How To Adult: Random Stuff You Should Know How To Do

Some basic skills people can use to get through life:
How to tie a tie: Here is a way to tie a tie without having it on your neck yet. https://www2.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+tie+a+tie&&view=detail&mid=1F3F4864AF0BF65167481F3F4864AF0BF6516748&&FORM=VRDGAR's

                                                                                    OK, well maybe not...
How to protest a bad grade:
Do not cry. Do not call your mom so she can talk to the professor (because of privacy rules and because you are legally an adult, your professor can't discuss your grades with your parents without written consent). This is your problem. You need to handle this on your own. Calm down and ask for an appointment when you can talk to your professor about it. Be mature. It's important, but it's just one grade. See if anything can be done.

How to write an email that at least sounds like you're an adult:
Sometimes you will need to email someone to communicate what you need. Here are some suggestions:
First, be sure you have an email address that doesn't make you look silly. Open a new email if you'd like, simply using your name and a couple of  numbers (such as AndrewPancake3323@gmail.com).
Be sure you have the correct email of the person you're talking to.
Start with 'Hello, I have a question I was hoping you could answer.' Then express what it is in a well-mannered tone. 'I am having trouble understanding ___________. I would really appreciate it if you could explain this better for me.' Don't use abbreviations like U for You or LMAO or emojis as you would in a text to a friend, and keep to the subject without other remarks. After your message, double-space (hit Enter twice), and end with 'Thank you,' and write your name and anything that would help identify you, such as which class you are in, if you are emailing a professor, for example. See? Not so hard. Then be sure you check your email for a response.

                                                               This is so NOT how to email an instructor...









How to use an ATM:
You'll have a plastic card that is essentially the same as a credit card. If it has a 'chip' in it, you'll need to have a password. You go up to an ATM and follow the directions it tells you. It will ask your password, and how much cash you want. You can only get cash in multiples of $20. The cash comes out underneath the keypad. It will probably print a receipt. Make sure you're aware how much is in your account. You can't take out money if the account is empty. Be aware of your surroundings so no one is likely to see you enter your password. Also, be aware of scamming devices sometimes put on an ATM. A good rule of thumb is, if you can grab the place where you insert your card and it doesn't seem loose, you're good to go. *See Triogenius 3/26/2018 on how ATMs work.

How to give First Aid to yourself or someone else:
This is for minor situations, of course...
Cuts: Clean it off with soap and water. Dry it with something clean. Apply pressure to stop bleeding. Put on a bandage. Keep it clean at all times. If it just won't stop bleeding, you may need a medical professional to see it in case you need stitches. If it starts to look like it has pus on it or is oozing, or if it feels hot to the touch, it might be infected. Have it checked.
Burns: Ice or cold water first thing to stop the burning process. NEVER put butter or grease on a burn. An ointment that has Xylocaine in it will help it stay clean and relieve some pain.

Punctures: Same as cuts: Keep it clean, cover it initially, then leave it open.
Nosebleed: Whether for no known reason or because the nose was hit, nosebleeds aren't often serious. Don't panic. Try a cold compress on your nose to constrict blood vessels. Try leaning forward and pinching the soft end of your nose. Don't stick wads of tissue up in the nose, it will probably make the bleeding last longer.
If you need an ice pack, any kind of ice can be applied: Ice cubes or blue ice wrapped in a washcloth work well, as do bags of frozen peas, corn, or other small frozen vegetables or fruits. Of course, throw the food out after you've used it for an ice pack.




How to change your bed sheets:


Take the dirty sheets off. It's your call if you want to wash the mattress pad. If you do, you'll need to wait till it's dry and can be put back on. When putting the bottom 'fitted' sheet on, it can help to do the fitted sheet like an "X"....Opposite corners, then the other opposite corners. Take the clean flat sheet and arrange it on top of the fitted sheet. Leave enough at the foot of the bed to tuck under. Top with blanket or blankets. Tuck blankets and sheet under the foot of the mattress. Grab the corners and tuck those under. Top with bedspread, quilt, or top blanket. Don't forget a clean pillowcase. 

https://www2.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+change+your+bed+sheets&&view=detail&mid=CA0281443D622B3A745BCA0281443D622B3A745B&&FORM=VRDGAR


How to have less hassle about your Social Security Number: Memorize it and don't share it with people or companies unless there is a very good reason to. That's all.


