<prompt> Human: I graduated from college in May of 2013 into a govt position. I will be up to 2 years in June of 2015 and have planned on looking in the private sector for the differences in benefits.Current situation: 72k pre-tax income 12k pre-tax income wife 12k in emergency fund and 4k cash in hand Currently contributing 10 into TSP Fed matches 5 IFF I stay for 3 years No other investments No debt Finances are with a credit union not sure that mattersIm not sure what precisely to look for when looking for jobs on the outside. I also am not sure how much I could ask for in salary for a new position, but I am assuming by next June I could comfortably ask for 90k from what I am currently seeing.I dont know how to approach my finances currently and how much I should be saving vs how much I need to be keeping on hand vs how short-term investing works.My current concerns for the future: New car for my wife Down payment for a home Hot tub for the new home priorities are good Saving for future kids college fund Being in a situation of being financially independent, but still work if I wanted by age 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 Im thinking that I should bump my TSP offering to 15 while I am still in govt. Im also not sure if doing all TSP is worth it or not. Ive also been looking at how having the TSP in G funds as well as a target date IRA from Vanguard, but dont quite understand the math behind these to evaluate the possibilities.Any references or help is greatly appreciated.Thanks!  <response>: The TSP is probably the best investment vehicle available. You wont find expense ratios that low with anyone else. 