Growing up and becoming an adult is something that every child cannot wait to do, but then it happens. Making that final transition from a young adult to a fully-fledged adult can feel like a daunting prospect, but it really doesn’t need to be. To give you a push in the right direction, we’ve put together the seven key things that will make the transition easier for you. Take a look, give them some thought, and then put them into practice. It’s easier said than done, but you’ll reap the rewards in no time at all with just a little patience and perseverance.
Buying your first home and setting up your utilities
Buying your first home is a great feeling, because you’ve finally got onto the property ladder. It’s a big deal and one you should certainly be proud of, but don’t let it make you lose sight of the bigger picture. Now that you have the keys, you need to get on top of your monthly outgoings right away if you want to rebuild the savings you’ve just used to put down your mortgage deposit.
Set up your utilities so that you’re paying exactly what you need to and not a penny more. By checking electricity tariffs, heating offers, and water rates, you’ll be able to find a deal that works for you. If you find Fort Worth electricity providers who can hook you up with a good pay as you spend deal, you’ll have tackled one thing on your list. Ideal if you want to have more money left over at the end of the month to spend on the things you enjoy.
Getting into a regular savings habit
Saving money is an afterthought for so many people, and then suddenly one day they need quick access to a lump sum. If you want to get ahead of the curve as you enter adulthood, you’re going to want to get into a regular savings habit. Think of it as one of the key monthly outgoings, so that you put money away before spending it on new clothes and days out. It might feel like you’re depriving yourself at first, but over time, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having some money to fall back on in case you need it.
Planning your holidays to get the best deals
Last-minute holidays become a thing of the past when you’re grown up, because you have to plan things properly. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure you have everything in order before you go away, and to make sure you get the best value for money. Have set times when you holiday each year, and if you can afford to, then holiday out of season. The rates will be much lower, and if you holiday somewhere nearer to the equator, the weather will still be much sunnier and warmer than back home.
Make the most of your car insurance no claims options
No claims bonuses are there to be made use of, but you need to ensure you get maximum value. Don’t jump straight at the first offer you are given, play the long game. That way, you’ll be able to get value for money in return for years of safe and responsible driving. You’ve earned it, so why not get every penny you can out of it?
Eating a balanced breakfast first thing in the morning
If you want to really be an adult, you need to cut down on the snacking and eating out. One of the best ways to be more productive, and to save money, is to have a healthy home-made breakfast every morning. It sounds so simple, and yet so few people do it on a regular basis. Do it for a week and then put the money you would have spent to one side. Then ask yourself if you would like to have that much money spare every week.
Avoiding the problem of social jet lag
Social jet lag is a real phenomenon, and not just something we’ve made up because it sounds good. Staying up late on the weekends is a surefire way to get to the office feeling worn out and tired on a Monday morning. Something as simple as sleeping and waking at the same times 7 days a week will help you deal with everything life throws at you. Ideal if you want to make it easier to step into adulthood.
Get out of your overdraft for good
Your student days are long gone, so why are you still paying interest on the overdraft that you used to live off? If you want to be able to save a little bit of money every month without having to give up anything, just pay off your overdraft. It will take a few months of saving and then it’s done. Plus it’ll still be there if you need to fall back on it in the future.