How to tip, such as in a restaurant, at the salon, etc:
The general amount is 15%, and if it's a meal that cost $20 or less, simply tip $3.00. Most phones have a calculator on them. It would be the same for other services, such as a hair cut or if you would be lucky enough to have room service at a hotel. You can always tip more than 15%, of course. Remember that some people in these service industries depend a lot on their tips for income. In some cases, that's their only income: If you don't tip, then they aren't getting paid. Other places can pay their employees $2.00 an hour because they are confident that tips will bring them to a reasonable income. If you really, really think you got horrible service, tip less or not at all. But this should be rare. If you feel you got poor service in a restaurant, sometimes the problem is in the kitchen, not with the server. You can always speak to the server or a manager in a civilized way and say why you're unhappy with the experience.

That's the latest installment of #HowToAdult. Keep tuned for more later!

How Can It Be This Late? Time Management Tips

Do you ever look at the time and think? How'd that happen, it was only 1:00 ten minutes ago and now it's 4:30?

Time management can be a challenge, what with work, school, study, family, friends, and all the other things that gobble up time... but we found some tips that might help:

• Use. A. Planner. It can be in any form, a notebook will even work. You may have an app for your phone or computer, but it may be best for some to have an actual calendar on paper--a really, really big one. If you write in absolutely everything you need to do, you can keep it right where you'll see it every day, and follow along.

• Take the syllabus from each class and put important due dates on it. You can then plan to have parts of your assignments done in smaller chunks: If an assignment is due on the 20th of the month, then put in 'work on pages 10 to 30' one day, then 'work on pages 30 to 60,' etc. so by the 20th, you've covered everything.
• Make priorities in your days: What absolutely has to get done and by what date, and what can wait till the next week?

• Make your study space comfortable, even inviting. Nobody likes to try and work where there's too much noise, or no space, or no supplies. A stash of snacks in the area will avoid you getting up to find them and getting off task. Messy snacks? Have some hand wipes close so you don't get up to wash hands and wind up watching TV or playing a game.
• And be sure there's enough light!
• Know yourself, and your 'style' of working. Do you work best with no noise, or with headphones on (be honest here). What distracts you too much? What helps you concentrate? You might look for a quiet spot no  one has discovered and make it yours.

• Use even the smallest bits of time to do something. In 10 minutes, you can empty the wastebasket, wipe down a countertop, or clean a sink. You can grab a folder and put all the stuff for tomorrow's classes in there. You can take out your clothes for tomorrow. If you really hurry you could probably even take a shower in 10 minutes. Or, of course, study for 10 minutes on something you always put off.
• You can set a time limit for how long you're going to work on something, whether that's a chore or studying: I'll give this thing 1 hour of my day and no more. Then do it!
• Set timers! You can use a kitchen timer, or of course there are alarm 'clocks' on phones, laptops, tablets, and even watches, often. If you use your phone, put it out of your easy reach, but where you'll hear it. Set the alarm to go off in a certain amount of time, then get to work and wait till you hear it go off. Use timers to wake up in the morning or remind you that you have an appointment or a class.

• And of course, no social media while you're studying. That will all wait, it really will. Talk about a time-waster!
• If you are in a time crunch, and who isn't, don't be shy to tell people you simply do not have time for anything other than study this afternoon (or whenever), and don't feel guilty about it. Learn to say 'no' when you need to. You also need time to rest, and you can say so.
• If you find yourself studying into the wee hours of the night, put a stop to that and be sure you get enough sleep. You won't be absorbing information if you're barely awake.
• Eat some brain-power foods: Nuts, apples, berries, granola, yogurt, raw vegetables--graze away to give you some solid calories (as opposed to candy or chips)
• Drink plenty of water-always have a water bottle by your side.
• Get up and stretch once in a while. Do a simple exercise or walk for five minutes now and then.
• Sometimes, you'll need to be flexible. Situations will come up when you have to switch out your schedule, and that's OK, as long as you're usually following the plan.

How to set a reminder if you have an Iphone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205890
Android: https://www.wikihow.tech/Create-Reminders-on-an-Android  There are 'outside apps' available as well.  Often the alarm lets you make a note, so you can say "one hour of studying English," or "Lunch break," in case you forget to eat!

A little planning can help you feel less stressed and more in control. Hopefully, some of these tips will be helpful.

 

 

How to Adult: Making a Doctor Appointment

Once you're on your own, whether away from home at college or starting life as an adult, you'll eventually need to tend to your health; namely, you're going to need to see a doctor for some reason, or at least get to a pharmacy for some help to feel better.

