Plan for Retirement Early

My current annual income is around $65,000. My estimated monthly expenses are roughly $3,500. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, student loan payments, and some discretionary spending for entertainment and hobbies. It feels like I have some room to save, but I'm not sure how much is realistic or where that money should go.

I do have some existing debt. The biggest one is student loans, which I'm still paying off. I have a few thousand dollars left on those. I also have a couple of credit cards, but I try to pay those off in full each month to avoid interest. No mortgage at this point, as I'm currently renting.

Yes, my employer does offer a retirement savings plan. It's a 401(k) plan. I believe there's a company match, but I haven't taken the time to figure out the details of how much they match or what the vesting schedule is. I've been meaning to look into it, but it keeps getting pushed back.

My short-term financial goals include building up a more robust emergency fund – right now, it's a bit thin. I'd also like to save up for a down payment on a car within the next 2-3 years, as my current one is getting old. Long-term, besides retirement, I'd love to be able to travel more extensively and perhaps own a home in the future, though that feels further out.

My understanding of investing and retirement savings is pretty basic. I know about things like stocks and bonds, and I've heard of 401(k)s and IRAs, but I don't really know the differences or how they work in practice. I'm not sure about risk tolerance, diversification, or what kind of returns I should expect. It feels a bit overwhelming, honestly, and I'm not sure where to start learning the specifics.