<prompt> Human: So I have recently started a new job making 52,000 take home a year with opportunity to make more if put in the work. I have my basic life style already mapped out. 431 for an apartment lease I will not be able to get out of until April of next year, 1,800 for my new apartment at my new job, 300 for groceries, 500 car payment and 100 to have a social life. What I dont know is what I should be doing with the extra 1,200. I have no debt and no costly hobbies. I have thought of investing but I dont even know where to begin to look for optimal results or if I should be doing long or short term. Thanks in advance for any help.  <response>: Save an emergency fund in savings account with 3 to 6 months of expenses, and invest at least 15 of your income into retirement, either 401K or IRA or both. 