 

First, how to know you are 'sick enough' to be seen by a doctor. Here are some guidelines, but truly: if you feel incredibly sick, then you're sick enough.

• Do you know how to take your temperature? You can get a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, they're easy to use if you follow the directions. Normal is usually 98.6. If it's more than 100, it might indicate you're fighting something.
• A bad cough may indicate a respiratory infection
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea that just won't stop after 24 hours and laying off food, should be checked out
• If your chest aches, you may have any number of respiratory issues
• A very raw sore throat may be strep. However, strep doesn't always cause a sore throat. It also can be shown by feeling nauseous, headaches, and a rash.
• For women, if you are not sure whether you have a yeast infection, you should see a doctor.
• You also should be seen if you are having depression that won't ease up. Don't feel like it's not important enough, it is.

While you wait for your appointment, here are some things to try that may help:
Cold/Cough/Chest/Sore Throat - Lots (Lots) of liquids, particularly water; cough drops or anything to suck on that soothes your throat; salt water gargle; ice pops; keeping warm; sleep. Tylenol or ibuprofen for aches and pains (have a little food with ibuprofen as it upsets the stomach)


Vomiting, stomach upset - flat or sometimes fizzy soft drinks, especially clear ones; nothing but clear liquids for 24 hours and then bland foods like soda crackers, bananas, applesauce, plain cooked rice. Have small amounts at a time and see if it stays put.


For any illness, you may want to try products OTC (over the counter) to see if they help-ask a pharmacist for suggestions.

How do you make an appointment?
It doesn't matter if you are at home or away at college, it's the same procedure: First, you call the clinic. Have an idea what time you'll be able to come in. If you prefer a certain doctor or nurse practitioner, say you want to make an appointment with her. Otherwise, just say you need to be seen. They will ask what your symptoms are. This is so they are prepared for possible lab tests or anything else they commonly do, and to gauge how long an appointment you will need. They will tell you what times are available. You can choose the time you want. Write it down so you don't forget.

 

They will ask what insurance you have. Be sure you can answer that one. They will likely want a copy of your insurance card when you come in for your appointment.

 

Show up on time or a bit early for your appointment, and have your debit card with you for the copay. Go to the checkin desk and tell them who you are, and that you have an appointment at 9:00  with Mary Jones, for instance. They'll ask for your insurance card and possibly a co-pay. Get a receipt for that and keep it in a safe place.

 

When they call your name to go to your exam room, answer the doctor's questions as well as you can. It's hard to diagnose when you're not being clear. She will listen to your heart and lungs, look in your ears and at your throat, examine your lymph glands (below your ears), and may have you lay down so she can palpate (feel) your belly, and will need to examine anything that might indicate what the problem is. She may want to do lab tests such as a white blood count. That will indicate if you are fighting an infection. If there is anything at all you don't understand, ask the person to explain.


It's possible your doctor will determine that you have something viral, and antibiotics won't help.

You can also ask the doctor to write down your instructions for when you leave; most of them will give you a printout to take home with you.


It is important to know if you have any allergies to any kind of medication. Ask your parent if you don't know. If you have seen this same doctor for a few times, he or she will likely know and will prescribe only drugs that are safe for you to take.


If you have something viral, then a prescription won't help. The doctor can suggest ways for you to soothe your symptoms.
If you get a prescription, and they don't fill it at the doctor's office, here's how you get it filled.


Some doctors will call in your prescription for you at the end of your appointment (know where you want them to send it to be filled). If you get a slip of paper, called a scrip, take the scrip to your pharmacy and give it to the person working there. If you're not in their records they may ask for your information. They'll also need to know what insurance you use. They may be able to fill it while you wait, or may have you come back.


Once it is ready, you pay the copay and they give you your medicine. Ask any questions you have, and they may tell you not to take this medication with certain foods. Pay attention to that: Sometimes if you take a medication with orange juice, for example, it wipes out the effect of the medication. There will be cautions printed on the paper you get with the prescription. If you have any questions, you can call the pharmacy and ask them.


Take the medication exactly as it says on the pill or liquid bottle, and finish it all, even if you start to feel better in a couple of days. If you finish it and still aren't better, call the doctor to see what she thinks you should do (another round of medication? Something different?).


Most of all, don't be afraid to see a doctor when you are concerned. They really want to help you feel better. And if it's something that will simply run its course, then you don't have to be worried about it anymore.


