<prompt> Human: Brief background -- Im 26 years old Ive been on my own since right after H.S. until recently a string a poor choices caught up to me and my parents were kind enough to let me move in with them rent free. Although this is convenient I feel very uncomfortable being at home...Ive been using the past 2 weeks to self reflect and plan ahead. Yesterday I accepted a job offer for 20 an hr, I have no college degree and although I have been really considering going back. I wouldnt return full-time as I have responsibilities to take care of and need the income and TBH I dont know what to return to school for. Anyways, before taxes I will make 41k a year before taxes. I live in CA, so rent is ridiculous almost the same as. Mortgage in most cases and I dont want to rent ever again if possible. Id rather live at my parents as long as possible and put 20 down on a mortgage and not pay PMI instead of renting, my last apartment was 850 a mo! Ultimately I had to move out because I was careless with my money and irresponsible, since then Ive become an avid reader of personal finance and its been an eye opener. This sub has motivated me in many ways, and some of the stories I read have gave me the inspiration I need to kick start me transformation from early-20s party animal to a responsible adult. nbsp;As far as my credit score is concerned its could be in the low 700s after I pay off the 4K I charged interest free for a year. I will attack these aggressively over the next several months 40 or so of check will go to this until debt free, and then I will build a an emergency fund small for now 2k? and then in a perfect world I would like to purchase my first home. Am I crazy for thinking this is possible in California? I live in the valley not LA or SD btw...thanks in advance for any knowledge or advice you may have to share. All criticism and feedback is welcome.  <response>: Ultimately I had to move out of my last apartment because I was careless with my money and irresponsibleUh, so you didnt pay the rent? You need a long record of saving, avoiding debt, and financial responsibility before you should even be thinking about a mortgage. 