<prompt> Human: keeping this simple Im 18 with a job paying 14.00 an hour full-time Im currently not going to school and dont plan on going to college. I dont have a credit car. I live with my parents and dont have to pay any bills besides 200 every month for my phone. Only big goal I have right now is getting a car. I currently enrolled in my works 401k plan and put my contribution at 4 for now. Is saving money the only thing I should be doing right now? Edit: 200 is basically what I give to my mom every month for phone bill and for whatever else she needs.  <response>: Your biggest goal should be trying to figure out how to best invest in your increasing your earning potential so that you can have a long term goal of leaving the nest, becoming fully self-sufficient, and have extra money to fund an future houses, cars, families, retirement, etc.. . Even if you dont plan on going to college you could look into short-term certifications, apprenticeships, training programs and the like to figure out how in 3-4 years you might be able to come close to doubling your income.Also 200 for your phone is ridiculous. I use Mint for 15 a month, but there is a whole spectrum of alternative phone plan options that would be 202530 a month for unlimitedclose to unlimited services. Having a cash car is great, but as a shorter term goal you should work on getting a cash cell phone so you can port it to whatever the cheapest service that meets your needs. 