<prompt> Human: Hello everyone,I recently went from making 12hr, working 25 hours a week, to 30hr 50-52 hours a week with OT.My weekly paychecks have more than quadrupled, as my take home pay every week after deductions is around 1100, compared to the 230 I was looking at before. Im a bit embarrassed to admit, but Ive gotten used to living on next to nothing. Im still a bit floored to see a comma on my paychecks. Having said that, I only spend 200 a week or so. I have 18 going to a traditional 401k and 4 to Roth. No employer match. Current 401k balance is just over 3,000. I do, also, have a pension plan...Car: Paid off. Not in the best condition, 186k miles... will need to be replaced within the next few months. Car insurance: 80 a month. Minimal coverage. Gas: Probably 180 a month. I commute 60 miles every day.Food: 300 a month? Maybe. Health insurance: Fully covered through work. No deductible, excellent coverage. Rent: None. Boyfriend owns home. I jacked up my credit when I was young, and Ive been actively trying to repair it for over a year. My credit scores on transunion and equifax are in the 640s, but experian is showing 586. Ive paid all of my collection accounts, opened 3 credit cards and maintained 100 payment history. I have a secured credit card now 3,000 that Ive been putting 500 a week on, as a way of saving...I have 3,500 in a savings account, 3,000 on the secured card, and no officlal debt.Should I put more into my 401k while i have such minimal expenses, or a normal savings account for emergencies?  <response>: I suggest opening up a new savings account and if you have direct deposit set it up so whatever amount youre comfortable with goes into there before you ever see it on your normal check. Based on the way youve been living, I would advise padding that thing beyond the 6 months, so that if you find yourself in a position where you need to start paying rent or buy your own house we will hope for the best to be prepared for the worst you will already have money established for that. If I were you I would live like I was before, and I would put all the extra money but I now have into the savings account for one year. This time next year I would re-evaluate, and begin to consider investment strategies. In my opinion, one year of Hardcore savings well set you up well later in life. 