10 Adulting Tips Your Parents Should Have Taught You (and Two They Did—But You Ignored)
Discover 10 essential adulting skills your parents forgot to teach you—and two they did, but you ignored—because life shouldn’t be this hard. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Lifestyle
ST. PAUL, MN — Adulting is hard. No one hands you a manual when you turn 18, and somehow, you’re just supposed to figure it all out—bills, taxes, laundry that doesn’t turn pink. Your parents might have tried to prepare you, but let’s be honest: some lessons didn’t stick, and others were mysteriously left out of the curriculum. Here are 10 essential adulting tips they should’ve drilled into you—plus two they probably did, but you tuned out like a pro.
The 10 They Should’ve Taught You
1. Budgeting Isn’t Optional (Even If You’re Bad at Math)
Money doesn’t grow on trees, and neither does financial stability. Your parents should’ve sat you down with a spreadsheet—or at least a napkin sketch—and shown you how to track income versus expenses. Pro tip: Start small. Allocate 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt. Adjust as needed, but don’t pretend “winging it” is a strategy.
2. Your Credit Score Actually Matters
That mysterious three-digit number isn’t just for bankers to laugh at. It affects your ability to rent an apartment, buy a car, or even land a job. They should’ve warned you: pay bills on time, keep credit card balances low, and don’t open 17 store cards for a 10% discount. Future You will thank Past You.
3. Cooking Is Cheaper Than Takeout
Sure, Uber Eats is a lifesaver, but your wallet disagrees. A basic skillet, some spices, and 20 minutes can turn cheap ingredients into a meal that doesn’t cost $15 plus tip. Parents should’ve taught you at least three go-to recipes—think pasta, stir-fry, or a killer omelet.
4. Laundry Has Rules
White socks + red shirt = pink disaster. They should’ve explained sorting (whites, colors, delicates), water temperatures, and the magic of stain remover. Bonus tip: don’t leave wet clothes in the washer for three days unless you enjoy the smell of regret.
5. Taxes Aren’t a Suggestion
Filing taxes isn’t optional, even if you “don’t make that much.” Your folks should’ve shown you the basics—W-2s, deductions, deadlines—so you’re not scrambling on April 14th. If it’s too late for that, there’s always YouTube tutorials or a cheap tax software. Just don’t ignore the IRS; they’re not known for their sense of humor.
6. Networking Isn’t Just for Suits
Jobs, opportunities, and random favors often come from who you know, not what’s on your resume. Parents should’ve nudged you to chat up people—at school, work, even the coffee shop. It’s not schmoozing; it’s building a web of humans who might save your bacon later.
7. Sleep Is Non-Negotiable
Pulling all-nighters might’ve worked in college, but adult life demands a functioning brain. They should’ve stressed: 7-8 hours isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Your mood, productivity, and ability to not cry over spilled coffee depend on it.
8. Renting Isn’t Throwing Money Away
Homeownership isn’t the golden ticket they might’ve hyped it up to be. Renting gives flexibility, fewer repair headaches, and no property tax nightmares. They should’ve taught you to weigh your options instead of guilting you into a mortgage you’re not ready for.
9. Mental Health Isn’t a Taboo
Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Burnt out? Your parents should’ve normalized talking about it—or better yet, seeking help. Therapy, journaling, or even a good vent session with a friend can keep you from spiraling. You’re not “weak” for needing a tune-up.
10. You’ll Never Feel “Ready”
Big decisions—moving out, switching jobs, starting a family—don’t come with a neon “GO” sign. They should’ve warned you: adulthood is a series of educated guesses. Trust your gut, do your homework, and leap. Waiting for certainty is a trap.
The Two They Did (But You Ignored)
1. Save for a Rainy Day
Remember when they nagged you to stash birthday cash instead of blowing it on junk? Yeah, you rolled your eyes. But that emergency fund they preached about would’ve saved you when your car tire blew or your laptop died. Start small—$500 is better than $0—and build from there.
2. Call Your Family
“We won’t be around forever,” they said, and you shrugged it off. Life gets busy, but those five-minute check-ins matter. They weren’t just guilt-tripping you—they were right. Relationships take effort, and you’ll miss those voices when they’re gone.
Progress, Not Perfection
Adulting isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Your parents might’ve skipped some lessons (or you skipped the listening part), but it’s never too late to learn. Pick one tip, start today, and give yourself grace for the rest. You’ve got this—even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.
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RELATED TOPICS: Adulting | Lifestyle | Minnesota
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