1. Write a check
Balancing a checkbook and writing checks are all pretty adult stuff, but in this modern world of online banking and paying bills, when you have to write a paper check sometimes we just stare blankly at it hoping it writes itself.
2. Set a budget
All I know is when my paycheck is deposited into my bank account. Then I know how much I can spend on weekend activities. But, knowing that I graduate in May and have to set a budget or start saving for retirement leaves me feeling like a five year old who lost her mom in Wegmans.
3. Taxes
DAD?!?
4. Sign an employment contract
I will freely admit that the last time I signed an employment contract I was just happy to have a job and did not read the fine print. Needless to say, we should always read the fine print but we never know what we are looking for.
5. Fill out a W – 4 when you get a new job
Again, where is my dad?
6. Laundry
Because you can only dye your white shorts and shirts pink so many times before you realize you should probably separate your clothes into darks, whites, delicates, towels and so on.
7. Parallel Park
We all did it to pass the road test, now we drive around a block and look for a spot where we don’t have to parallel park. Just do it once in a while so you remember how to do it.
8. File for a car loan/ student loan/ apartment loan
Nope, no clue. Time to call in the parents.
9. Apply for insurance/ a relevant credit card
That Discover student card is only going to go so far after May of senior year. But figuring out which card to apply to, how much debt is enough and what a good interest rate is where we need help.
10. Cook an actual meal
Rice A Roni and Easy Mac only go so far to impress your date that comes over to your apartment for dinner. Learn how to cook some chicken and pasta to start and go from there. It is all just steps to follow!
11. How to register to vote
Or How to apply for an absentee ballot, or how to deal with having jury duty. Registering to vote is actually a pretty simple process by just picking up a form at your town hall and filling it out. Figuring out which candidate you want to vote for is a completely different story.
12. Change a tire
Isn’t this what AAA is for??
13. Change your oil
Yes, you can go to Valvoline and have it done for $23.95, but you could save a lot of money by learning how to do it yourself. With some help from your dad, brother, boyfriend, fiancée, significant other, etc
14. Jump a car
Again, pay for AAA because this is just awful to have to figure out on your own. Plus, you need another car to jump yours…
15. Fix a leaky faucet
Nothing is more annoying than that drip that comes from the kitchen faucet that won’t go away no matter how tight you turn the knobs. Get a small tool kit and try to fix it yourself! Then worst comes to worst call a plumber before it gets worse.
16. Write a cover letter/ resume
Writing it is hard enough, but then figuring out what needs to go on it and what needs to no be said is difficult.
17. How much debt is too much
Student loans – CHECK, Car loan – CHECK. Will be able to pay it back – ????
18. Change an address
Nope. Time to call the parents for advice.
19. Invest in the stock market
This is why you make friends with people studying business and finance so you make smart choices without being charged for their advice.
20. How to get around without a GPS or phone
Knowing how to get to Wegmans, BJ’s, Walmart and the pharmacy are key to survival in any city or town.
21. How to sew
You can’t always walk around with a hole in your pants or a button falling off your shirt so see if you can figure it out next time! You got this!
22. How to be happy
Hands down you should always know how to be happy with who you are because nothing else matters if you’re not happy.
(All gifs courtesy of Giphy.com)