Transitioning into adulthood is one of those rights of passages that sounds easy, but usually isn't.
Adulthood involves growing up, getting a job, moving out of your childhood home, paying bills and buying a house. Not to mention, becoming responsible for children who need your constant attention, ask a thousand questions and require a watchful eye, like, all the time.
So, even though we 20-somethings don’t need to know everything involving the above just yet, we should at least know these 10 essential responsibilities in order to be considered “adulting.”
Adulting, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t have to be hard.
10. How to do your taxes
Figure out a way to complete your taxes that doesn't involve bringing them to your parents. Look up a reliable accountant, or consider buying a program to do it yourself like Turbo Tax.
Also, take some time to learn if your company provides free tax services to employees. Some non-profit organizations will offer either free tax services or services at a discounted price. Talk with your HR department to learn more about those opportunities.
9. How to budget to meet everyday needs
We all need to fall back on somebody sometimes; life is expensive and unexpected obstacles arise, which hinder us from taking care of our responsibilities.
However, those occurrences should be at a minimum. You should budget yourself to put at least some contribution in your savings account per paycheck.
There are lots of plans out there to achieve this; my favorite is the 52-Week Money Challenge. It’s great if you’re just starting out and don’t have a ton of money to put aside just yet.
8. How to get out of a car jam
You need to know how to do the essentials: fix a flat, change a tire, change the oil, add antifreeze, etc.
Always carry oil, kitty litter and any other essentials you may need when you least expect it. You won’t always be able to rely on your phone for help.
7. How to make a signature dish
You’re in your mid-20s now, there’s no excuse for you to not know how to cook one simple meal, even if it's a simple pasta dish.
Take out is not the reason you have a kitchen table. You don’t have to be a great cook, but you should know how to make at least one meal for dinner guests, dinner parties and other special occasions when you might be required to bring something.
Bringing a prepared veggie tray only works so often.
6. How to keep a checkbook
If you don't even own a checkbook, now is the time to get one and learn how to use it.
5. How to pick out the right bra size
Let the salesperson at Victoria’s Secret sweet talk you and make you feel a little uncomfortable as you're sized up in front of a crowd of teenage girls who think they have breasts big enough to justify spending their moms' hard-earned money on push-up bras.
4. How to tie a tie
There are a thousand tutorials on the web that show you how to do this. Clip-ons are not acceptable past your pre-teens.
3. How to write a 5-, 10- and 15-year plan
This includes your financial goals, academic goals and personal goals.
It seems like lightyears away, but think about it: In 15 years, you’re going to be close to 40 or in your 40s. Being able to clearly construct what you want out of life will help you take the necessary steps to get there.
2. How to decipher the essentials from luxuries
Working out is fun, and it may even be your time for relaxation, but you can always work out at home.
Cancel your gym membership. Instead of wasting $40 per month, buy a bike, weights or take a jog three times per week. Put that extra cash away for more serious obligations.
1. How to plan for retirement
For starters, you should know the difference between a 401(k) and a 403(b). If your company offers you a retirement plan, you should sign up for it. You’ll be thankful for it in the long run.
How quickly do you think time will go by before you’re of retirement age?
Welcome to adulthood, everybody!
