The essential first step to independence is to learn to set aside part of your paycheck for a rainy day.  Depending on the stage of your career, this need will change.  For a single person, generally you need at least 30 days of living expenses in the bank.  As your responsibilities grow, so should your rainy day fund.  Once you have a family, mortgage and other monthly obligations, you should strive for a minimum of 3 months and, preferably, 6 months in the bank.