Take care of yourself!!

Thanks For The Check, Grandma. How Do I Turn It Into Cash??

Has someone ever given you a check, written on paper? Did you know what to do with it?


The traditional thing to do is take it to your bank, endorse it, and give it to a bank teller. The teller can than either give you the cash or deposit your check into your account.


How do you endorse a check? Turn it over and at the top of one end will typically be some lines for you to sign your name. Sign it just as it was made out. Then hand the check with your ID to the teller if you only want cash. If you want it put in your account, fill out a Deposit Slip which the bank will have on hand. You'll need your account number. If the check is made out to more than one person, then everyone needs to endorse it.

There may still be times when you need to write a check in payment for something. How do you write a check?
Make out the date, who it's to, and then write the amount in numbers. Then 'write it out' using words. Cents are written as below: 45c is 45/100.  Sign the check. In the 'memo' line you can note what it's for, or put an account number if it's to pay a bill.

Parts of a check

The Routing Number identifies your bank. Eventually this money will be 'routed' to the 'home' bank.

The Account Number is your personal account.

What about depositing a check online using your computer or phone?


On the phone, you'll need the app from your bank (if it offers this service). You follow their directions, but generally, take a picture of the front and the back, upload those pictures, and tell the bank which account to place this money in. Some basics here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2014/10/pros-and-cons-of-mobile-check-deposit/index.htm

Sometimes, your bank may hold the whole check for a few days to be sure it 'clears,' or that it's a good check. Ask about that, because you don't want to make a purchase thinking your account has that money in it only to find it wasn't credited yet.


After a couple of weeks after the check was successfully deposited, shred it so that no one can attempt to cash it again.


Are there any problems with depositing a check this way? Yes, there are some to think about: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2012/10/09/how-to-deposit-checks-with-your-smartphone


Some other tips about banking:
*Set up online banking so that  you can check your balance and which expenses have been taken out (checks cashed, online bills paid) and which deposits have been credited. Go to your bank's website and follow their directions. Check your account daily: if anyone hacks into it, you'll see it early on.
*Assuming you have a checkbook, use your check register to write down all the times you use your account, whether it's just for your debit card, or if you write checks sometimes. It's one way to track where your money goes, and it gives you the numbers to check and see if they match your account online.

*Use different passwords for different stores/services. If you use the same password for everything, that will cause a major headache if someone discovers it and can get into your checking account and/or credit cards.
*Be sure you know if the ATM you are using charges a fee. Those who honor your bank's card will not charge any extra to use it.
*You may need to actually go to the bank once in a while. Do you know where it is, and what their hours of operation are? Not every bank is open evenings.
*Just because your bank offers you a credit card does not mean it's the best deal you can get. Shop around for the lowest interest rate and other fees. They are often hidden in 'the fine print,' literally tiny words that are hard to read. All credit cards charge fees for various things, like an annual fee which can be $50 or more.
*If you sign papers for a credit card, you will then have that credit card until you cancel it, whether you use it or not--and you'll pay their yearly fee (if they have one) whether you use it or not.
*You can set up automatic bill paying from your account. That way, your bills will be paid on time...but if you sometimes run low in funds, you may want to pay the bills yourself when you are ready.
*An overdraft is when you write a check for more money than you have in your account. Ironically, most banks now charge you $35 every time you do that......which comes from an account that's already empty. Usually you won't even know something got messed up until you already have several of those $35 charges on your account. When you try to cash a check without having enough money in the account, it may come back marked "NSF," which means Non Sufficient Funds.

*If you are under 18 you may need a parent to co-own the account with you. This means that your parent can observe any account activity, too.


Checks are used less and less, but it's good to know how they 'work.' Especially if you receive one!

How To Adult: I'm Out of Clean Clothes

Do you think your top/pants/socks could stand by themselves because they're so dirty?
Are your friends avoiding you because you smell?
Does an article of clothing look like it's changed color, when in fact it's just dirt?

You're going to have to wash some clothes.


If you haven't before, never fear: We can walk you through it....


First, sort the clothes into separate piles: Whites, light colors, dark colors, and hand washables. Hand washables include fabrics that may snag when thrown in with others, 'fancy' fabrics such as those with trims like sequins or delicate designs, or items that might 'bleed.' These items you can wash in the sink and dry carefully separate from the clothes you put in the dryer.


