I’m 35 years old and have never lived on my own. Right now, I live on five acres with my parents and my sister in a multi-generational setup. I recently started a new job making about $1,400 a week. I’m debt-free, my credit cards are paid off, and I don’t use credit anymore since it didn’t go well for me in the past.
Here’s where I’m stuck: I want to retire by 55 if possible, and I’ve been thinking about the best way to set myself up financially. My parents have told me I’m welcome to stay as long as I want, and the original idea was that I could live here until I was ready to buy a place of my own. Part of me wants to hold out for that — to save until I can afford a down payment.
But I’ve also started to wonder if I should move out sooner, even if it’s just to rent an apartment. I’ve never lived on my own, and I’m not dating right now, which I know might be connected. I feel like moving out could help me grow up in ways I haven’t yet.
Should I keep saving money while living at home, or should I make the leap, get an apartment, and finally build a life of independence?