<prompt> Human: I am 28 years old. I have a Associates in Computer Networking and recently landed a Network and Systems Administrator position at a Financial institution. I was making 13hr at my previous IT Contractor job and I will now make 50K a year plus bonuses and stock options starting next week as a Sys Admin at my new job.I recently purchased a house in Kentucky back in August 121k prior to the new job and I have an excellent credit score of 749. My Girlfriend lives with me and we share expenses right down the middle. Other than the mortgage for the house, the only other outstanding debt I have is my student loans 23kMy car is fully paid for, but it is a 2005 model with 172k miles. no major mechanical issues yet. It burns a little oil and runs just fine. I want to trade it in and get something newer and more reliable with low payments. Estimated value for my car is about 4-5k perhaps a used Chevy Volt? My main concern is my current car could cost me more in maintenance than getting a newer usedpreowned car with lower miles. It is only a matter of time before something major happens to the engine.I would also like to start paying off my Student loans and also build up a safety cushion in my bank account.Going from 27K a year to 50K a year gives me a lot more breathing room. Where is the best place to start?  <response>: If youre thinking of getting an electric or hybrid car, look into government rebate programs in your area. Im not sure if they apply to used cars but they may actually put the price of a new car near the price of a used one, and in the particular case of an electric car Id say battery life and cost might make a new car slightly more worthwhile than usual. Although, take your time with the calculations. That said, my answer to your overriding question is: dont spend more money just because you have it. Pretend you dont have the breathing room as you call it, and put all the new money into investments. After you pay off your debts that is. 