Looking for help deciding on a cash cushion amount and with general logistics!

Hello Forum!

I found Mr. Mustache because my new year’s resolution is to start managing my money and start progressing towards financial independence! The only thing my parents taught me about money growing up is to never ever carry a balance on a credit card, so luckily I have no real debt to speak of. The only debt I have is a car loan that has one year left (when I was fresh out of college I didn’t realize that I shouldn’t finance a car!).

In case it helps determining an appropriate cash cushion amount, I am currently paying way too much for rent at $1700 per month, which should be cut in half soon when my boyfriend moves in with me.  I usually spend around $100 a week for groceries for just me because I like to eat organic vegetables and high quality meat. Is there any cheaper ways you guys have found to eat high quality foods for less money?

I’m also confused about the logistics of it all. Would I have my paycheck direct deposited into my checking account and then at the end of the month manually deposit anything above $5000 (or whatever cash cushion I decide on) into my index fund?

Lastly, I am thinking about switching my bank. I have a credit card with Bank of America with a 10,000 limit that I put most purchases on every month for points and pay off in full at the end of every month. Would it hurt my credit (I just checked and all scores are over 700) to close this BoA card and open one with USAA? Is there a way to transfer a credit card to a new bank instead of closing and opening?

Thanks for any help!!!

Quick Question: Expense Ratios (gross or net?)

Hi folks,
I am looking into rebalancing my 401k… I signed up on day one but basically chose funds based on zero understanding.  I know that I should look for low expense ratios but that is about it.  My employer offers a 401k through wells fargo with a bunch of options.  If anyone has any suggestions for what I should be looking for that would be welcomed!

Basics:
I am 27.
I make about 46k / year.
I currently have about 26k in my 401k, 19k in Roth
I contribute 11% with a 4% match (I also max a Roth)
I have a long term outlook and am generally comfortable with risk
My ultimate goal is to be able to have more flexibility: FI for basics, and ability to work on my own terms for fun $, travel, etc.
I own my home (with my husband) and refinanced using HARP: 15 yr mortgage at 2.89% on 175k mortgage, home worth around 140k.
I have about 26k is student loans at 6.8% (grad and undergrad) and am currently using all extra income (outside of said retirement savings) to pay these down.

My basic question is if I chose funds based on expense ratios, should I be looking at the gross expense ratio or the net expense ratio?

If anyone has further suggestions or areas I should research I am open.
Thanks everyone!  I don’t comment that much in this community but I am always scanning these boards and really appreciate MMM and the community for what I am learning and providing encouragement!