<prompt> Human: I graduated college in 2013 and have worked 2 entry level office jobs for the last couple years. Mid 2014 I got another job with a well established company making 60k this number is without working any overtime for the year. I had a full ride scholarship, so I have no student debt. The cost of living in my Midwest city is very affordable. Apartment: 390 my halfCar payment: 215 electric car, leaseGarage: 70Fuel: 50Insurance: 90Phone: 75Food: 300Under my parents health insurance until 26I bring in a total of roughly 3500 a month depending on over time I worked. In the last 7 months Ive briskly been able to save 12,000, while splurging on myself every once in a while. Im currently single and dont want to buy a house quite yet. I have no debt of any kind and have a credit card with 1000 limit that I havent even activated. Ive never had a job that pays this much, and underestimated my saving potential. I live frugally, but I like to go out with friends on weekends and splurge on myself every now and then. What should I be doing with my money? I know it shouldnt be just plopped into my checking like it is. My first thought was to put 7,000 in savings for an emergency fund, put 2,000 in a Roth IRA, and leave 3,000 in checking. From there I would shift money from my checking to either savings, or the Roth as needed. Im not a financial expert though. Also, on a side note, my employer does not match 401k contributions. Thanks!  <response>: Id seriously consider putting 5500 in a Roth before April 15th to count for the 2014 limit. Then you could put another 5500 in for 2015 yet if you end up wanting to. Remember, you can withdraw at any time up to the amount you put in, just not the investment gains. I think its time to set some financial goals now that you are saving a bunch of money, or you might start spending more and more without realizing it. If you want to buy a house or car in the next few years, you will want to start saving in an after tax account. If you are looking for a jump start on retirement savings, the Roth IRA should be maxed at 5500 every year, and look into what your investment options are for the 401K. Look for the fee that the fund charges, it should be easy enough to find. If its under .5 per year, great, start contributing to that too. If its between .5 and 1.5, the decision gets a big more tricky and you can post more details. If the fees are over 1.5 and you get no match, it may not be of much use to you. 10k between checking and savings seems reasonable for emergencies and on hand cash. 