Learn those checks and balances.
CHECKLIST FOR
ADULTHOOD
It's the Little Things
PRO TIP
Need cash and don’t want to pay the ATM fee? Buy a
pack of gum and get cash back at the grocery store!
Learn how to save a buck.
You want to save as much money as possible, so cut out
those coupons and use them in the store! And never miss
an opportunity to use your student discount. These little
savings add up.
You have a few more months before preparing
to launch- are you ready for adulthood? Here are
some things you can start mastering now, so you
can feel more confident in your big move. P.S. don’t
worry—everyone calls their mom and dad for help
when they first move out.
Know how to wash, fold, and iron laundry.
If you’ve never been responsible for your own laundry,
start now while you still have mom and dad to show you
the ropes so you don’t end up ruining your favorite outfit!
PRO TIP
It is important to know how to pay bills and to actually
balance your account regularly. It takes a lot of discipline,
but you don’t want to end up paying overdraft fees!
Hang those clothes up as soon as they come out of the
dryer so they don’t wrinkle. If they do get wadded,
throw them back in with a damp towel!
Learn how to cook.
And I don’t mean learn how to cook a frozen pizza. Look
up different recipes and try to cook decent, healthier op-
tions. Sure, fast food is way more convenient but believe
it or not, pretty soon you’ll be longing for homemade
meals…and even leftovers!
Know the differences in fires-and how to
put them out.
I promise this isn’t a commentary on your cooking, but
you need to know about different kinds of fires and how
to put them out. Did you know you can’t put out a grease
fire with water? Smother it with a pan or baking soda, but
don’t forget to turn off the stove or oven first.
Know the importance of exercise.
Even if you feel like you don’t have time, try to take an
hour at least a few times a week to be active. The more
you stay active, the better you’ll feel about yourself. Plus
exercise is a great way to combat stress!
PRO TIP
Check out the Ibotta app! Scan your receipts to receive
rebates into your Ibotta account. Once you’ve collected
more than $20, redeem your cash or turn it into a
Starbucks or iTunes gift card!
Start that rainy day fund.
It’s important to have money put back for emergencies,
future needs, and even just for fun. Sometimes it’s hard
not to spend every dime as soon as you get it, but with
a little consistency, you’ll probably find that you enjoy
watching your savings grow.
Make your own appointments.
Sometimes, calling to make hair appointments or sched-
uling a doctor’s appointment can be a source of unex-
plainable stress. But the best way to get more comfortable
with it is to just make yourself do it. It gets a little less
awkward every time!
PRO TIP
If you can help it, don’t call on a Monday morning
or on a Friday, which can be their busiest times. Also
remember that most hair salons and barbers are closed
on Sundays and Mondays!
Know that maybe it ’ s okay to go to
bed at 10pm sometimes.
No, you’re not an old person if you go to bed early.
Sometimes you need to in order to get enough sleep for
the day ahead of you. Everything is a bit easier and life
runs much more smoothly when you are getting the sleep
you need.
Wake yourself up.
Listen, you can tell us…is Mom still waking you up every
morning? We get it. Mornings are hard and Mom is a
dependable alarm, but no one will make sure you are up
for work or school once you graduate except for you!
www.potentialmagazine.com
Spring 2018 |
31