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"As long as you live under my roof..."

"When you pay the bills, you can make the rules..."

"No you can't go...because I'm the parent and I said so."

"Why can't you be more like..."

"You don't tell me what you are going to do, you ask..."

"...because nothing good happens after mid-night."

Are you ready to move out yet?

As a child, our parents put us in awe. They always told us what's best for us and somehow we listened (for the most part). But there is something around age 12 that changes everything and we count down the years until we can finally move out. But how do you know when you are ready? Here are five things to consider to better help you make that decision:

Yard work
This really doesn't apply if you are renting an apartment, but if you rent a house its something to consider. Snow in the winter, leaves in the fall, and mowing grass in the summertime, and this time you have to PAY to do it. Equipment isn't cheap and you can probably get away with borrowing things for awhile, but eventually you will need your own. A quick trip to the lawn-and-garden section and your wallet or purse will feel much lighter on the way out. Budget for it.

Transportation
So you've got a set of wheels and it was the best thing $1500 would buy. If you have a decent car, repairs might not be too much of an issue. But don't forget about routine maintenance, oil changes, tire rotations, fluids, fluids, and more fluids. But above all, Gas Prices! It won't be so easy to hit mom up for some gas money if you are all the way across town and needing it before you can get to her because the tank is empty. Budget for it.

Laundry
No, your mom isn't going to do this for you forever. And if you can't afford to buy a washer and dryer for your new place, wait until you see what's in store for you. The Laundry Mat! You will have an unspoken love for rolls and rolls of quarters, not to mention a plethora of time to read that Sports or Gossip magazine over and over and over while you are waiting for those pants to dry. Plus all the interesting conversations with other people in misery along side of you. Budget for it.

Insurance
It's for more than just a car. Not only do you need car insurance, but you'll need to have medical and renter's insurance as well. Renter's insurance? It's becoming more and more popular as a requirement instead of an option. And it's a good thing to have really, especially in an apartment that is wall to wall. Not only does it protect your things from theft, but if you don't have it,

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