I just turned 18 in December, and as nerve-racking as this is, I am excited for adulthood. For some context, I am planning to attend college, so any college or life advice in general is welcome.
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Remember: everyone fakes adulting, there is no shame in asking for help, save money for rainy days
I didn't go to college so I don't have any advice, but I moved out when I was 17, which was rough. So buy plenty of rice and pasta. It's cheap, and filling. And get toilet paper whenever you can. When I first moved out I would steal toilet paper from pizza places, certain gas stations, libraries. It wasn't right, but I was 17 and broke. Also, see if you qualify for food stamps, cash assistance, anything. Also check into food pantries in your area. I go once a month and it really does help. Also, water down your dish soap. You don't really need that much and it makes it last longer. There's definitely more, but now that I am an adult it turns out I still don't have any idea what I'm doing haha, so don't stress about that. We're all just trying to figure it out as we go along. Good luck 😁
Thank you for your kind words! This is good advice, I'll be writing this all down
Do your best to be respectful of others, most of the time this is reciprocated.
I am going to make an assumption here, sorry if I am wrong. You will be financially independent, keep an eye on your bank account, do not go mad. Life is more expensive than you think. When I was first free of my parents, I quickly ran out of money, it happens to a lot of us, try not to let it happen to you.
Be patient. The returns on wise choices are often measured in decades.
Student loans are of the devil. Avoid them by all legal means.
If it involves being drunk or spending time with drunk people, it’s a bad idea and you’d be better off staying home.
There is no such thing as “free love”, and acting as though there is is a great way to destroy yourself and others.
Diligence and honesty still matter. Work hard, live simple, and avoid stupid decisions and you’ll look up one day and be amazed how well life worked out.
1) keep a budget book. ☆ 2) Standing orders or direct debits for recurring costs. All within the first few days after receipt of salary. ☆ 3) Open up two accounts. 1 for savings & 1 for the rest. ☆ 4) learn how to cook & basic household maintenance. (How to use a wrench, a needle, a hammer, a brush, ...) youtube-tutorials are your friends. ☆ 5) It doesn't matter how cheap something is. Look after it and you'll enjoy it for longer. ☆ 6) fleamarkets, thrift-shops, sometimes takeing a walk can suprise you with quality-additions to your household. ☆ 7) Keep friendly contact to your neighbours.
From my Mx. Showthyself: Read/Watch the news - from more than just one source, including international news. Even if it's only once a week or on the side. But stay up to date. ☆ You don't have to have studied to lead a good life. (e.g. We learned carpenter/educator and ended up working as janitor/customer supporter. It's not always easy, but it's enough).