<prompt> Human: Ok. Im 36 years old. Stats:Net Income from Day Job 120,000 9,000 a month ish W2 hourly contractorFreelance Job: 1,000 a month typicallyLive with Girlfriend that makes around 50,000. She buys groceries, I pay the rentChecking Account: 6,000Car: Paid off.Rent: 900Utilities: 200Health Insurance: covered entirely as a dependent w life partnerRetirementInvestments: 0 seriously.401k plan would be unmatched by my contracting firm sucky. Basically, I went to college, got a good job, invested in TIAA-CREF and PERA Colorado state managed employee fund, then hit bottom, which is a long story, cashed out my retirement savings in my late 20s and went down a long dark, strange road. Im back in the saddle again, but am basically at square zero retirement and investment wise.When I started my job in September I had 9,000 in CC debt, which I paid off in 3 months, so now Im at a fresh, late start. Prior to this job I was unemployed for 7 months and usually job hopped for months at a time trying to get my head on straight for years. Its on pretty straight now. I will likely needwant to buy a more suitable vehicle for the climate I live in plus my current ride is getting close to 200k miles, however, I wont be purchasing new and do my own work on all my vehicles due to redneckmechanic knowledge.Ive examined the flowchart that goes around this sub from time to time and am basically treating the 6,000 I have squirreled into my checking account as my 2-3 month emergency fund which I plan to build up further.Basically, I have a relatively high income, no savings and am definitely starting way late, so Id love some specific adviceviewpoints on where I should go vanguard? Roth IRA? What amounts? Etc. Thanks in advance!  <response>: You have good income and low cost of living. There is no reason why you shouldnt be able to max out your 401k each year. No match is not a reason not to contribute. Anyways, maxed out and well invested 401k will leave you with a million dollars by the time you turn 60. 