<prompt> Human: You guys and gals on here who post so much help, advice and encouragment really deserve a pat on the back from people like me. Finances and money are gremlins and demons for so many people, but the calm, thoughtful and also CONSISTANT advice here really makes everything possible to manage.In July last year I had debt some I didnt even know about, personal money owed, and also literally no idea how my financial position would be in 1 week, 1 month or any time after that. But now I am here to say that by reading the FAQ, looking at the advice given to people, and seeing many resolved problems, I myself am starting to be another person made happier and more secure by the hard work put in by you all.So step 1 was finally coming to terms with, and knowing exactly what I owed and what I needed to do to sort it. And, as said many times here, when I contacted the people to whom I was in debt, they were HAPPY to hear from me, and bent over backwards to help me resolve it. Step 2 was to get those debts paid and to start SAVING and keeping to a budget. Again, this subreddit just makes this so easy. Its ABC with your advice almost every single time which is reassuring and helpful. Step 3 was my emergency fund. Now I just wanted to get investing! Turn my 5 pounds into 5 pounds 6! I didnt feel like the emergency fund was a big deal, why do that when I could have investments! But wow, the difference between having an emergency fund, and not having one is lifechanging. To describe the difference in my overall mentality towards my daytoday life knowing I have that money there is not possible. Again, the advice here is almost flawless in regards to this process.So here I am at Step 4. Looking to invest sensibly, within my tolerance and with my future in mind. In July, investing was something that millionairs and bankers did, its not for normal people. But Im here now, reading, researching and asking questions about this next step. And I already have a good idea in my head! I know about the ups downs of stocks, the relative reliability of mutual funds, the benefits of diversification and the care needed in relation to fees, volatility and timeframes. This knowledge may seem common sense to many here, but common sense is the least common of all senses.Im not sure exactly why I wrote this, but my friends and family are mostly still not even near Step 1, and I learnt quickly that you dont discuss money with people unless they really want to. I wanted to show newcomers to pf that even if you are still building up the courage to get started, or are slowly making headway, that the advice works, for me at least, and I am sure it will work for you.But I also wrote it for all of the people here that take time out of their lives to help other people with their finances. Even one little comment giving someone a little support or advice helps more people than you know. So a genuine big thanks to you all.  <response>: Its amazing, isnt it? We started building our EF because of this sub in August. Were not fully funded yet -- we have 14,000 now, aiming for 20,000. Weve slowed down funding it a bit because we have some upcoming major travel and Im also starting to divert some money to investments, but already put in 800 this month to the EF so still chipping away. Having the EF is such a great psychological boost. We have good combined income but I the higher income earner have crappy job security and work in an industry where it would be difficult to replace my income, so it always used to keep me awake at night worrying. Now whenever I feel even a little stressed over money, I just open my bank app and look at our EF balance, and I feel so much better and more confident about the future. I like to check it every morning when I wake up just to remind myself that were doing the right things and setting ourselves up for some security. 