<prompt> Human: Im an American, near 40 years old male and have been working overseas for the last 10 years. I dont have much of savings any more under 10k because of various reasons I dated hot model chics and started risky ventures. Not much in investments either, except in a startup from years ago 2 at 50 mill Valuation-- but no guarantee that theres an liquidity event where I exit- but I feel its 80 possible within 2 years. Because, Ive been working overseas-- there were no 401k or other retirement plan programs that I participated in.Good news is I have zero debt loans or credit cards. I make 8,000 USD a month AFTER taxes. My housing, utilities mobileelectricityinternetetc, transportation is all paid for by the company.I would like to move back to San Francisco Bay Area in ten years primary because if I have kids none now - I would like them to have go to US schools and be around my family. International schools are also too expensive in the countries I would most likely be living in.My fear is at 50 years old, I will not be in my prime and therefore maybe hard for me to get hired at same level pay and position title at US company. And that I will be priced out of the housing market. As a personality flaw-- Ive always been bad at saving. I always had an attitude of Ill go make money when I needed to.How much of my salary assuming my salary stays the same for next 10 years I should be putting away to savings and investments to be able to return to San Francisco Bay Area in 10 years, buy a house and maintain a upper-middle class at that point and through retirement years? Edit - Really appreciate everyones candidness and advice. Just thought I add more information-- This past year of the 8k monthly budget typically looked like this:500 went to alcoholpartying wasteful- I know500 went to shopping clothes, electronics subscriptions1k to datingeating out2k to traveling I take monthly short vacations--- again hot chics1k to random3k to startup business 2The startup business-- 1 is a complete bust winding down, the 2nd did a bit over 250k revenue last year, and this year we should hit 500-700k revenue and keep a 20-30 profit margin and remain cash-flow positive. However, my partners and I all agreed we would not take money out of it for the next 4 years or liquidity event. The business is going well-- but due to the nature of the business, it can easily go bad. My arrogance makes me believe that I can make another 1-3 million from startups 1 million from previous startup equity. But I want to know is if there a more conservative or less risk averse way to get me back to the SF Bay Area and live well that Im not seeing?Or am I going to have to marry somebody rich or makes good money?Or face the music and downgrade lifestyle?  <response>: Presuming you have 0 savings right now and are making 8kmo after taxes. If you literally spent none of your money for the next 10 years and your tax rate doesnt go up and you dont get any raises, then youll have 960k. While that seems like a large chunk of money, it wont be enough to buy a house in the Bay Area outright.shrug Have you considered inland? Sacramento is far more affordable and only an hour and half from SF. 