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Parents: Help Your New Grad Manage That Graduation Gift Money

Brendan — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:59:00 +0000

Finally, it's official: After years of studying, sacrificing and possibly incurring student debt, your kid has (finally!) graduated from college. In honor of this milestone, you've organized a party for your new grad. Most of the presents are graduation gift money with the exception of the gift from his new favorite relative, who couldn't make the get-together. He sends a card along saying as an alternative to money, he’s going to pay your kid's cable bill for the next year. As a parent, what advice should you give to your new graduate for what to do with all this money? Chances are, after four years of higher education, your child wants to reward him or herself by purchasing something special. However, it's wise not to spend it all on one luxury item. While there's nothing wrong with a reward, say a new TV, a computer or a vacation, why not take some of the money and put it to work for the future? Here are some tips you can pass along for saving money and making investments: Pay Off Debt It's no secret that a college diploma is expensive. Two-thirds of graduates take out loans, with the average American student's debt topping more than $23,000. Using graduation money to pay off some portion of college loans or credit card debts may be the smartest way for a new grad to celebrate their newfound independence. Secure Transportation They’re probably not going to buy a house fresh out of college, but investing in and maintaining a reliable vehicle is a possibility. Although public transportation is an option in some major metropolitan areas, still nearly 80 percent of Americans drive to work. If your graduate puts money aside to buy a car or keep it in good working shape, then they could be making an investment with huge dividends if they do secure a job requiring a car to commute to work. Save for the Future If investing graduation money is an option, your son or daughter will need to have a financial plan in mind. In other words, you should help them do some research before making a decision that could tie up their money or cause them to lose a good percentage of it to penalties or depreciation. There are numerous investment ideas to choose from. Traditional forms of savings, such as Treasury Bonds and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), may not give them the yield or freedom to access their money that they’d like. And blindly investing in the stock market can be a dangerous game if you (or they) don’t know what they’re doing.

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While opening a mutual fund with an investment company used to require an initial investment of several thousand dollars, today several fund companies in pursuit of younger investors have decreased their initial investment minimum to $1,000. Don’t be afraid to ask for financial advice from a bank or employer if it's offered. Listen to the professionals and then help your son or daughter decide how they want to save. Retirement Plans Chances are, they’ve just finished up classes and have only recently begun interviewing for their first big job, so a retirement plan is probably the farthest thing from their mind. However, it's never too early to start planning. According to Gallup's Annual Economy and Personal Finance survey, workers in the 1990s expected to retire at 60. Today, most workers don't expect to retire until they're 67. If your new grad wants to retire at any age, they're going to need a retirement plan they can count on. Once they’ve landed a job, they should consider putting some of their salary—and even graduation money—into an employer sponsored 401(k), or open their own IRA. Though retirement may seem like a distant dream, help them talk to their (your) tax preparer to find out how much sense it makes to begin putting some pre-tax money aside. You’ll both be one step closer to the golf green of your retirement dreams. How your fully-grown children use, save or invest graduation money can have a positive impact on post-college life. Whether it's paying off student loans, saving for a car or opening a mutual fund, help your son or daughter choose the option with a payoff that fits their foreseeable future.

5 Ways to Make Your College Summer Break Productive

MovingInsider — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:02:43 +0000

After a full academic year of intense study, and one last push through final exams, most college students can’t wait for summer break. Thoughts of days that don’t require study, fun with family and friends, and perhaps, plans for travel fill the minds of those ready for a few months of relaxation. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a college student spending the summer months idle; however, it’s possible to make a college summer break an industrious time—full of productivity. Here are five great ways you can maximize the value of your summer break:

Land a solid internship that is worth its weight in gold.

With the economy continuing in "recovery" mode and persistently high unemployment rates, recent college graduates have encountered difficulties in getting hired due to a lack of experience. Landing an internship in a field related to your major or career aspiration may separate you from the pack. In some cases, after graduation, the company may even offer you a full-time position.

Donate your time to enhance the lives of others.

Charitable organizations are always looking for positive and energetic individuals to contribute their time and talents. Giving your time to a charity will likely be a part-time commitment where you can still make a noteworthy impact in the lives of others, and gain experience working with an organization. Further, it can be a place where you can develop useful contacts; most non-profit advisory boards are full of individuals who are well-connected in the business world.

Earn some extra cash while gaining work experience.

Search for seasonal job options that can provide a respectable source of income for the summer months. You will gain valuable work experience that may benefit you when it comes time for your post-graduation job search; plus, saving these earnings can provide you with cash reserves that could be used as a recreational fund for the next academic year.

Conduct research now to make your life better later.

Many college graduates will be responsible for paying back varying amounts of student loans. According to a report from the Institute for College Access & Success' Project on Student Debt, the average college senior will graduate with nearly $27,000 in debt. By reaching out to your school’s financial aid office and embarking on a thorough research quest, you might be able to lower the expected amount owed. Each year, new grants, programs and scholarship opportunities are being offered. It’s very possible that you could lower your student loan amounts with research and diligence.

Take on the project you’ve been putting off.

