<prompt> Human: I am 26 and just got a job working as a teacher. I want to move out of my parents house and into an apartment. I am confused as to where to start this process. Some have said I should wait and pay off debt, which isnt much. 700 in credit card debt, 8k in car loan. My girlfriend seems to think I should move out because of my age I dont disagree with her. Where do I start?Edit: I live and teach in Northern VA.  <response>: Dont move out just because your girlfriend wants you to.Moving out will likely significantly increase your monthly expenses by over a thousand dollars a month. Make this decision logically by factoring in your relationship with your parents, do they like having you home? do they resent having you mooch off of them? do you like living there, the affect it will have on your social life girlfriend will feel more comfortable? Able to have more parties? Do you want to have more parties?. How will it affect your commute? Your free time? Granted, many people at age 26 look at all those factors, and still decide that losing a 1.5 grand a month is worth it. But do the assessment yourself. Then make a spreadsheet with a list of possible appartments. Include columns like distance to work square footage niceness or luxury score if you want to rate them monthly rent expected monthly utilities payments Up front cost some require first months rent, last months rent, and a security deposit all up front etc, etc.Start visiting apartments. Look on craigslist, drive around town, etc. 