You probably are starting to hear the word “adulting” being thrown around more and more now. So, what is considered adulting? For some people, it may mean budgeting, being responsible for your own actions, and even just simply maintaining good hygiene. For others, it may mean that you start attending more social events, working your way up in your career, or even finally being able to live on your own. But for most of us, it is really a combination of these and much more.
But first, what is adulting?
Is adulting an actual word?
Yes, at least according to dictionary.com. It states that the word “adulting” is defined as “an informal term to describe behavior that is seen as responsible and grown-up. This behavior often involves meeting the mundane demands of independent and professional living, such as paying bills and running errands.”
Enough of those questions though! Let’s get into what is considered adulting!
Providing For Yourself
This is a big one! What is considered adulting if not providing for yourself? You are your own provider now. You must find work to make money so you can have food, shelter, and all the other things that you want in life.
Will it suck at times? Yes, very much so.
Buuuuutttt…
It’s on you, so find ways to enjoy it.
There’s not much to say outside of that.
Actually, there is something else to say. Try and seek out ways to build your own passive income. Your future self will thank you for it. You likely won’t be making a ton off of side hustles for a while, but it’s important to have something that you control.
Making Your Own Life Decisions
A major part of adulting involves taking accountability for yourself and making all of the decisions in your life. This may seem like a simple task, but it takes a lot of patience and practice to get right. Not only do you have to make the decisions yourself, but you have to be responsible for them and deal with the consequences if they go poorly.
Read More: Organize Your Life to Make Better Decisions
Whether you are thinking about leaving school, taking a low-paying job that you are passionate about, or what type of credit card to get your choices are your own.
Real decision-making is an amazing example of adulting. It is also one of the most powerful examples of adulting. Take it seriously and work to nurture your decision-making skills. You don’t want to be abroad and end up getting kicked out of a country for spitting onto the concrete.
I know, seems random, but it can happen.
Paying Taxes
Benjamin Franklin once said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes. Phew, and he was right. Taxes are here to stay and they have to be paid. Of course, there are ways that you can reduce your tax liability – but only to a certain degree.
It is still one of the most confusing parts of adulting for me. It boggles my mind that basic tax classes aren’t taught in school, but I digress.
You need to have a basic understanding of how taxes work. Now I am NOT a financial advisor. So please seek one out.
Just know that taxes are a major and often annoying part of adulting.
Read More: Taxes Are A Must, But You Can Still Save
Building Credit
Credit is extremely important as an adult. It is usually needed for those big life purchases that come with adulthood – at least if you want a good deal.
Your credit score can make or break your finances. It is central to your ability to get the things you want, at least in the United States. You need good credit to secure financing for a car, home, furniture, and even a phone at a reasonable rate.
Otherwise, you will be charged high-interest rates that can cause you to pay more over the life of the financing.
And these days you need good credit in order to get an apartment, a loan for a new car or a house, and not to mention to apply for student loans for college.
So when you hear people talking about the interest rate they are paying on their mortgage or car loan understand their rate is tied to their credit score.
Admittedly, economic conditions also play a rate in the interest rate you can receive, but the lowest rates most always go to those with the best credit scores.
Plus, if you are someone looking to get a credit card. Credit scores play a major role in how you are approved.
Read More: How To Use Your First Credit Card
To give a clear idea of just how important your credit score is check out this video below. It explains just how having a high credit score can save you thousands of dollars when it comes to purchasing things like a car or a house.
Think Long-Term
Along the same lines of making your own decisions and ensuring your own financial future, you also need to start thinking about your long-term well-being.
As young adults, we are about to hit that point in our life where we are expected to have some type of plan for ourselves. There is no need to have our life figured out immediately, however, it is important to have goals set for yourself.
So, take the time to reflect on where you are in life and where you want to be. Then start planning your next steps to close that gap.
Remember that it is the consistent small moments of progress that later turn into major developments. Plan, begin, adjust, and stay committed.
What are your thoughts? What is considered adulting to you? Let us know in the comments below!
Best of luck adulting!
And Remember,
Adulting Starts Here
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