DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m feeling completely overwhelmed by my financial situation. With paying off student loans, covering my living expenses and trying to save for the future, I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Rent alone takes up half of my paycheck, and despite budgeting carefully, I’m struggling to make any real progress. I don’t want to move in with my parents, because I value my independence and feel like it would be a step backward, but it’s starting to feel like my only option. I desperately want to build financial stability and work toward a more secure future, but I don’t even know where to start. On top of that, I often feel isolated since I can’t afford to spend money on social activities like my friends do. I worry that all of these sacrifices will lead to burnout, and I need help finding a balance between financial security and enjoying my life. What steps can I take to get back on track without sacrificing my independence or feeling completely defeated? -- Striving

DEAR STRIVING: It takes time to build financial security, especially if you do not have a high-paying job. You may want to consider getting a roommate to share the cost of your dwelling. Otherwise, you could move back home for a specific period of time, during which you focus on saving as much as possible toward your future goals. Since you seem to have developed discipline around your finances, if you can take a break from some bills for a period of time, you may be able to get a jump on your savings. You should try to work toward getting a promotion and raise. Finally, if you have the bandwidth, consider taking on a second job to help move yourself toward financial security.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been working as an associate product manager for two years, and I’m ready to take the next step in my career by interviewing for a new position. However, I’m terrified because I’ve always considered myself a terrible interviewee: I struggle with answering questions on the spot, I feel like I come across as nervous and unprepared and I blank when it’s time to talk about my accomplishments. The idea of facing another round of interviews makes me so anxious that I’ve been putting off applying for jobs altogether. I know that preparation is key, but I’m unsure how to effectively practice and build confidence without getting overwhelmed. Should I focus on mock interviews, improving my storytelling skills or something else? How can I work on presenting myself confidently while staying authentic and not sounding rehearsed? I’m worried my nerves might hold me back from landing a role that could be a great opportunity for growth. -- Getting Ready

DEAR GETTING READY: You need to practice to become familiar with what you want to say in your interviews. Map out the basic answers to all of the questions you think they may ask. Write down your answers, and then repeat them as you look at yourself in the mirror. Practice speaking confidently. It will take time, but you can get comfortable if you put in enough hours. Do your best to memorize the main points so that even if you are nervous, you know the core information you want to share. Breathe! Engage your breath to help keep you calm and steady. Remind yourself that you are prepared, and you can do it!

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a roommate who is incredibly nosy, and it’s driving me crazy. He’s always asking questions that are way too personal, and it’s starting to make me uncomfortable in my own home. I try to be polite and friendly, but he doesn’t seem to pick up on the fact that some things are just none of his business. For example, the other day he noticed some medication that I had left on the counter and asked me what it was for. I was caught off guard because I didn’t think I should have to explain my private medical issues to anyone, let alone my roommate. I tried to dodge the question, but he kept pressing, and I eventually changed the subject just to get him to stop.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. He’s asked about my finances, my relationships and even my family, often in a way that feels more like prying than genuine curiosity. I’m all for having a friendly relationship with a roommate, but I feel like there should be boundaries, and he’s consistently crossing them. How do I set boundaries with someone like this without turning it into a bigger issue than it needs to be? -- Crossing the Line

DEAR CROSSING THE LINE: As soon as you can move out, do. You shouldn’t have to live with someone who does not respect your privacy. That said, you live with him now. Invest in a lockbox where you can put all of your important papers, medications and other personal items so that he cannot reach them under any circumstances. Put a lock on your bedroom door if you can.

Talk to him directly, and tell him you need to set clear house rules. These include everything from household chores to personal business. Let him know that your personal life is off limits. Ask him to stop the inquisition because you will no longer entertain the discussion. Then, simply don’t respond when he goes into unwelcome territory. If you don’t engage, he will stop talking to you ... eventually.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My wife and I are gearing up for retirement. We’re very excited. We came to the United States 45 years ago and have been working tirelessly ever since. Retirement will feel different for us. I’m excited, of course, but still a bit nervous. We don’t have any grandchildren yet, so we’ll have to fill our time with hobbies. Do you have any tips for our new chapter? -- Anticipating Retirement

DEAR ANTICIPATING RETIREMENT: Before you retire, make a plan. What do you enjoy doing, individually and as a couple? What have you dreamed of doing but had no time to explore? Put these things on a bucket list. Do you want to stay living where you are now? Many retirees downsize and move to more temperate climates. Think through your options based on your budget, and make this next chapter a time of exploration together. It can be a lot of fun if you set that intention.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: A childhood friend of mine has been in a relationship for more than five years now. He and his partner live together and share a car, and he covers some of her expenses, etc. They are fully enthralled. But honestly, I get the sense that he was never truly fulfilled by his choice. He always tells their story as if things just sort of happened, not so much that he chose things this way.

Recently, he sent me a message saying, “I always told myself if I were ever single again, I would be open to dating you.” I felt offended, so I responded: “And I presume I’ve just been rotting away on a shelf somewhere in hopes of ‘if you were ever single again’?” He seemed tickled and shocked by my response. We haven’t spoken since. Why would he imagine that I was lying in wait somewhere? Why does he think his interest is so highly coveted? Am I blowing this out of proportion? -- Making Assumptions

DEAR MAKING ASSUMPTIONS: Your friend’s tone was certainly off-putting and presumptive. It is understandable that you would have been turned off by what he said. But I have another question: Were you ever interested in him? Could he have detected any longing on your part that he was responding to? Even if that were true, it doesn’t make his couched revelation OK. That’s weak. So, beyond your knee-jerk rejection of his comment, take heed. You don’t need to get involved with someone who feels so highly of himself that he speaks through that tone to you. It’s OK to be offended, but don’t stew in it. Keep living your life.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am an active member at my church. I attend regularly and know most of the congregation. I’m always helping out by giving as much as I can, whenever I can. One of my known ministries is offering rides to church members who do not have proper transportation. I drive for a living, so the church is happy to have me for field trips, house visits, etc.

If I’m being honest, I can be a bit of a yes-man when it comes to church affairs. Recently, an older woman at the church organized a group of people to visit a sick member who lives about an hour away. She contacted five to seven people, told them a date and time and they all agreed. She didn’t ask me about my availability; I don’t have a ton of spare time to make trips like this. When she finally asked me, I told her I couldn’t because I had plans already. She has been calling my wife, our pastor and other church members saying “shame on me” sort of things. I am always at everyone’s disposal, but I realize that maybe I’ve spoiled them. Should I address this with the church? -- The Driver

DEAR THE DRIVER: Yes. Speak to the pastor first, and share your concern about this woman’s reaction to your unavailability. Without being defensive, point out your long-term commitment to serve in many ways, including driving -- but your schedule must be considered. Explain that you feel hurt by this woman’s behavior and misunderstood as a result by the church. Ask the pastor to say something on your behalf.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)