<prompt> Human: I earned 5,500 after-tax from my job on my first paycheck. Should I put it all at once in my Roth IRA or should I spread it across 11 months? What are the pros and cons of each?Assume all else being equal e.g. I have enough in my emergency fund, Ive matched my employer contribution in 401k, etc.  <response>: The pros of putting it in early is that you can earn investment returns on the full amount for the next 11 months. If you have no use for the money otherwise I would suggest putting the money into your Roth IRA as soon as possible. This suggestion isnt about timing the market, it is more about investing early and often for retirement. Good Luck! 