Whether it’s aiming to buy your first home or repairing your credit, many of us are experiencing the “woes of life” without a guide to lead the way.
The first major adult-like situation that I encountered was when I started my first corporate job shortly before graduating from college in 2016.
Not only was I uncomfortable with selecting my own policy, but I quickly realized that there was much more to being grown than by having a fancy job.
If you are wondering how someone is winning in life (or appears to be winning), now is the time to log off of your social media accounts and get to work.
Dirty thirty is right around the corner, so what are you waiting for?
Taxes, 401(k), and life insurance
The funny thing about money, there’s more than one way to get it.
First, you want to build up knowledge on the basics.
Ask a trusted source such as a mentor or an established family member who you feel comfortable talking about finances.
Building and Maintaining a Good Credit Score
Before going to college and racking up student loan debt I had no knowledge of credit or how a credit score would impact future planning.
Whether it’s applying for a loan or a rental apartment, your credit score is going to be a deciding factor as to what interest rates you receive.
Here are a few things that will negatively impact your credit score or that I’ve learned along the way:
- 35% of your score is based on your payment history
- 30% is based on current debts
- 10% is about types of current credit
Essentially, this means the following actions could lower your credit score:
- opening a credit card initially (it can boost your score in the long run!)
- not paying off your bills in full or more than the minimum amount each month
- accruing more debt than you can pay off with your savings or income
- increasing your credit utilization (the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits)
- spending a large amount on your card after initially opening it
- skipping payment altogether
When managing credit, be sure to set aside payments that do not intervene with existing income.
Communicating (professionally, romantically, socially)
With social media, dating apps and casual outings, people often forget how to respect others when communicating. Texting has made relationships difficult to maintain while more collaborative work environments have lowered the walls between hierarchies of employees.
For example, when engaging with peers in a laid-back setting, remember to keep the conversation professional in nature. Co-workers do not need to know of alternative activities that you engage in after work hours.
Lastly, be mindful of the words in which you speak of yourself. We can all benefit from being kinder not only to ourselves but for others as well.
Networking
Learning how to effectively network when pursuing a goal is one of the best ways to win the game of adulthood.
I’ve met so many awesome people through social media, attending relational events, and truly being a help towards others.
The key to networking successfully is getting out of your comfort zone. Trying new things will put you in a room of unlikely allies. You’ll begin to make connections outside of your immediate circle of friends and family.
Don’t be afraid to go to networking events or meet friends of friends, as they’re your way into a larger network.
Introduce yourself to those who greater experience than you. As always, give the impression you want them to have.
Although thirty is closely knocking on the door, there is still time to get your life in order before adding on responsibilities.