5 Easy Ways To 'Adult'
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Student Life

5 Easy Ways To 'Adult'

What can you do to adult better? Here are 5 easy steps.

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5 Easy Ways To 'Adult'
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1. Build your credit up.

This may seem like a Catch-22 for millennials. It's tough to get a loan or credit card with no credit, but you can't build your credit without those things! First of all, monitor your credit score. There are apps like Credit Karma that will give you a free report every month. You can also try opening a small in-store credit card for stores that you shop at frequently (Try Marshall's, Target, or Victoria's Secret). I opened a Victoria's Secret account at 19. They gave me a $300 limit. I would buy my bras in store with the credit card, and then immediately go home and pay it off. The trick here is to make sure that you are paying it off every month so you don't accrue interest. Having a large debt to income ratio would be counter productive.

2. Open a savings account.

It may sound silly to open a savings account if you don't have any extra money lying around. Some banks will give you a free $50 or $100 if you open an account with them. Put in a few bucks when you have it. Try giving up your Starbucks addiction for a month and you can save a couple bucks to throw in there. The length of your accounts is a contributing factor to your credit score. Open an account and keep it open- even if you don't put money in there all the time.

3. Learn to cook a few simple meals.

If you're looking for a way to save money, try eating out less. Even $5 on burgers adds up at the end of the month. Try to recreate your favorite take out meals/ Starbucks drinks at home and then pack them to take along with you to work or class.

4. Invest in some stationary and "Thank You" cards.

Networking is an important part of furthering your career. Keep in touch with former co-workers, bosses, and even professors. You never know when you will need a letter of recommendation. Who knows- they may even mention you when a job opens up down the line.

5. Set goals for your future self.

It's easy to do nothing if you aren't sure of what to do. Take small steps. Picture where you would like to be in five, ten, or even just one year. What steps can you take right now to get there? Make a vision board to stay motivated and stay on track. Get your friends in on the action and have a vision board party.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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