Stepping into the Real World: Here’s What You Need to Know

Hi all! Long time no post (Sincerely Sorry?). If you follow me on Instagram, you would know that I recently moved to New York and started working. Yes, I’m officially one of the thousands of people who sit on the subway and commute to work except I try to radiate a little bit of southern charm and smile. Being a part of the workforce, I learned a few things really quickly because I had no choice. Seriously. Ask me anything about 401Ks and health insurance and I will talk about it all day. If you’re like me, someone who is afraid of being an adult and paying bills, keep reading because I’m going to break it down for you. Here are a few tips you need to know so you can kill it in the real world.

• Start a savings account

As you start earning that real world cash, you end up paying a lot in taxes (especially in NY). This is where you have to putting some aside and learn budgeting. Scared? Me too. Stay with me! Almost all banks will allow you to create a savings account and you can direct deposit part of your paycheck directly into your savings. Easy peasy. I personally started transferring 10-30% of each paycheck into two separate savings accounts that I have for emergency and personal savings. However, you can do it whichever way you prefer. Perhaps you could have one specifically for vacations or paying off loans. 

• Break up with your bad habits

Get in loser. We’re saving money! For me, this one hurts the most. I’m so used to spending money on Starbucks more often than I would like to admit. I also have an online shopping addiction. Seriously, if I have a bad day, TREAT YO SELF. If I have a good day, TREAT YO SELF. I’m convinced Confessions of a Shopaholic was based on my life. This has now become a matter of self control and literal physical restrain but it’s been working so far. If you have any bad spending habits, now is the time to create a budget and learn how to only spend on things you NEED. It’s okay to indulge occasionally of course but with caution and within your means. A lesson I’m still learning.

• Make time to call your family

I actually do this too often. I call my mom like 5 times a day and tell her the smallest details of what happened to me (Hi Mom). However, it’s very easy to get sucked into the world of working and forget everything else except eating and sleeping. Make sure to actively make time for your family and friends. It’s also super important for your mental well-being. Also, planning weekend vacations with your family or friends gives you something to look forward to and makes the work life a little more enjoyable.

• Talk 401K to me

What is it?

A 401K is basically a retirement plan sponsored by your employer. You choose to donate a certain percentage (Ex: 6:%) and the company will match a certain percentage (Ex: 25 cents on the dollar up to 6%) which is basically free money for you. So yes, do the highest amount your company will match and if you can, contribute more (the company won’t match past their limit). Still, maxing out your 401K as fast as you financially can is a good move.

Pre Tax vs. Post Tax

This is really important to know and I read this article before I decided. I recommend you read it as well.

• Learn how to cook

I know it’s easy to just go out to eat after work but STOP. Your bank account can’t afford it every day. It’s time to take out the oven mitts and learn how to make easy meals. And, eat more veggies and fruits. My mom recently got me an insta-pot and I’ve been dreading using it because it requires mental energy after work but I’ll use it this weekend (hold me accountable) and make something easy – RICE. Here are a few recipes to try if you have an insta-pot. God bless Buzzfeed Tasty.

• Make time for yourself

This one is super important. Again, after work, you probably just want to come home and lay down and sleep but you have to make sure to take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of your hair, skin, and mental health etc.. Read a book before you sleep rather than watch Netflix. Put on a hair or face mask while you do some chores. Multi-tasking is the move. 

• Vision board for your next 5 years

Make sure to enjoy the stage of life you’re in but also plan a little far ahead for what you want to do next. It doesn’t have to be bold like move to London (it could be if you want). It could be as small as “Get promoted to XYZ position at current company” or “Go back to school and get XYZ degree.” Vision board planning takes away the ambiguity and allows for a little more control of your life.

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I hope these tips somewhat helped in this next stage of your life. Feel free to reach out to me via Instagram or email if you have any specific questions or if you have advice for me! Happy adulting!