<prompt> Human: I know 1000 is not a lot, but after living paycheck to paycheck it is a major improvement for me!Edit: Wow! Did not expect this many people to respond, but Ive read nearly all of the comments and really appreciate the help you guys have given me. I have decided to open up an Ally Financial Savings account and not hookers and blow as one of you so hilariously suggested. Ill be 2 years in clean in August and this is just one of the many steps Ive taken to get my life back on track  <response>: If you have been living paycheck to paycheck, my advice is, despite not earning interest on the money, put it into a checking account and use it to smooth out your cash flow, so that you dont run short when its time to pay the rent. set aside 10 a month or whatever you can afford, but a standard amount toward a separate emergency fund. This could and should be increased as you can do so, until you have maybe six months worth of expenses. build a budget based on what you need to pay, rather than on your income. Live below your income at all times. 