Why separate them? Mostly because colors can fade ('bleed') into whites and make the whites look more gray. There's no hard and fast rule about this; sometimes you'll just want to throw all of it in one load, and it will likely be OK. Just be aware that over time, the whites will look less white and the light colors will also look faded or discolored. They pick up small amounts of dyes, as well as tiny bits of lint or thread from each other, thus causing the colors to be less bright.

Red sock + white sheets=pink sheets

If you wash all the darker colors together, then even if they do 'bleed,' it won't be as noticeable. You may have an item that's never been washed. If it is red, black, or any dark color,  you might want to wash those separately and notice if they do bleed. Even a black or dark color may bleed--any color can, because fabrics are many times over-dyed--frequently blue jeans are over-dyed.


See a stain on something? There are products to 'pretreat' stains, but a simple way is to pour some detergent directly on the stain. You can also try bar soap or dish detergent. Ink sometimes comes out by using hair spray. Sweat stains can come out using lemon juice. Vinegar also takes out some stains. Try to catch stains as soon as possible, and remember, once you've put the item in the dryer, the stain won't come out anymore.

You may also want to separate towels from clothes because they take longer to dry.


To the Washer!!
Cold, Warm, or Hot water? The washer may suggest different temperatures for different fabrics, but clothes get just as clean in cold water as they do in warm or hot. Plus, the heat of the dryer helps kill any bacteria that may be present in the clothes; so, feel free to use cold water to wash clothes. The washer will have a dial that lets you choose what size load you are washing. If you don't have a lot, you can choose 'small' or 'medium'. This will determine how much water will fill in the machine. If you have a big load, then be sure to choose 'large,' because if clothes are crowded in the washer with not enough water, they won't get as clean.


Take a look at the tags on your clothes for washing instructions, too, as well as fiber content. Generally, most fabrics are washable.

Add detergent:  Follow the directions on the detergent. Usually a washer will say to add detergent, then put the clothes in. If you don't do it that way, don't worry. Either way works. Don't add more detergent than indicated. Too much soap will not be rinsed out completely, and your clothes will feel scratchy when they're done.


The washer will do this: Fill, Wash, Drain out, Spin, Fill again for rinse, Rinse, Drain out, and then Spin out the water again. A load of laundry usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

Get the clothes out as soon as you can: in the spin cycle, clothes are flattened against the wall of the washer and if you ignore them, they'll stay wrinkled even after they've been dried.


*Note: It's not good to forget your clothes in the washer. In short order, they'll smell even worse than when you threw them in to be washed.

In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, the wringer washer was the 'top of the line' in washing machines. You filled the tub using a hose attached to the water faucet. The machine agitated the water around. When you thought the clothes were clean enough (no timers or buzzers), then you put the clothes through the wringer (the white thing on top of the washer) to squeeze out the water (you cranked it to squeeze clothes through it). Wash water was re-used for the next loads. You would have to repeat the process for a rinse. When you were done, you pulled the plug to drain out the water. into a floor drain. Some people did the wash outside so the water could be drained onto the ground. There were no dryers as we know them until about the mid 1960s. Rainy day? No washing, unless you had clotheslines set up in the house to hang up your wet clothes. Imagine washing diapers this way. But, it was better than scrubbing clothes on a washboard!

To the Dryer!!!
Some clothes shrink the dryer, both in length and width. If you have any clothes you think may shrink, then don't put them in a dryer. Find a space with some circulation and hang them up to dry. It will probably take overnight.


For machine-drying clothes, find the lint trap on your dryer. Pull it out, take the lint off, and re-insert the filter. Look at the dryer and see which cycle applies to your clothes. At this point, if you want, you can throw in a dryer sheet. The purpose of the dryer sheet is to eliminate 'static cling' in your clothes once they are dry. Otherwise they'll stick to each other, to you, and generally drive you crazy. It's even worse in the winter when the air is very dry.


*Helpful fact: If you cut dryer sheets in half, they will work just as well as a whole sheet.


The dryer will beep or somehow signal when the cycle is done. Some dryers will toss the clothes around every 10 minutes until you come and get them, others do not. If your clothes aren't dry yet, repeat the dryer cycle. If they are just a little damp, you can lay them somewhere to finish drying.


Some clothes will definitely shrink with the heat of the dryer. That's another reason not to throw everything into the dryer and keep drying till they are completely dry.


