<prompt> Human: Long story shirt, I do not feel like I have control over my finances and need to get things under control. Ive never really been on any budget and have been going all willy-nilly like with spending on things I absolutely do not need and have nothing to show for my hard work. I think the problem is there is too much money in my account that I have access to. Need to just keep around 2K in my bank account at all times and put the rest somewhere else so I do not spend it. I have never been good with money and really need to start. Earn around 120K year salary VA disability 30K in CheckingSavings 45K in 401K 15 - Employee match at 5 63 Fidelity 2045, 37 company stockWent to open a Vanguard account, but they are wanting a minimum of 3K just to open an account. Is this normal?Expenses: 4K in Monthly Expenses pay 100 of fiancé and my living expenses. Debts: 85K in Land 6.5 interest 670 per month payment 24K Auto Loan 2.25 432 per month payment 5300 Auto Loan 7.49 127 per month payment No credit card debtFiancé: Has 20K in student loans from previous college Graduating Dental Hygienist school in 12 months with possible starting salary of 45K for our area. Notarized loan agreement to pay back all living expenses half rentutilitiestuition - will be around 50K unless married. She is planning on paying off student loans within the first year after graduating. Contribute max 401KROTH IRA after student loans are paid Plan: Put 15K into a savings account and use as an emergency fund. Pay off 5300 loan Start ROTH IRA and contribute max 3500 yearly Continue to make 15 contribution to 401K. Pay down land with extra money. The land is currently up for sale. It was a foolish spur of the moment purchase that I regret. Going to be taking a big hit around 5K loss, but lesson learned. Look to lower my 4K per month expenses by setting a budget and not eating out currently eat out or pay for lunch 5-6 days per week.What I am trying to understand is the limits I can contribute pretax. Its 3500 for a ROTH IRA and up to 17,500 for a 401K? Currently contributing 15 to my 401K and my company matches 5. So that is a total of 21K per year that is non taxable? Then put the rest in a Vanguard 2045 account?What can I do better? My goal is to retire in 20 years at 55.  <response>: The limit for Roth IRAs is actually 5,500, not 3,500. Remember that you have until tax day to get your contributions in for the year so, you can make contribution against the 2014 limit until April 15, 2015.Generally, your plan seems solid. You look like youre using the avalanche method to prioritize your debt, and youre following the graphic we generally toss around. Good on you. 