Being An Adult: What I've learned (Part 1)

When I was in high school, I could not wait to get out on my own.
I was already planning out what I wanted and how I was going to do it.
To say the least, I was not ready.
When I moved to college, I was 8 hours away from home.
I thought that it was great, I was finally on my own.
I was wrong, but from then to now I have learned a lot so I thought I would share some of what I've learned in hopes that it will help!


1. Your roommate(s) may not become your best friend, and that's okay.
Being BFF's with your roommate may be your ideal situation, but it's not always the case. Create a plan of action for different situations, maybe even a roommate contract that keeps each other accountable. Be honest when it comes to how you're feeling or where you stand and find ways to work it out so that you are both happy. Try to spend some time together or do something (like the dishes or taking out the trash) for them every now and then. That will help keep the relationship and the space a healthy environment!


2. Create a budget and stick to it.

This is hard and I struggle with it all the time, but is so worth it when you do. Create a budget with your income, what is flexible (clothing, leisure) and what is stable (rent, loans, bills). Mint is a great budgeting tool with alerts when you go over your budget and helps you save for your goals! Also look into couponing! It's easy and can save you some dollars along the way. A few of my favorite apps (and websites) include Coupons.com, Checkout51 and Shopkick. It makes shopping less boring and you can earn rewards! Credit is also essential for everything--car buying (which is how I got my new car), house hunting, loans--and it's really easy to screw up. What I've learned is that having a credit card is fine when you can pay it off immediately. You don't want to have anything hanging over your head. Credit cards are not free money. It's money you have plus more (darn you, interest rates!). My suggestion is that if you get one, use it for gas and groceries and pay it off immediately. Before you know it, your credit score will be high and you will have the power!


3. Make decisions for yourself, by yourself.
Sure, you can ask for advice, but ultimately its about you and no one can make that decision for you. If something doesn't seem right with your body, make an appointment to get that checked out. If it's time for your car to get an oil change, call and set that up. You have to use your judgement on certain things and it will definitely help you become more confident when making decisions.



4. Learn new things that can help you adult.
Cooking, sewing, general maintenance; basics that turn into lifelong skills. Get yourself a cookbook and test some of the recipes out in your free time.  Also get a sewing kit and a tool kit (one with some wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) for those quick fixes around your home. YouTube some fun crafts that can bring some light to your walls and maybe even make yourself a canopy (I did!)! Expand your horizon and you will not regret it!







5. Take care of you.
This may seem silly, but it's actually really important.
You need to take care of you--mentally, physically and emotionally. I got myself a gym membership, started working out 2-3 (or more) times a week and it has helped me release so much stress and tension that I had been building up. I'll take some time out of my day to just breath and be alone or color to help get my mind off of the constant lists in my head. I'll run myself a bath, light some candles and relax for a while. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and it will help you be better.

These are a few of the many things that I've been learning and there are DEFINITELY more to come!

Until then,

Shelby