Some clothes do well with just a few minutes in the dryer to get the wrinkles out, then you remove them and hang or drape them somewhere. You can hang shirts on hangers to dry, too.

Ever seen one of these? It's a clothes drying rack. They hold a surprising amount of clothes, and  fold up when not in use.

Towels take a long time to dry. Be patient.
If you have the opportunity, dry your clothes outside: They get softer and smell heavenly once they're dry. Sunshine will also help brighten clothes and fade stains.

You're almost done!! Time to fold.


You may have items you don't care to fold, such as underwear or socks. But, if you at least attempt to fold shirts and pants, or put them on hangers, they'll look a lot better when you go to put them on.


You just washed and dried your clothes! Much better. Notice your friends don't mind sitting close to you now. You're welcome.

How to Adult: Wait, What Happened to My Pay Check?

Here's an interesting video featuring college seniors and what they know about 'real life,' particularly where their money is going to go, now that they're about to launch their careers....Even a Business major didn't know most of them.


https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+adult+&&view=detail&mid=7D8AF44E83099AF75C327D8AF44E83099AF75C32&&FORM=VRDGAR


Did you know what any of those were??
W-4 - This is the form you sign when you accept a job offer (any job, anywhere). It will indicate your tax filing status (single, married, with or without dependents) and that determines how much tax your employer will take out of your check. You may be surprised at how much you actually see on your paycheck. Your employer will withhold Federal and State taxes, Social Security (FICA,, Federal Insurance Contributions Act): https://www.paycheckcity.com/pages/article.php?page=what-is-FICA , amounts for medical and/or dental insurance, and possibly costs of life insurance you have opted for, possibly union dues, and your retirement plan, as well as savings you may have opted for. These costs can easily run over $200 or more per check. You can also indicate you wish a certain dollar amount to be deposited in a savings account at a bank or credit union, or a retirement account.

A Flex Account is money withheld from your check and put into an account to pay medical costs not covered by insurance. If you had a co-pay, or if you visited a dentist or bought new glasses, you could use your Flex Account to pay for it (it is your money).


As to savings, if you saved $100 a month for 10 years in a bank account at 2% interest, you would earn $13,394.09 with interest (as long as you never withdrew any money). Here is a calculator: https://www.edwardjones.com/preparing-for-your-future/calculators-checklists/calculators/retirement-savings-calculator.html

Every year, anybody who earns over a certain dollar amount ($10,000 for a single person and $20,000 for a married couple filing jointly) has to file their taxes, essentially telling the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) how much taxes they paid. The form you receive from your employer is the W-2 and it is supposed to be in your hands by January 31 of the new year. All the information about your pay from that employer is on that form. You will also get tax forms from any other source of income for that year. If you file your taxes and you have overpaid, you'll get a refund from the IRS.

401K-A form of retirement savings, with your employer also chipping in money. Here's an example, if you start young and save 10% of your pay and your employer also contributes (that's what a 401K is), see how much you might be able to accumulate: https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/retirement/401-k-retirement-calculator.aspx

                                 This assumes a return and employer contribution you may or may not receive---it's one example
Of course, it's not likely you'll stay with the same employer over that many years, but you will probably continue to earn the same or more salary wherever you work. 401K accounts can be 'rolled over' from one employer to another.


IRA-Individual Retirement Account (there are several kinds of these)
How it impacts you: If you start at a young age stashing away money in a retirement account, when you reach retirement age, you can have a nice pile of money for whatever you need: Bill paying, vacations, whatever... and you earned it yourself.

Credit Score: Three companies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, track your use of credit and give you a score that reflects how well you handle credit. A score of 850 is the highest you can get, and 300 is the lowest, although 300-549 is considered low. The scores are based on how much money you owe, whether it's a new credit application, how long you have made reliable payments-they are predicting if you are a good credit risk. Sometimes, if you aren't a solid credit risk (if you haven't been great at handling credit or haven't had a credit card before), you can get a loan or credit card, but it will have higher interest rates, such as for a car or a house, or may have a limit how much you can charge.

                                                                                 Aaron.... what were you thinking??


Here is a calculator to figure exactly how much money you'll give the credit card company: If you owe $2,000.00 on a credit card that charges 18% interest, and you pay $35 a month, it will take you almost 11 years to pay it off (IF you never charge anything else). In the end you will pay them $754.43 in interest. https://www.calculator.net/credit-card-calculator.html?balance=2000&rate=18&minimum=35&payoffoption=0&fixedpaymentamount=35&ctype=1&x=52&y=22 

You can check your credit scores free, once a year. Be aware that your credit report and your credit score are two separate things. If you apply for a loan, you can ask to see your credit score and/or report from the lender.

