– COLLABORATIVE CONTENT –
Did anyone else wake up one day and realize that society expected them to actually function as an adult? You can get away without having it all together in university because, well, almost no one has it together in university. And then there’s a year or two where you can cling to being a recent graduate as an excuse.
But then one day you’ll find yourself in a meeting where, even though some people at the table have been working longer than you’ve been alive, they’re looking to you for an answer and an opinion.
And you’ll realize.
I’m an adult.
This isn’t the sort of thing you can do with confidence when you’re choking down half a cold burrito for dinner every night, partying like you’re still a student, and still on your parents’ mobile plan. But there is good news. There’s no magic formula that makes someone an adult or not.
Adulting is a frame of mind, ladies and gents. If you’re willing to take responsibility for yourself and your actions, you’ve already made the most important step. These are our tips to take you the rest of the way.
Make a Budget
If you want to adult, you need to get to where you feel in control of your life. Although the unexpected will always come along, it’s a lot easier to roll with the punches when you know where you are with your finances.
Take the time to lay out a budget based on how much you make per week or per month. Start with your fixed expenses that you know you have to pay and work your way towards things that you can cut down on like clothes and eating at restaurants. Don’t forget to budget for a set amount to go into savings each month.
Take charge of your Bills
An easy way to make sure you’re never late for a bill or payment is to set up automatic withdrawals at your bank. As you learn more about where the money you make is actually getting spent, you’ll naturally want to look for areas that you can cut your spending.
One way to do that is by switching your energy supplier. You can do an energy comparison to see what supplier can offer you the best rate. That way you can put more into savings and get yourself one step closer to your next financial goal (or, hey, your next holiday).
Plan your Meals
Say it with me now… I will not get a Chinese takeaway every day. Not planning out your meals is a sure way to wind up ordering in or picking something up on the way home. I don’t have to tell you that gets expensive, and it’s not the best for your waistline either.
Try planning out a menu for the week each weekend, and making yourself a list based on that menu to take to the grocery store. It takes planning, but you’ll feel much more on top of things, and healthier too.
Do your Laundry
But, like, really do your laundry. Before you’re wearing swimsuit bottoms and a three-day-old shirt. Now’s the time to look at your clothing labels and figure out how to actually wash things. Your clothes will last longer and look better. Try picking one day a week to be laundry day, and see how much easier it is to fit in the laundry when you plan for it.
Go to Bed
I know this. You know this. And yet, the lure of a late night television binge is calling. Make it a point to get enough sleep each night, even if that means laying in the dark for a bit rather than immediately passing out from exhaustion. You’ll feel better, perform better at work, and it will be easier to get everything else done when you’re not dead on your feet. Adulting win.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
