This depends on your goals and current savings. Are you looking to FIRE? How much do you have saved in retirement/are you on track for your retirement goals? Any other major expenses/purchases in the horizon?

Always split your investing between timelines. Personal rule is to always bucket long term first (retirement), medium term (if applicable), then short term. After all savings goals are accounted for, the leftover money goes towards living/fun expenses.

Considering your income and timeline on a house, short term investing is probably the way to go. CDs are pretty solid rates right now. Tbills are also an option. Last option is an HYSA, which is still pretty solid.

Don't do anything crazy until you sign a contract saying you're hired. I would try to negotiate starting remote with intent to relocate within 60 days of start date. From there, you can try to get your relocation fee on your first paycheck and move quickly.

Alternatively, look up everyone and anyone that you know/have known and see if they're in or near NYC. Ask to crash with them until you find a place and say you can pay them for the inconvenience (use salary as confirmation/find alternative collateral).

Early termination would generally be taken out of deposit/last month rent. You can also try to negotiate with your landlord if you're on good terms with them.

Again. Do NOT do anything until the job is secured. Recruiters are generally just middlemen - negotiate directly with the employer/manager.

Everything looks pretty good. You have a few options that really depend on your goals/future plans.

- Increase 401k contributions. This makes the most sense if you don't plan to retire early. You can also consider backdoor roth.

- Increase brokerage contributions. This is ideal if FIRE is on the table and you want to set aside money for medium-long term bridge account. Index funds and/or bonds are both good options depending on your risk tolerance.

- Build CD ladder. This would work great for money in the 3-5 year timeline. Rates are currently great and would be locked in.

- Start a 529 or other savings vehicle/educational expense fund for kids. There are a lot of options here so do some research.

- Keep additional savings in HYSA. Rates are decent but not guaranteed. Cash position is good if you're concerned about a potential recession or want to keep options open (both for investments or fun). You could splurge on a nice vacation, a few lifestyle upgrades, look into alternative investments like REITS, rentals, etc. You've done all the correct things and deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Do you need your credit score for anything soon? If not, then don't worry about it. It'll be fine in a few months.

You're not behind (currently) but will be if you continue your spending habits. You've been given an incredible opportunity to build wealth at a young age and no debt. Nothing you can do about the past, but start looking towards the future. Read up and start practicing good financial habits.