<prompt> Human: Im 25 years old, single and living with my parentssigh... I was making good money at my last job and was saving to buy a home. But I hated that job and my parents noticed and pushed me to find another. Theyre allowing me to stay here rent free and save money, but watching my peers surpass me has really lit a fire under my ass. So now, Im working as an apprentice, making dick money for the next two years, until I become a Journeyman. Right now, Im earning 14hr minus union dues, healthcare etc.. so basically 12hr. I earn roughly 1600 a month, but after my current expensescar, phone, insurance Im left with about 1000 remaining For the month. In the next two years I will be making double that,about 27hr. But I really dont know what to expect in terms of other expensesutilities, food, etc Im determined to be moved out by next year. Ive tried using several mortgage calculators and theyre telling me I can afford 150k homes. Even Im not stupid enough to believe that.. What is the max I afford without drowning myself in debt?  <response>: First, I would recommend renting an apartment and living on your own for a year or two before buying a house. Living on your own roommates are ok, just out of your parents house is a pretty huge step by itself, and I would experience that for awhile first before taking another big step into homeownership. Get a cheap little place cheap as you possibly can without it being a total dump, and experience what its like to totally rely on yourself for everything - cooking, cleaning, budgeting, paying bills, etc. If the place is inexpensive, youll still have money left over to save for a house. Second, wait until youve got these things before actually buying a place: a 10-20 down payment, an extra 2-5 for closing costs, a fully funded emergency fund of at least 3-6 months of expenses, a few thousand extra to make any immediate repairs the place might need and to furnish it, and with a payment including taxes and insurance of no more than 25-30 of your income. Saving all that might seem daunting, but owning a house without all of that will be setting yourself up for hardship and failure. Good luck! 