HMO-This is a Health Maintenance Organization, which is a type of health insurance. You'll pay a monthly fee, and will also have a deductible and "copays" which means, when you visit the doctor you pay a smaller amount, like $30, and the insurance picks up the rest or a certain percentage of the rest.


PPO-Preferred Provider Organization, Another similar type of health insurance, but it will only cover specific doctors/clinics/hospitals. You will also have a deductible and co-pays with this type of health insurance.  With any kind of health insurance, you need to check and make sure your 'provider,' or doctor, is in their covered network.

Congratulations on your first 'adult' job, and welcome to all things confusing when it comes to your pay.

I Love Me A Good List

You don't just need a list of what stuff to bring to college, you need a list of stuff you need to do, such as......

• Check about your car insurance. Are you going to have a car at college? If you are, see about a lower rate if you won't be in a metro area. If you're not going to have a car at college, drop coverage to Comprehensive only, if the car will be parked and not in use. Coming home from winter break and want to use the car for those few weeks? It can be done.Call your insurance agent and ask about these things. Be sure you have your proof of insurance card with you all the time.
• If you'll have a car at college, do you know how to check the oil? Fill the windshield washer fluid? Change a tire? Have someone show you before you leave. You may not be able to Google that when you need it.

• Make sure you've had any vaccinations recommended, including one for Meningitis. Keep a record of them, the college may ask for it. Carry your health insurance card with you all the time. Some facts on meningitis; http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/meningococcal/collegefact.html
• Set up your own bank account, or a joint account with a parent. You may need cash from time to time and, you may have a 'regular' job or a work-study, and your employer will need to direct-deposit your pay.
• Find out where you can use an ATM without incurring charges to your account-some of them charge $4 just to make a withdrawal.

• Know what you'll do if you get sick while you're at college: Is there a campus clinic? How does your insurance work when you're not 'at home'?
• Remember, the college can't share any information about you without your consent. That means grades, for example, as well as any medical information if you should go to the doctor (whether at home or away)
• If you have a significant other, talk about how your relationship will work if you aren't going to live close together. Be honest: Do you want to be free to enjoy your time? Do you want to go home as much as possible to see him or her? Or not? How does your SO feel? Better to talk about it than assume you know what you both want.

• If you have a younger sibling who will, believe it or not, miss you while you are gone, see if there's a prized possession of yours or maybe your pet, that you can entrust to said brother or sister. This can be quite an honor for him or her.
• Do you know how to cook simple foods? The college caf won't be open 24/7. Where can you get a loaf of bread, peanut butter, and milk? Fruit? Cereal?

• When you get in touch with your roommate, talk about the practical part of living together. Who empties the trash? Will you share any supplies? Does one of you like to stay up late and the other is early to bed? Some excellent questions to ask each other: https://campusriot.com/10-questions-you-must-ask-your-new-college-roommate/
• If there is no air conditioning in your dorm, you'll be glad to have brought a fan, even a small one, and even if you only use it for a few weeks.
• Clarify how often you'll be in touch with your parents, if necessary. They'll miss you and want to hear what you're up to, and you'll be very busy a lot of the time.

• Less is more: four or five of every type of clothing will probably be fine, plus (ahem) underwear, a light jacket or hoodies, a couple of pair of shoes, and a winter coat. Dorms are TINY. You don't need 17 pair of shoes. Really, you don't.
• Remember, you're not cutting ties with life as you know it. There are discount stores, grocery stores, even malls, just about anywhere you go. You can ask your parents/guardians to send you things you need, too---it's kind of fun to receive a package in the mail.
• Be safe: remember to have a buddy when you go out, especially at night. Text each other when you get back to your dorms. Take note of emergency phones on campus, too.

 

 

 

If My Balance is $25 I'm Doing Fine, and Other Financial Myths

What do you know about money? Here are things you need to know as you begin living as an adult:

• If you have a checking account, You need to know how to go online and check your balance, and see what's going on with your account. It will show you all of your transactions. A transaction is either something you purchase/a debit (buy) or a credit (such as your paycheck being deposited).
• What do pending or posted mean??

-Pending means the bank knows you spent that amount and they'll take it out soon. Posted means they've taken it out. See if the balance includes pending amounts.


