<prompt> Human: Hi everyone. I am a long time reader, first time poster.I just finished grad school debt free and have accepted my first full-time job in Texas. I am a male in my mid-20s. My salary is 57k, which comes to 46.8k after taxes 3.9kmonth. I need your help in deciding how to manage my money. Basically, I need to know what to do with the 1000 I have left each month from my paycheck after taking care of monthly expenses.Current financial situation:-debt free-753 credit score-80k in savings account that I earned through summer work over the last 6 years-I have no investments in stock or anythingBelow are my projected monthly expenses. Just a heads up that the cost of living in this city is ridiculously high. Rentutilitiesinternetrental insurance: 1615 Living expenses food, gas, hobbies: 1100 Cell phone: 80 Health benefits deducted from paycheck: 98This comes to 2900month in expenses, leaving a net income of 1000month.My company offers a 401k, which I dont know enough about in general to understand how to efficiently use it. Basically, I know it is used for retirement and the sooner I start adding to it, the better. But what if I want to continue adding to my existing savings account? One day I want to buy a house, or buy a wedding ring. I want to take a nice vacation every couple of years. From what I understand, taking money out of a 401k early has penalties. So, I want to have liquid assets - like I do now, but continue to add to them.Here is what was outlined in my offer letter regarding the 401k: The company match is dollar for dollar on the first 3 of your eligible pay and 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2 of your eligible pay that you contribute to your account each plan year, for a maximum match of 4 on a 5 employee contribution. In general, the match is contributed on a biweekly basis. Employee and employer contributions are immediately 100 vested. Employees may contribute pretax and Roth up to 90 of pay.Bottom line: I want to start my 401k now, but I also want to add to my 80k in savings. What is a reasonable way to divide my 1000 in net monthly income?Thank you for any advice!!  <response>: Have you read through the Prime Directive in the sidebar? 