Dear Annie: I’m 26 and sharing an apartment with two roommates who make my home life miserable. There’s constant noise, passive-aggressive notes and one of them regularly invites people over late on weeknights (plus, they usually make dinner without cleaning up). I work long hours and need a peaceful home to recharge. I’d do anything to come home to silence. I’ve tried addressing it directly; it didn’t stick.

I’ve found a studio I love that I can afford on my own, technically. But “afford” means rent, utilities, and groceries — nothing left over. No savings, no cushion. I know the smart financial move is to gut it out, find better roommates or wait. But I’m so depleted. At what point is peace of mind worth the financial risk? — Torn in Two

Dear Torn in Two: Peace of mind is worth a lot. An empty savings account during a job loss, a medical bill or a car problem is worth quite a bit more.

“I can afford it” and “I can afford it safely” are different things, and you already know which one applies here. Living without a cushion means one bad month can unravel everything you’ve built.

That said, you’re not stuck between this apartment and that studio. A deliberate search for one trustworthy roommate could get you most of the peace you’re after at a fraction of the cost.

Dear Annie: I’m writing in response to “Just Let Me Live My Life,” the 79-year-old man who described ongoing conflict with his kids about moving back to the Midwest to be closer to them after his wife passed. He isn’t ready for that and is upset that all their conversations are centered around this.

Perhaps he should strike a two-part agreement with them: one, in addition to regular doctor’s visits, he allows one of his kids to have contact with his doctor; and two, they all mutually decide on circumstances under which he would agree to relocate to assisted living (serious injury, health complications, dementia, major mobility concerns, etc).

Something like this invites all parties to bring their most reasonable selves to the negotiations. His kids must acknowledge that his independence and happiness are his to cherish, and he must acknowledge (what will eventually be) legitimate concerns on the part of his kids. — Happy Medium

Dear Happy Medium: Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Other readers echoed your suggestion that planning ahead can bring peace of mind to everyone involved. While “Just Let Me Live My Life” didn’t mention whether his legal, financial and medical plans are already in place, those conversations are worth having now — before a crisis forces them.