Pay Dirt

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Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Kristin and Ilyce here . (It’s anonymous!)

Dear Pay Dirt,

I am 29-years-old and live in an expensive area in an already expensive state. Five years into my career, I make OK-but-not-great money ($65,000 a year). I have lived at home with my parent for many years, which has allowed me to accrue significant savings. But I’m increasingly worried they aren’t enough for anything I want to do.

So far, I have funneled the majority of that money into my retirement accounts. Not only do I absolutely want to be able to retire someday, but I also am aware that I need to be prepared for the possibility that health, ageism, or the economy might prevent me from having a job later in life. So far, I have a little over $200,000 in retirement funds, split between my Roth IRA, 401(k), HSA, and a brokerage account.

I also want to own a house someday.…