I’m 21F, working full-time (~$1,780 biweekly take-home), and trying to figure out my next move financially and mentally.
Here’s my situation:
- ~$11,800 in credit card debt
- ~$7,000 in savings
- $399, monthly car note
- $295, car insurance
-other miscellaneous bills.
- $1,180 monthly rent. If I renew it goes up.
- Lease ends June 25
- Planning to take the LSAT and go to law school next year
I can afford to live on my own. I’m just stuck on my options. The debt seems like I’m not even paying towards it (interest).
I feel stuck between wanting to stay independent and knowing I might need to move back in with my mom temporarily to get ahead.
Part of me feels like moving back = failure, especially since I already moved out. But financially, it seems like the smartest way to:
- aggressively pay off my debt (possibly in 4–6 months)
- rebuild savings
- go into law school in a better position
My biggest fear is: what if I do all of this, move back, sacrifice my independence… and then don’t score high enough on the LSAT right away for next August start date?
I guess I’m just trying to figure out:
- Is moving back home temporarily actually the smart move here?
- Has anyone done this and come out better on the other side?
- How would you balance paying off debt vs. keeping savings in my position?
I’d really appreciate honest advice. I’m trying to make the best long-term decision, but it’s hard not to feel like I’m going backwards.