<prompt> Human: Or is it even better to create an emergency account, but at my age I dont need it? Or do I?The way I see it: If I earn a small amount of money, or an amount that wont grow to something useful by the time I need it, then its better for me to invest it in things like books, an SAT tutor, a musical keyboard, etc. However if I have an amount that would benefit me when I take it out, for example, for retirement, a house, college, etc., then I should place it in a fund or account, or whatever.I think the best way for me to approach this, would be to only invest in material items if they are worth the money they would make in the future, and put the remainder in account or fund to grow?What do you think? Im sorry if this is a bad question, I could resubmit in moronic Monday or whatever, but Ive just been offered a second job, and I have to make a quick decision.The only income I would earn is as a lifeguard at my pool, and as an assistant to this local politician. Im not going to mention specifics because:1. They might change.2. I have a very limited weekly schedule.3. My goals might be different than what is expected.All Im going to say is both jobs would be part time, about 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.Lifeguard would pay about 12h, and have a chance to move up and politician 20h.Also, parents are, to say, only there for the basics.Thanks for reading, and Id love to hear your advice!  <response>: If I earn a small amount of money, or an amount that wont grow to something useful by the time I need it, then its better for me to invest it in things like books, an SAT tutor, a musical keyboard, etc.This leads to a very slippery slope. First, dont delude yourself into thinking things like a keyboard are in any way an investment. But the bigger risk is when you start deciding that its not worth it to save small amounts. If you put 20month into a fund earning 7, after 40 years youll have over 50,000.If you want to spend money on yourself, fine. But if you have to invent ways to rationalize it, youre probably going to make the wrong decision. 