What to do next? Save, lower debt, invest, travel?

Hello –

I would say first and foremost, I’m looking for a change. Which is why I want to invite some input, so I don’t make an impulsive decision.

I live in one of the most (if not most) desirable areas in the U.S. I rent a townhome and I’m getting a great deal for the area, as I’m rent controlled. I WFH and gross about $120K / Year. I don’t have many assets, but own a small bit of undeveloped land in a rural area. No investments, though I have some 401K savings. I don’t have much saved, and have about $40K total debt including my car. One huge factor I must mention is that I travel a lot for leisure. I am out of town about 15 weeks a year on average. Oh, and I relatively young and am single with no kids, so I have a lot of flexibility.

Options:

• Stay put. Focus on bringing down expenses but still enjoy living somewhere pretty amazing. Pay down debt and invest, but at a very slow rate. Perhaps extra focus on increasing income in this scenario.

• Move to a state that doesn’t have income tax. For example, just in tax savings alone, I can put about $800 / Month toward an apartment or condo. Basically have housing as a break even in this scenario.

• Move home and live with family for 6 - 18 months, essentially rent free. I would contribute to utilities and food, but basically would come out ahead. I could feasibly save, put towards debt, invest up to $5K / Month due to net savings. I would also be helping my family out a lot.

• Live on the road. As I’m WFH, I could easily travel domestically, stay with friends and family or Airbnb. I love to travel and this would allow me the ability to see a lot of places I haven’t yet. I can also hybridize this plan with a cheap place in an income tax-free state or intermittently stay with my family as the plan above. Biggest drawback is this would also be a slow route to saving.

I know this comes down to preferences beyond finances. However, I would appreciate input and advice, especially on the financial side.

Thanks!