<prompt> Human: As the title says, I am 20 years old. I just finished my associate degree and landed a job in my field of interest. Hourly i make 27.43 and I have been here for just over 3 months. With overtime, I usually bring home anywhere from 700 to 1200 a week. I live in SC and I Havent really looked into how much the average paycost of livingetc is so I am unsure If I am making decent money to live with or should look for a higher paying job in my profession. I still live at home and Im really looking to move out, but if i shouldnt, then I can wait. I have 2 bank accounts, a checking and savings. Right now I keep the habit of keeping 1000 in my checking and putting the rest off into savings every pay day. Right now I have 1000 in checking and 2000 in savings. I have been trying to pay off my college loans and have 2500 left. I pay my parents 450-600 a month to help out with foodbillsor their house payment.I do want to go back to college to finish off my 2nd Associates degree that I started and also would like to go for my Bachelors degree. I do not own a credit card nor have I ever. Some one told me to get one and buy gas and small stuff on it and pay it back at the end of the month to build up credit. Still being 20, I really have no idea how credit works.Can I get advice on what I really have to work with when I move out, how much I really have to work with on house payments or rent, and any other advice?Assistant: Your hourly rate is really good at the age of 20. Seems very doable for you to get started on your own. If I were you I would probably start researching now and have a 3 month time line until you make the move. In addition to looking at apartmentsrent, you should also look at other expenses you may incur. Do you have enough furniture for an apartment? Little things like towels, cleaning supplies, dishes, etc can add up. Not sure if your parents would help with some of those things or if you would be paying for all of them. I think you could easily afford 1,000month for an apartment plus bills. So if you can find something to rent in the 750 range, that will give you some wiggle room for electric bill, internet, etc. Living on your own for the first time, eating out can become a big drain on your finances if you arent careful. Be cautious about what you are spending on food. On the whole though I think you are in a good position to get your own place. Human: Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am pretty nervous as I have never been away from my parents for more than a month at a time. Thats kinda why I came here. Another question is should I go ahead and look at getting a house or apartment? I realize an apartment I would be throwing away my money, but a house is a huge investment.  <response>: I dont think renting is throwing away money, particularly at your age. I see a lot of people on here who jump the gun on home ownership. There are plenty of hidden costs of ownership replacing HVAC, roof, appliances, plumbing issues just to name a few. Not to mention being tied down to your mortgage. Its not unusual for people your age to move a few times before settling in somewhere. Definitely rent for the next few years. 