[calflan]

There are a few posts here stating college isn't particularly necessary. That MAY be true, but that'd apply to the upper 3%'s that have an inside track or just plain hardass work ethic. You CAN make it good without college, but you better have a great plan and be prepared to CHASE IT all out. College DOES NOT guarantee a better life. It is an asset which likely will open a door that should provide a better future. Bottom line, whether you're a college grad or not, if your work ethic sucks, you'll have problems. There are tons of professional students out there, that don't have a clue what a hard days work is all about. They're useless in the work force to anyone. Get a good degree, work hard and move up and onward and things will likely grow. Set your sights and pursue.

Sure sounds like your work ethic stinks. Don't want to work full time and live at home ? Years ago that wasn't such an easy option or at least it was judged differently. How would you be if it was still that way ? Don't put your parents through raising a kid more than once. They've earned their room too haven't they ? You getting into toys you can't afford put more stress on their long term plans. Most parents won't tell you to get out, but they likely want (and deserve) you to be out and come by to visit - often - not stay there. Face it.

As far as college debt, yes, there are high costs and alot get buried under that and graduation scares the crap out of them, but at least, if they chase it and use what they've invested in, they have a plan to take care of the debts and responsibilities. Not just hoping things will work out.

Let's not forget one other great option here too. The military. If college is too far out of reach, what about joining up, learning a trade, getting real experience and building into a college plan that is assisted paid by benefits for your time in the service. In your 20's what SHOULD you have the most of ... time, right. Use that to build a future, don't get caught up in 'I want it now...and I deserve to live life to the fullest BS'. You'll only hurt yourself longterm, believe that or not.

A guy getting a car they can't 'afford' while not taking care of their own business (living at home) is a cop-out and leaching off of an easy mark (parents). Sorry but that's the ugly truth.

As far as building your financial situation - get yourself a credit card or two and keep balances affordable and pay them religiously. Build a credit rating, which nowadays can be worth more than cash in pocket. People used to keep cash under their mattress. Those people today can't get a mortgage even if they paid 60% up front, because they have no credit. Doesn't make much senses, but that's where we are now.

Keep your credit debt 40% or less of allowable credit on bills, pay responsibly and you'll build a solid credit rating. Do this a few times and in a year or 2 when you want that SS, you'll have no problem with qualifying, have learned alot about paying debts, have had more time to save a down payment and maybe realized you get what you earn, not what you believe today 'deserve' because you're young and need to live now. Your best years are well ahead of you, slow down kid.