-When you bank (or buy anything) online, be sure to check that the URL (address at the top of the screen) has a padlock on it, that means the website is as secure as possible. Consider not banking using your phone, because phones get stolen or lost. Be constantly aware of being private when doing online transactions. Also, when you use a cash machine (ATM) be sure it's one your bank uses, or you will pay a fee for getting cash out. And that's how banks make money.

• What's an overdraft?

-An overdraft means you wrote a check or used a check card for an amount more than was in your account. For example, you have $50 in your account, but you write a check or swipe your card for $75. It may not reject this immediately, but fairly soon after you've tried that, the bank will notice.... and ironically, the punishment is typically a $30-$35 charge you pay the bank, plus the amount of the transaction or withdrawal. Yes, they are charging you money you obviously don't have. It's nonsense and it's how banks make money.

• What's a 'Stop Payment?'

-If you wrote a check for something and that check gets lost, or if you have a dispute with the place you wrote the check to, you can go to the bank and tell it to stop payment on that check. They'll refuse to pay it if the person or place tries to cash it. They will also charge you at least $30 to do that Stop Payment--they won't care what the situation is. And that's how banks make money.

• Do you know if your account has a minimum balance?

-Some do, some do not: Find out, and if there is a minimum, be sure you always leave that in the account or you will be charged a fee. And that's how banks make money.

• What is principal? What is interest?

-The principal is the basic amount of a loan you take out. If you take out a loan for $1,000, that's the principal. The interest is the fee you are using to 'use' the principal, and that's how banks make money.

• What is compound interest?

-Compound interest means you earn interest on your interest. If you put money in the bank and the account pays interest, you continue to gain (or accrue) interest on not only the main amount but the interest, too. This is how you make money, not the bank.

• Why should I pay more than my required payments on my loans (or credit cards)?

-When you take out a loan, any kind of loan including a student loan, the lender will charge you interest, that's their fee for your 'using' the money. You'll be paying on the interest before the principal (the amount of your loan). And so, it takes while to really start to chip away at the loan amount. Paying even a little bit more every month adds up: If you pay another $5 a month, that's $60 a year, plus it reduces your loan and helps you pay more and more of the principal and less interest.

• Why is it so hard to get out of credit card debt?

-Your credit card company charges you to use money you don't have (interest or finance charge) just like any other loan. If you charge something that cost $50 and their finance charge is 20%, then you're actually going to pay another $10 for that item, a total of $60. Once you repeat this with lots of purchases, you're paying a lot more for your total. Still, for some people, it's so easy to hand over a credit card to get something they want right now, until the bill comes and they realize they charged more than they thought. If you make the minimum payment, it will take a long time to pay it off because a chunk of your payments are going to that finance charge and not paying off the items (The 'principal'-see above). The credit card company is happy; you, not so much. You're paying interest on the whole amount you owe. You need to pay more than the minimum, or pay it off every month if it's possible.


Just for education purposes, look at a credit card offer you get in the mail before you rip it up and toss it: Read the fine print telling you what the interest rate is, what the late charges are, and what the annual fee is. These are not negotiable (you can't make them sympathize with you if you goof up). It's not uncommon to see a 28-30% interest rate, especially if you miss a payment.


Want to figure out how long it's going to take you to pay off an amount? Enter your numbers here and get a surprise:  https://www.credit.com/tools/credit-card-payoff-calculator/

• What is a budget, anyway?

-A budget just means that you write down how much money comes in and what goes out (is spent). If your paycheck is $500 every other week, you take home $1000 per month. What are your monthly expenses? These include food, house or apartment payment, car payment, school loans. Write them all down and add them up, and subtract from that $1000 income. What's left over is what you have in what's called discretionary spending-it's at your discretion how it's spent. You can spend it or save it or do part of each. And that's your budget.


If you see that you're spending more on something than you might need to, maybe you can find a way to cut down. How thrifty are you with food buying? Gift giving? Nights out on the town? That snack you like to pick up at the gas station? Remember how hard you work for your money when you're thinking of buying something. Think in terms of "want" vs. "need." It's a good idea to save money even if you don't need it right now: Cars break down, things need repair, and lots of other things happen that require money. It's nice to have a 'cushion' set aside in case that happens. Or, you may want to save for a big-ticket item such as a new computer or a down payment on a better car. There's an old term: Pay Yourself First. In other words, always take some of your pay and set it aside for your use.