<prompt> Human: Ive made some bad decisions when it comes to school loans. I only mean bad as in sitting on them and not paying much off. Currently have about 17k, but I never made much payments on them because Ive either been in school or on a IBR plan. Ive always made payments on time.I will graduate next fall and Ill be searching for a job to teach. I am hopefully aiming for some loan forgiveness, but I need to figure out what to do first. I really, REALLY want my own place. But I realize loans are a turn off to a potential partner and I just need to start paying them off. I dont have much savings. I feel that since I just turned 30, all of these things are coming to my realization at once. Currently not working since I had an accident a few months ago. Any tips on how to start on some sort of plan?  <response>: Oh PSSSH, dude 17k in loans is nothing!! Sounds like a lot, but you can easily pay that off once you find a job! Trust me. Sounds like a lot, but its totally doable.Youre not with an SO guessing since you didnt mention it?. Its free rent you dont have to deal with any landlord other than your mother, I guess lol. Your age doesnt matter. What matters is doing whats best for you.If its helping you out financially, who cares.I say wait until graduation to move out. That way, when you find a job you can plan around finding a place near your new job. If youre going to be looking for jobs nearby, theres absolutely no guarantee that youll find one nearby. Always be prepared for the unexpected.I think, financially, youd be better off waiting until you graduate actually find a job. Focus on saving up until then!Im sure your desire to move out can be delayed by 1 sem. I know it can be difficult, but you can do it lolLooking for open positions that want grads would be helpful prior to your actual graduation end of the sem too. 