<prompt> Human: I just graduated college in the Spring and am working full time on salary. I am living at home, and my mom previously managed all of my finances, but she has suffered a stroke and I need to learn all of this stuff fast. My only expenses are student loans, a car payment, a gym membership, and food. What is the best way to properly manage my finances? Should I be using something like quicken, or are there any good programs that would hook into my bank of america account that would help me track my spending? Right now I think that I have the ability to pay back the car loan quicker than what I was financed for, is this a bad idea? I havent gotten a plan yet for the Fed student loans because I am still in the grace period... Or I did but wasnt aware of them because my mom had handled all of that.Also canshould I start investing? Do I just go on and find stocks that seem like a good bet and invest in them or do I need to hire someone?I seriously have no idea what I am doing and appreciate any help.  <response>: First of all, calm down. You have things pretty easy right now financially. Pay your student loans, car payment and gym membership as you always have or if you havent, find your online info or when a paper bill comes in the mail - pay it. From there you need to make a budget and spend some time reading the wiki here. Once you have actual questions should I pay off my 3 car loan? should I be contributing more to my 401k? etc. come back and ask them. 