<prompt> Human: 6 months worth of expenses 15k. Right now Im at 3k saved, and I have a secure jobincome. Should I really save up to 15k if it would take me over two years. Wouldnt that time and money be better used in a retirement account? Ive always heardread to start investing ASAP because of compound interest. Saving 15k instead of investing it seems opposite that advice.  <response>: It DOES seem counter intuitive... Until you have an emergency and cant liquidate your retirement accounts to deal with the emergency. Stay the course. Its really worth it in the long run. 