<prompt> Human: Ive posted numerous times and have always received great advice, so I want to say thank you in advance. So 2 years ago I separated with my wife and moved back to my home town with my mothersistergrandparents because I needed help with my kids. I was unemployed and incredibly depressed, I took a job making 13 an hour, and I received a couple of raises and promotions for working hard and what not. Last may after a bunch of great advice from this sub Im now making close to 50k a year with over time. Because we live with family we dont have many living expenses, and over the last 2 years Ive paid off over 25k of debt, my credit score went from 590 to 720, and my only remaining debt are my federal student loans. My emergency fund is at about 3 months, and I have over 10k in credit cards if ever needed. To be honest Ive been spending money kinda frivolously because I was going through a divorce and now because she passed away retail therapy I guess. Because of her passing well now receive about 1k a month in survivor benefits, and I dont know how to plan for that. I could very quickly save up to buy a house right now, but I dont know if that should be a priority because to be honest I still need help with my children, and there are so many other living expenses Id absorb. Also we currently live in a suburb and I dont know if I could afford to live in the area and keep my kids in the same school. Part of me feel like I should just leave that money separate and start college funds for all my kids. Also Im 33 and dont have much saved for retirement. My 401k isnt even a year old and Im only contributing 5 a month. Ive made a ton of steps in the right direction, and I want to stay on track. Any advice would be appreciated. Assistant: 4 kids are a lot. I would save for your retirement, and pay off your student loans. When you are done with that, you can help your kids out more. Living with family will allow you to save more so I would recommend against getting a different place until you absolutely must. Kids get expensive. Save the money.Human: I completely agree with you, but its so hard to live under someone elses roof. It just kinda drains on you.  <response>: I know you want to set your kids up a bit with college funds but remember that they can borrow for college but you cant borrow for retirement. 