<prompt> Human: Hey PersonalFinance, I caught what could have been a costly mistake when setting up my ROTH IRA. I recently opened up a ROTH IRA with Vanguard about two months ago when I was 22 just turned 23 today!. Currently putting money into VFFVX - Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund Investor Shares. When I first opened the account, I had put 1000 in the first month, then another 1000 in the following month. I saw that nothing was really moving within the funds when I went to check, even though I chose a fund that was supposedly high risk high return. When I go to dig in deeper, I noticed that my money was just sitting in Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund Settlement fund and not in VFFVX - Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund Investor Shares that I thought I had configured. I had 2000 practically waiting to be placed in a fund for two months and not gaining anything on compound interest. How bad is that?! Now Im here debating whether or not I should put the money I have from my Emergency Savings into the ROTH IRA to make up for any money I didnt make from the compound interest. Is 2 months that bad? Or am I over-reacting? Looking back, this could have been wayyy worse! Imagine if I hadnt taken notice after 2 years or more! :O Look forward to reading your thoughts! -Ayoayo123  <response>: Youre overreacting. Losing two months of possible gains is nothing. Dont put the money from your emergency fund in. But of course, invest now that you know it. 