<prompt> Human: Most of my friends here in the SF Bay Area are able to significantly reduce expenses by living as a couple. That allows them to save at a faster rate and ramp up wealth through investments stock, real estate, etc. Given my situation below, what can I possibly be doing better to make sure Im not falling behind my peers? I dont want to be living like a total miser either, lifes meant to be enjoyed as long as its a moderate level. This also isnt a joke question, Im seriously not sure what else to do. Monthly Im maxing out 401k match, HSA, and ESPP for work. 6k take home. 2k to savings. Goes straight to VTI most months. 1750 to rent. 1000 to car payment. I know this is lavish, but its one of the few things I enjoy outside of work. Food, utilities, gas: 400, 150, 150 700 Leaves about 500 for other discretionary spending. Yearly Annual cash bonus and publicly traded stock options payout. Cash bonus goes into VTI. Stocks have been doing well, so havent sold. Main Concerns I feel like I should be investing in housing versus paying 20k a year in rent. But coming up with the downpayment is difficult when reasonable single family home options are all 1.5M. I seriously feel like the only option at this point is to find a spouse who has similar earning power, and reduce costs by living together. What are other single people in tech doing in the Bay Area?  <response>: Getting married has very minimal financial benefits vs living with roommates. In fact, theres such a thing called the marriage penalty which is when a high income couple pays more taxes when married. 