<prompt> Human: Im a single 27 year old w no kids. I have a new job I started that is base salary commission, but I see myself at for at least the next couple years. I expect to make about 70-85k my first year. I currently live with my friend who owns a house and pay 550 a mo. in rent. I have about 26-27k in savings. Each month my parents pay me roughly 375 due to a loan of 20k I gave them a year ago. That 375 will continue for the next four years. I dont have any money in any investments, no money in a 401k or IRA. I am pretty frugal w money and my only monthly debts besides my rent are my car insurance roughly 130mo, phone bill roughly 80-100 depending on data usage, one credit card that I payoff every month, and student loan debt which is almost entirely paid off.I guess what Im asking is whats the best way to invest my money plus what I have in savings? I hope to purchase a house of my own within the next few years.  <response>: In order of importance -1 Stash away for a emergency fund for 3-6 months worth of living expenses. Critical.2 Depending on how close you are to paying off loans, I would aggressively start saving for retirement w 401k and a Roth IRA which you should qualify for. If you get an employee match - no question about contributing to 401k.3 Understand what risk appetite you have and begin investing. Given your age, it makes sense to edge a little riskier and invest in mutual funds and some stock. What I do, which others might not, is allocate a small 1-2 of my income to high-risk investments. This limited exposure wont affect you if things go belly up, but if things go up - it can be a nice bump in wealth. 