A single mom moved into her parents' garage to save money. Now she's on track to pay off her student loans within a year.

• Sarah Eller and her daughter moved into a garage apartment on her parents’ property in April.
• She and her daughter are living in the one-bedroom space to save money.
• Eller said she’s on track to pay off her student debt within a year thanks to the garage apartment.

Sarah Eller has been living with her parents since she became a single mom.

In early 2026, Eller decided to give the garage apartment another shot.

The bedroom is big enough for two beds.

The garage is making Eller feel financially and emotionally secure.

“It kind of was embarrassing, I guess you could say, from societal standards,” she said. “I feel like living with your parents is kind of frowned upon.”

“But this time around, I feel like I’m embracing it more, and I feel more confident in myself,” she continued. “Honestly, I’m just really happy and fortunate that my parents gave us that place and that we’re able to renovate it. I’m just proud of it now.”