<prompt> Human: So Ive been unemployed for a long time, hence the throwaway account. Im pretty embarrassed about that, and dont really want my friends on here to know the truth. Anyway, Ive basically been kept alive by my girlfriend. Shes paid everything for the last 18months. But my luck has turned and I now have a job. Weve worked out our numbers and I am going to be 1000 better off each month after paying her back some money, taking over half the rent and half the bills etc. Shes happy with that, and I am really happy with that. I cant explain how excited I am to have some spending money again. That said, I dont want to get into this situation again. What should I do with this money going forwards? Saving accounts just dont seem worth it? Should I keep it under the mattress? Reddit, help! Im m29, UK based if that is even relevant...  <response>: I have XStep 1: emergency fund 