Things Ive learned as an adult

As a kid I use to think being an adult would be fun. There is no one to tell you what to do, you can sleep in. Eat whatever you want and watch whatever you want. But I was wrong, all I can think about is how much I wish I was 8 again running around with my friends outside until the sun went down. Having sleep overs with my friends watching scary movies on Halloween with mountains of candy and popcorn surrounding us.

Being an adult sucks, there are bills, you have to go grocery shopping on your own. Pay for gas, drive to a boring job. Not to mention you cant eat what you want anymore, adult bodies are affected more by the twinkie's than our 8 year old bodies. I was just talking to my mom about it yesterday, she use to tell me enjoy your childhood there is more freedom in it than you realize.

In my 29 years I have learned a lot, I have made mistakes and I'm hoping this is something who can help those who are just graduating college or high school. Getting your first job, or your first apartment. There is a lot more that goes into it. If you are 18 to 25 do not get a credit card until you can absolutely afford the limit. If you do get approved for one, only spend a minimum of $50 a month on that credit card and payoff $40. Always leave at least a $10 balance that rolls into the next month.

Do not apply for any loans, they are dangerous and extremely expensive. When you get your first car, put money down even if its just $500. Make sure you can afford the monthly payment, don't get a car because its amazing and you can show it off. Get what you can afford, you cant go wrong with a KIA or even a ford. Always monitor your credit, I have learned there isdifferent categories. Its just a FICO dealerships look at your vantage as well and that is a 100 point difference.

Always pay on time and if you are struggling pick up the phone and call the company. They are always willing to provide assistance in extending your time frame as long as you are honest. Put money aside each month budget at least $20 a month. I have used digit and it is a life saver. It saves for you based on your budget and you can create any category to save for to save a goal or time you need the money saved by. The oddest thing to lookout for is gas, I know this is weird but living in Florida and dealing with hurricanes. Always be alert on prices, some gas station will charge 50 to 60 cents more, even a dollar more per gallon. I have to use premium in my car and chevron charges $3.09 a gallon verse $2.65 a gallon at the speedway.

Do not spend more than you earn, bills always fluctuate so always anticipate the change. Electric, phone and water always fluctuate, if you are lucky enough to get into an apartment that offers 2 months free and no move in costs. Still pay the rent on those 2 months but to yourself. So if you ever lost your job you will have at least 2 months of rent set aside to give you time to find another one.

Life is tough as an adult and right now we are facing an even bigger struggle. So I am hoping this helps someone prepare to be on their own. These are things I've learned. I've made mistakes in my past and I'm hoping this will help sway someone to avoid them. Regardless I've had great jobs, I've moved to New York City then back to Florida to work my way back up, I have been unemployed for 4 months at a time. But I am now living in my own apartment, I have a great car, great job and I know you can too.