Adulting Essentials – Preparing for Life at 18

September 8, 2024 Cheryl

Welcome to Cheryl on Lux, where we turn the ordinary into extraordinary, one luxurious tip at a time! Today, we’re diving into something super exciting—ADULTING. Yes, you heard that right! Adulting doesn’t have to be overwhelming or boring. In fact, with the right mindset and tools, it can be an exciting adventure filled with personal growth, independence, and success. Are you ready to level up? Let’s get into the 8 essential adulting skills that every grown-up needs and how YOU can master them!

1. Financial Literacy: Get That Money Right!

Money, money, money—it’s the foundation of adult life, and managing it like a pro is key to living the luxe life you deserve! Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Think of it as creating your very own treasure map. Set financial goals (hello, dream vacation!) and track your spending to make sure you’re on the right path. And don’t forget to save for emergencies—those unexpected adventures like car repairs or medical bills.

Hot Tip: Start small! Try setting aside $50 a month into a savings account. You’ll be amazed at how fast it adds up.

2. Life Organization and Time Management: Boss Up Your Schedule!

Here’s where things get really exciting! There’s something so powerful about having your life organized and planned out. Imagine waking up every day with a clear vision of what needs to be done and what can wait. This is where the magic happens! Invest in a planner (oh, did we mention we have the PERFECT one for you? More on that later 😉), or use a digital calendar to map out your tasks.

Hot Tip: Prioritize your goals, tackle the tough stuff first, and reward yourself with something fun after. You’re the boss of your time!

3. Cooking and Meal Planning: Chef’s Kiss!

Who said you have to be a professional chef to whip up a delicious, healthy meal? Adulting means knowing your way around the kitchen, even if it’s just a little. Cooking at home not only saves money, but it’s also healthier and super satisfying. Start by learning a few basic recipes, and soon, you’ll be impressing everyone with your culinary skills!

Hot Tip: Meal prep on Sundays to save time during the week. Trust me, future you will thank you for those ready-made lunches!

4. Personal Health and Self-Care: Glow Up from the Inside Out!

If there’s one thing every adult needs to prioritize, it’s self-care. No matter how packed your schedule is, YOU come first! Physical health, mental wellness, and a solid self-care routine are essential. Whether it’s hitting the gym, meditating, or taking a long bubble bath with candles (because we’re all about that luxury life!), make sure to carve out time for YOU.

Hot Tip: Consistency is key. Start with 15 minutes of self-care daily, and work your way up to a full day dedicated just to you!

5. Home Management Skills: Keep It Clean and Chic!

Keeping your space organized and fresh is a game-changer. A clutter-free home is a clutter-free mind! But let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend all day cleaning. The trick? Set up routines! Doing small tasks regularly will keep you from spending your entire Saturday cleaning (so you can spend it relaxing in your beautifully organized home instead).

Hot Tip: Create a weekly cleaning schedule. Mondays could be for tidying up the kitchen, Wednesdays for laundry, and Fridays for freshening up your living room.

6. Building and Maintaining Relationships: Let’s Get Social (and Professional)!

Relationships are at the heart of life, whether they’re personal, professional, or somewhere in between. The key? Communication and boundaries! Be honest, be open, and know when to say no. Adulting means protecting your peace and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.

Hot Tip: Networking is HUGE in the adult world. Attend events, join online groups, and build a tribe of positive, supportive people who inspire you to be your best self.

7. Basic Home Repairs: Be Your Own Handyperson!

Listen, you don’t have to be a home repair expert, but knowing a few basics can save you tons of time, money, and frustration. Fixing a leaky faucet? Easy. Assembling furniture without a breakdown? Yes, please!

Hot Tip: YouTube is your new best friend. With a few how-to videos, you’ll be tackling simple repairs in no time. And trust me, you’ll feel like a superhero when you fix that first thing on your own!

8. Building Healthy Boundaries: Protect Your Energy!

One of the most empowering parts of adulting is learning how to set and maintain boundaries—whether it’s with friends, family, work, or even yourself. Boundaries are about respect: respecting your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Don’t be afraid to say no, and don’t feel guilty about protecting your peace. You deserve it!

Hot Tip: Practice saying no in small ways first, and soon it’ll feel completely natural. Remember, every “no” is a “yes” to something better!

Ready to Organize Your Life Like a Pro?

Now that you’ve got the rundown on all 8 essential adulting skills, it’s time to take action! Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your skills, staying organized is key to mastering this thing called life.

And guess what? We’ve got the perfect solution to help you stay on top of it all! Our Lux Life Planner is the ultimate tool for organizing your finances, meal planning, home management, and more—all in one chic, beautifully designed package.

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Say goodbye to chaos and hello to luxury with a planner that will help you balance your goals, self-care, and all the fabulous things life has to offer.

Click [HERE] to grab your Lux Life Planner and start living the organized, opulent life you deserve.

Resource Links

Here are some resource links and books related to each segment on adulting skills to provide you with additional support and practical tools.

1. Financial Literacy

NerdWallet Budgeting Tool – A simple guide on how to budget and track expenses.
Credit Karma – Free credit score tracking and educational resources on credit management.
The Simple Dollar – Financial advice, budgeting tips, and saving strategies.

2. Life Organization and Time Management

Todoist – A popular task management tool for organizing tasks and managing time.
Google Calendar – A free calendar and scheduling tool to help plan your days effectively.
Trello – A project management tool that helps break down tasks and track progress.

3. Cooking and Meal Planning

Budget Bytes – Affordable recipes and meal prep tips.
Mealime – An app that helps create meal plans and grocery lists tailored to your preferences.
Allrecipes – A wide variety of recipes, including easy beginner meals.

4. Personal Health and Self-Care

Headspace – Guided meditations and mental health support to manage stress.
Fitness Blender – Free workout videos for all fitness levels.
Sleep Foundation – Tips and research on sleep hygiene and the importance of rest.

5. Home Management Skills

The Spruce – Practical tips on cleaning, organizing, and home maintenance.
FlyLady – A cleaning and decluttering system that helps you create daily and weekly routines.
Rent.com’s Renter’s Guide – A resource for first-time renters, covering everything from leases to budgeting for rent.

6. Building and Maintaining Relationships

Verywell Mind on Healthy Communication – Strategies for improving communication in personal relationships.
Boundaries: Setting Limits – Psychology Today’s guide to setting boundaries in relationships.
LinkedIn Networking Tips – How to build and maintain a professional network using LinkedIn.

Books