The other day on my Instagram I talked about how your early to mid-twenties are so different than when you are growing up.
Essentially, from when you were born to about 22 years old your life had different components. One being a constant change, your classes, teachers, subject, extra curricular, etc. were always changing. Second, your goals and deadlines were always always shifting. You were tracking your major requirements, your road to graduation, etc.
Then all of a sudden we were thrown out into the “real world” with no templates or guidelines. Society has sort of placed these various life goals like get a job, get engaged, get married, get a house, have kids, etc. but no template on how to achieve these things in life.
Abruptly your responsibilities shifted from your parents/caregivers to you. So, here are some of my tips that I have learned as a twenty-something year old who is trying to figure things out.
Doing Laundry
Always do your laundry once a week and fold it immediately after! It is counter intuitive and redundant to pile up your laundry. You will end up fighting with your laundry when you pile it up. So create a system that works for you like, ok this week I am going to do my whites and so let me throw in my bedsheets, or if you are doing colors then add in your towels. A key tip is to always just fold and put away your laundry immediately after. Do not let it sit cause again that is just counter intuitive!
Paying your Bills and Rent
I recommend keeping a planner whether it is digital or physical. You need to keep track of when your bills, payments, and rent are due. Personally, I use a digital system and a physical one. I write everything down and I make sure it is in a digital form where a notification will prompt me from forgetting to pay something.
Maintaining your Credit Cards/Accounts
On the same track of paying your bills, you need to also maintain your credit cards and your accounts. From your 401k account to your personal checking and savings accounts. An app that I recommend using is the Mint App which I use for just about everything. I put in my due dates – credit cards, rent, etc. and the money goals that I am working towards. I have linked my accounts to see if I am overspending on different categories of my life and to just overall have a healthy financial relationship.
Buying and Preparing Meals
I cannot stress enough how important meal planning is. When you take a few minutes to sit and think about the meals that you want to make for the week it really narrows down your grocery list. When you narrow down that list, you not only save money, but you also prevent tossing things out. I get my meal inspiration from Pinterest. You can also check out the Food section on this blog for some easy and delicious meal ideas that I have been making. If I can make it then you can make it too!
One day you had everything provided to you from food, shelter, and everything in between and next thing you realize that you are a full-fledged adult who needs to provide for yourself. It is not an easy venture, but there are ways to make it easier. One start is knowing you are not alone! So if you are a twenty-something year old trying to figure things out in life, make sure to give me a follow on Instagram.
Growing up I’ve always done the house work such as laundry, cleaning and cooking but I definitely wish I was taught about managing money which is something I struggled with in my 20’s.
I guess I forget how the transition happened for me so much was happening during my very early twenties (20-22), at the time I was not only taking of myself but my mother was dying in hospice as well, plus I was planning my wedding and going to college (not staying in a dorm- self paid on tuition plus scholarships) … so somewhere in there I just figured out how to take care of myself and everyone else as well. It can be done, it is hard but like they say what does not kill us makes us stronger.