<prompt> Human: iHello rpersonalfinanceIm currently starting the process of moving out of my parents house and looking to get an apartment with my girlfriend of 5 years. I have a stable job in IT earning 16hr full-time and she works full-time as a paralegal earning 17hr. She has about 3000 saved for this move or a rainy day and I have 2000. However, Id like to save for this down payment and any moving expenses without touching my emergency fund. How can I do this? Ive already taken to sticking to a strict budget after my bills, and building and selling computers on the side to generate a bit of extra income. Also, Ive been slowly poking away at any furniture we would need. What other steps can I take to be further prepared for this move?Thanks. Edit: I should mention that we live in Southern California and plan on moving into the Orange, Garden Grove, or Anaheim areas.  <response>: If you want to have more money in the future, you need to spend less and earn more now. Youre coming at this from the right perspective - your emergency fund is not your moving out fund. Continue to do what youre doing, and evaluate every purchase you make on the basis of Do I want X itemservice now or to have Y available when I move out? 