Brandon, you know how to catch a reader's attention. "Sometimes things won't always turn out" will change as you age to "things will go astray for sure at times." Guaranteed. And, if you are living with your parents, then some might say they are functioning as your emergency fund. An emergency fund doesn't have to be in a zero growth account - it just has to be reasonably liquid. Check out credit unions, short-term T-bills, etc. to nudge up a little gain. Few things are worse than having your money tied up in the stock market and have it and your life reach a low point at the same time. You have done a good job expressing your views and really compelled a good discussion. Thanks.