One of the best-kept secrets is that the wisdom of adulthood is not suddenly bestowed upon you once you reach the ripe age of 18. You will not wake up one day and know how to write a check or when you’ll need an oil change.
Realistically, adulting— especially in your 20s— is mostly about stumbling through tasks with nothing but Google on your side until, somewhere along the way, the knowledge starts to stick. The biggest struggle is not knowing where to begin, but here’s a handy checklist to get you started:
As someone who saw the same pediatrician until the age of 21 (when I moved and was forced to find a ‘grown-up’ doctor), I understand the dread of scheduling doctor’s visits. I still wish my mom would do it for me— but, alas! Adulting involves doing the things you dread most. Fortunately, this task can be an easy win.
Set aside half an hour during the work week when offices are open (a lunch break is typically a good time), and schedule the following appointments:
Primary care physician (1x/year)
Gynecologist (1x/year, if applicable)
Dentist (2x/year)
Optometrist (1x/1-2 years)
Dermatologist (1x/year)
Establishing care as a new patient often has longer wait times, so it’s better to call as soon as possible. If you need to cancel when the time comes, so be it, but at least you have them on the books.
One of the best parts about becoming an adult is the freedom to eat dessert for breakfast and cereal for dinner— till the sluggishness and weight gain kick in.
Now that you’re on your own, you’ll want to learn how to build a well-rounded diet. You may consider learning to meal prep or investing in a meal kit program.
If you’re deficient in any essential nutrients (you can get this tested at that annual checkup you just scheduled), you may benefit from adding a supplement to your routine—you’ll want to ensure they’re reputably made. Sports Research is a great place to start.
Create a filing system for all your physical documents. You’ll want to keep track of your license, passport, car registration and maintenance dues, insurance, birth certificate, Social Security card, and tax records from at least the past three years.
Digital files such as pay stubs, contracts, bills, or bank statements can be easier to wrangle, but ensure you also know how to access them in an emergency. These files are also essential to understand your cost of living and budget accordingly.
This is also an excellent time to remind you that taxes are due April 15— and that according to the IRS, it takes the average person 13 hours to file one annual tax return1, so get started early!
In conclusion, adulting is hard, and that’s okay. Just take it one step at a time, and call your dang doctor.
https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ARC22_MSP_Glance.pdf
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