<prompt> Human: I turn 25 next week, and Im starting to panic. Ive lived paycheck to paycheck my whole life. I found this sub by accident a while back and laughed it off, but now Im back and serious about actually planning for my future. Better late than never, I guess.Right now I have about 1200 in the bank. Its not much. Its very little, actually, but its the most money Ive ever had, and Ive been able to keep the balance there for over a month by budgeting my money for the first time in my life. It feels great to actually realize that I control my money, it doesnt control me. But I want to do so much more.In two weeks I start a job with the State Government in Boston. Like the title says, the salary is 40k before taxes, so Ill probably actually get about 31,200year if my math is right.As far as I know the benefits are pretty good, but in all honesty everything Ive read here is still Greek to me. I went to the library and picked up a few of the books recommended on the sidebar, but I feel like Im still not understanding everything.My expenses are minimal: right now its just tax and insurance on my car. I moved in with my parents a few months back to save money, but I know Im going to have to get an apartment closer to the city soon enough, the commute to and from Boston is about 50 miles each way. Im hoping to get a place with a roommate or roommates, and based on what Ive paid before, I can realistically fine somewhere in the Boston suburbs for 700mo plus utilities.I was very lucky and went to state college on a scholarship, so I have no student loans. I know that puts me in a great place. I also own my car outright, so I dont have payments to make on that. These are all great things, but because of them Im a complete credit virgin. I applied for a credit card through my bank BoA a few weeks ago and got declined; they offered a different card that requires a 300 downpayment, money that I will get back in 12 months contingent on an account in good standing. Im not sure if thats the best Im going to get, so Im coming here for advice.Im already budgeting for an emergency fund and looking into IRAs that will be good for me. My job offers a pretty good 401k, so Im excited about that. That being said, my top priority isnt just saving for retirement.Like I said in the title, I want to be able to put a downpayment on a house by the time Im 28 years old, almost exactly three years from today. Am I hopeless? Am I way over my head? What am I doing wrong, what am I doing right, and what should I do that Ive never even thought of? Help me rPF, youre my only hope.Assistant: What are the prices of houses that you are looking into?Also how much money can you save a month to put towards a house after all expenses? Including IRAs, 401k, emergency funds.Human: Houses in the suburbs Im looking at run about 500k for a small one-family place. Right now not paying rent without an IRA Ill be able to save around 870 a month. That being said, Ill need to re-budget myself in a few months if I start renting in the Boston area.  <response>: You will need to at least quadruple your income to be able to afford a 500k house. 