1. is there a place I can get better return?

2. if not, max retirment account. (skip this step this year, already maxed)

3. after that, pay down the mortgage

4. if still more, buy some books.

5. if still more, save for parent fund. (my parents do want me to send money, so i have secretly set up a parent fund to prepare for any emergency).

6. if still more, endulge ourselves for a summer vacation

I am still on step 1......