Have extra $4500 coming in -- where should it go?

[asdf]

If your expenses are as low as you say, then I see no real need for a particularly large EF. This is especially so if you can keep the freelance side income coming as well, as that could provide a buffer in case you were to lose your full time job. With $500 in monthly expenses, $1500 should do for three months, or $3000 for six. You should have that covered in no time.

I also think you're on the right track with getting the car paid off quickly. As I'm sure you know already, you'll be able to snowball that $442/month seriously into your student loans when it's paid off. Also, I don't think you should have much regret getting the Prius in the first place. You got it at a very reasonable interest rate, and you'll also have the benefit of paying less in gas and maintenance down the road.

One other question: regarding the drunk guy that hit your car, will you be getting compensation for it from your insurance?

(BTW, I like the blog that you've got. As a fellow computer science major and web developer, I certainly wish the best of luck!)

[TheKayla]

If your expenses are as low as you say, then I see no real need for a particularly large EF. This is especially so if you can keep the freelance side income coming as well, as that could provide a buffer in case you were to lose your full time job. With $500 in monthly expenses, $1500 should do for three months, or $3000 for six. You should have that covered in no time.

I also think you're on the right track with getting the car paid off quickly. As I'm sure you know already, you'll be able to snowball that $442/month seriously into your student loans when it's paid off. Also, I don't think you should have much regret getting the Prius in the first place. You got it at a very reasonable interest rate, and you'll also have the benefit of paying less in gas and maintenance down the road.

One other question: regarding the drunk guy that hit your car, will you be getting compensation for it from your insurance?

(BTW, I like the blog that you've got. As a fellow computer science major and web developer, I certainly wish the best of luck!)

I definitely want to get at least 3 months including my loan and car payment though as well, which would put me close to the ultimate $5k goal I'm going for eventually with my e-fund. My freelance income is fairly consistent as well, and it's mostly the amounts that change regularly. I could and would definitely do some regular gigs for additional income that I know I could have set up. I wouldn't be totally screwed. I appreciate the positive feedback, it's good to hear I'm *mostly* on the right track, besides tackling some habits and a few negative points in my finances.

As for my car, my insurance covered it, but they never caught the person though so I still had a $500 deductible. :/