<prompt> Human: I am a super noob with finances. Ive been out of college and in the work force for just under 3 years. Each year, the rent increase on my apartment has outgrown the increase in wage salary. This year, the rent will increase by 17 while my salary is bumped by 1.My napkin math tells me that this wage increase will only account for 13 of the rent increase.Am I looking at this incorrectly, or is my anxiety justified? Im reading that rent should be 25-35 of income, and luckily the new rent doesnt move me out of that range, but I will need to change something, Im thinking either cut back on savings, or move to even cheaper apartments Im already living in one of the cheapest places in the area, roommates, etc. Thanks in advance  <response>: Staying with the 25-35 range isnt ok if you cant afford it according to your budget. Its just a basic guideline. 