<prompt> Human: I am an early 20s teacher with a savings account holding around 40k. I save around 1,000 a month and have a reasonable monthly budget. I have no debt, and am generally in pretty good shape I think, but dont have a retirement account, or anything more sophisticated than a regular savings account. I want to do something useful with my savings, without risking too much. What should I look into? Who should I speak with? I need a financial advisor I think, but dont know who to get into contact with. Any advice is welcome, thanks.  <response>: Index funds, open an IRA account. All major fund companies offer them. Fidelity, Vanguard, T row price etc. Id also learn as much as possible first on your own before talking to a planner. 