pilotpip,

i'd recommend you put that $1000 a month (at least the lion's share 70%) into a balanced fund or S&P500 index fund. Vanguard has good funds ( I have money in their VFINX and an IRA with them...)

You should be maxing out your IRA. I recommed a ROTH IRA if you don't already have one. You can certainly afford to taking home an extra 1K per month...

Also, for part time jobs Starbucks can't be beat. You get medical / 401K with match. After 6 months you can buy company stock at a discount. After 1 year they give you company stock every quarter...Check them out...

-LA