond they will be willing to pass down to you for your engagement. You could use that to propose and go look at settings and just have the diamond reset. There is a lot of sentimental value in it and meaning, and with that you will also save some money. My mother in law gave us her engagement ring and we did the same, even though the diamond is small, the sentiment is so huge that I wouldnt have it any other way. 