<prompt> Human: Just discovered this subreddit, and I subscribed instantly! Looking forward to perusing this subreddit from time to time. Ive been working a job for about seven months after finishing grad school. I do have student loans, but Im currently in forbearance and will be paying them back on an Income-Based Repayment plan when I do pay. I dont make much-- about 35,000 per year-- but Ive been saving a large chunk of my pay checks when I can so that I can build up a cushion for myself. I have about 3,000 saved up, but I dont want to just keep it in my savings account. Im considering starting a money market account, or starting a mutual fund to save for the long-term like retirement or starting a business after a couple decades. What would you recommend I do with this 3,000? It doesnt need to be a liquid account. I just want something thats easy to set up, but will provide a decent return. Assistant: Do you have a separate emergency fund?Human: Not yet. Im wondering if I should set up one of those first.  <response>: Yes. The 3k should be the start of your emergency fund. 