1. Budgeting
Budgeting is an important adulting skill as it helps you to manage your finances and make sure that your expenses stay within your means. It involves setting monthly income and expenditure limits, tracking spending, setting aside money for savings, and making sure that all bills are paid on time. To be successful at budgeting, it is important to have a clear understanding of where your money is coming from and going, as well as having the discipline to stick to the budget.
2. Time management
Time management skills are essential for adults because they help you manage your daily activities in an effective and efficient way. Having good time management skills involves planning ahead and making sure that tasks are completed on time, setting priorities, learning how to say no when you cannot take on more tasks or requests, scheduling breaks throughout the day, and avoiding procrastination by getting started right away with whatever needs to be done.
3. Household maintenance skills
Having basic household maintenance skills allows you to keep your home running smoothly. This includes basic plumbing repairs, minor electrical repairs, carpentry, lawn care and landscaping, appliance maintenance, and home security.
4. Home organization
A cluttered home can lead to stress and decreased productivity, so it is important to develop skills for organizing your space. This includes establishing an efficient cleaning schedule, donating or discarding unwanted items, investing in storage solutions such as shelves and bins, using labels on containers to make them easier to find later on, and creating a system of filing papers away so that they are easy to access when needed.
5. Cooking/Meal Preparation Skills
To make sure you have the energy you need throughout the day it is essential to have basic cooking skills. This involves learning how to read recipes, and how to use different kitchen equipment such as a knife, cutting board, oven, stovetop, and blender. Meal preparation skills involve planning your meals ahead of time and making sure that you have all the ingredients necessary to make them.
6. Cleaning & Laundry Skills
Having basic cleaning skills will help you keep your home clean and germ-free. This includes knowing how to dust furniture, vacuum carpets, mop floors, and clean bathrooms and kitchens effectively. Additionally, it is important to know how to do laundry by understanding which settings to use for different fabrics and how much detergent or fabric softener to add in order for clothes to come out clean and smelling fresh.
7. Financial Literacy/Knowledge of Credit & Debt Management Strategies
Adults need to have a strong understanding of their personal finances, which includes knowing the difference between good and bad debt, how to build credit, ways to save money through budgeting and investing, and how to create and adhere to a financial plan. It is also important to be aware of scams or predatory lending practices so that you can protect yourself from falling victim to them.
8. Shopping Basics
Having basic shopping skills is important in order to make sure that you get the best value for your money. This includes understanding how to compare shop, read labels and ingredient lists, become familiar with different brands, and how to recognize when something is a good deal or not. Knowing basic budgeting skills can also help you stay on track with your spending limits.
9. Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills
Having good communication skills is essential in order to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends. This includes knowing how to listen effectively, expressing yourself clearly, and learning how to manage disagreements or conflict in a constructive way. Additionally, it helps to be familiar with different communication styles and tactics, such as body language, assertive communication, and active listening.
10. Stress Management & Mental Wellbeing
It is important to develop skills for managing stress and maintaining mental wellbeing. This includes having an awareness of your emotional triggers, practicing self-care such as getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits, setting boundaries with people in order to protect your time and energy, and establishing a daily routine that helps you stay organized. Additionally, it is helpful to learn relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga in order to reduce overall stress levels.