Once you’ve graduated high school, you’re on your way onto college -- and what some would say, the adult world. Some of us are going to universities and living on our own, without parental supervision for the first time. Then you’re broke and have overdraft fees on your account. What do you do? “They didn’t teach me this in high school!” I feel bad for every frantic phone call or text I sent my mom with the silliest questions. It made me wish there was a class in college called, “Adulting 101” to teach me everything I needed to know.
1. How do I file taxes?
In my sophomore year in high school we went over how to file taxes in only two days. you expect me to remember that two years later?
2. What’s a mortgage and are you sure I need one?
Do I really want to buy a house?
3. Credit? How do I get that?
Credit is tricky because you can't get loans, rent an apartment, buy a car, etc. without it, but they make it feel impossible to build your credit.
4. Debt? Of course I’m in debt...thanks college.
No, I don't want to check my credit score just yet.
5. How do I buy a car?
Do I get a loan? What's a "lease"? Is there a difference? S.O.S.
6. Why does my bank keep asking if I want life insurance?
Do they think I'm going to die soon?
7. What do you mean I have to have a new doctor?
Why can't I see the same one I've seen my whole life?
8. Are you sure I can’t live off of Ramen?
I'm almost certain they're nutritious.
9. What's a co-signer?
And will you be mine?
10. Who should I vote for?
Please explain the politics to me.
11. What do I do about this parking ticket?
Honestly, I didn't even realize the meter ran out. Honest mistake.
12. How do I cook an artichoke?
Or cook in general?
13. Why are stamps so expensive?
They're just a sticker on a piece of mail.
14. How do I balance a checkbook?
Pretty much 90 percent of people who aren't business majors don't know how to do this.
15. Personal responsibilities.
What's the first time to take care of myself?
16. Do I need a 401K?
It sounds fancy, I think I want one.
At the end of the day, as silly as you might feel, these aren't "dumb questions". And if you feel silly asking someone, ask Google. Google can't judge you, or laugh at you. I've noticed a lot of people my age going through quarter life crisis', and it's okay. You aren't alone. It's okay to not know everything. Now, about that adulting thing...