<prompt> Human: My salary recently increased from about 85k base to 120k and Im in my mid-20s. I need to get my ducks in a row and start making this money work for me. Im in a city thats relatively new to me St. Louis and my network is fairly limited here so I dont have anyone I can ask for personal recommendations. Whats the best way to find someone reputable to sit down and talk with and help me figure out what to do and best for me.I had been living very, very well within my means which has led to about 37k piling up in a stupid savings account. I recently just paid my quarterly taxes so there was a big to that number now. I had been contributing to a 401k in the past that has been sitting there for the last year. It was opened with a previous employer, and since starting my new job last year at 85k, I never followed up and contributed. My pay is on a 1099 so I dont have automatic 401k contributions or tax deductions. Obviously retirement contributions are one of the first things thats going to get straightened out but I want to also start investing too. Getting myself on a slightly stricter monthly budget, and keep saving for a down-payment on a home.Thanks for any and all suggestions!  <response>: Im actually in your city.That being said, I dont think you have the assets to where you need to meet with a fee based advisor. You can learn how to manage everything yourself over a weekend or two. I would focus on your budget and monthly income first, then get a grip on what to do with your retirement accounts or lack thereof. Others have already given you some good links to some relevant reads and or our FAQ here. 