The school year likely keeps your schedule full, leaving you little time to focus on the activities, projects, and hobbies that enrich you as a person. The focus of your college experience is to grow academically, but also flourish personally. Use the break from full schedules and studying to put in some hours with your favorite activity or overdue task. Maybe this means spending the time on your bicycle checking out some new trails, or getting your dorm room organized (with a system in place to keep it that way). Make a list of all of the things you put off when school is in session and select a few that will improve your life. However you choose to spend your college summer break, make it something that is meaningful and beneficial to you. Once you move back to campus in the fall, you’ll be refreshed and ready for the semester. As you graduate and enter the job market, the chance that you will have such a significant span of time to focus may become slimmer. Take full advantage of your final years of college by seeking treasured experiences that you will never forget. What is your favorite productive way to spend college break? Have you done any of these activities over your summer break? Let us know below in the comments section. This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

Living Large, Spending Small: Tricking Out Your First Apartment on a Budget

Lindsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:45 +0000

I'm done with college and officially a member of the real world. I have a job and a new apartment. I'm feeling safe and secure from those real-world risks with a new renters insurance policy for my apartment. Now, I just need some new stuff that's worth insuring. I want my new pad to be a cool, comfortable spot to hang out and entertain; I'm so done with living in sorority house squalor. Luckily, I've got $3,000 in graduation gift money saved and, after doing a little research, this is what I'm thinking I'll pick up.

TV

In school, I spent a lot of time watching Hulu on my laptop, but that doesn't feel very adult. I'll need company while I watch hours of reality TV on Sunday afternoons and making my girlfriends huddle around a 13-inch computer screen just isn't going to cut it. These days, and especially around the holidays, it’s not unusual to find a 40-inch HDTV on sale for around $375, which would be a great, affordable addition to my living room and will definitely win me brownie points with my football-crazy boyfriend.

Laptop

My job's not a simple 9-5, and my boss expects a lot from me. Because I want to do my best, I'm going to need to put in some time after hours and on weekends and I'll need a reliable computer for that. It's time to upgrade the 4-year-old fossil I've had since freshman year, and a refurbished laptop looks like the perfect replacement. OK, yes, the fact that I'll look really cool sitting on my couch while typing on it is a contributing factor.

Couch

No more beanbags and blow-up furniture. It's time for a real couch that hasn't been dragged inside from a street corner. I'm thinking about going to that gigantic, Scandinavian furniture store to pick up an ultra-sleek loveseat for just over $300. It seems relatively affordable, but its bold style statement makes it look about three times the price.

Record Player

I'm a huge music lover, but I can't afford a top-notch sound system yet. I could always blast tunes through my laptop, but a $100 record player might be a more interesting aesthetic addition to my living room. Picking one up will also force me to amass a collection of vinyl...which is totally awesome in its own right. Album covers are also a great cheap way to decorate a space if displayed in an interesting way.

Vanity

Being able to relax in my apartment is a top priority, but I'll need to get out and show off my heel collection at some point, too. Prepping for nights out with friends is a process, and I need a chic beauty station to make sure all goes to plan. That's why I'm buying a vanity and stool. It'll look perfect with my bedroom set and it's less than $150. Some people say beauty is pain, but no one says it has to cost a lot.

Tips on Sharing Expenses with a Roommate

Lindsey — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:00:19 +0000

With our college days firmly behind us, many of my friends are moving from rowdy, shared houses to quiet apartments of their own. But I’ve lived with roommates since my dorm days and at this point in my life, wouldn’t have it any other way. Who else would sit with me through three-hour marathons of The Bachelor or help bake a late-night batch of brownies on a random weeknight? Yet, living with roommates has its challenges. While I love my roommate like a sister, it can be difficult to get all our bills paid on time. Here’s how we keep track of our shared expenses:

Decide how to split the bills

The day I moved in with my roommate, we had a “family meeting” to discuss our arrangement for bills and other expenses. My roommate, who already lived in the apartment, had most of the utilities in her name from the previous year. I let her know I was willing to take some of them over, but we decided it would be easiest for her to handle all of the utility bills (which includes electricity, gas, cable and Internet) and for me to reimburse her for my half. Then, we spelled out our plan on a roommate agreement I found online, and both us signed it. This might explain why we haven’t had a single argument about our bills (fingers crossed). When my roommate receives our bills each month, she writes the total amount I owe her on a dry-erase board on our fridge. That way, I’m reminded of exactly what I need to pay every time I reach for a carton of milk! To take some of the burden off my roomie, I’m in charge of paying our rent. Just before we moved into our place, one of my co-workers turned me onto Splitwise, a site that allows you to track shared expenses with your roommates and friends. If you supply your roommate’s email address, it will even notify them when they have a payment coming up. This is great because it keeps me from having to hound my roomie when our rent is due, which I’m sure she appreciates!

Share statements and stay organized

In case of any disputes with your roommates or utility companies, keep all of your utility bills and receipts for at least a couple months to ensure everything checks out. We receive most of our bills and account statements online, so my roommate emails me PDFs of those statements and both of us save them on our computers. We store any paper bills we receive in an envelope organizer on our bookshelf.

We receive most of our bills and account statements online, so my roommate emails me PDFs of those statements and both of us save them on our computers.

When it comes time to reimburse each other for rent and utilities, we use our bank’s online person-to-person payment service. That way, we have a time-stamped record of each payment, so we don’t start silly fights about who owes whom $5. Also, once my roommate has paid a utility bill, she forwards me a confirmation receipt or a screen shot showing the payment has been made. That way, we can be certain every bill is accounted for and paid in full.

Remain flexible

When a friend's apartment was broken into, my roommate and I started considering something we hadn’t planned for: renters insurance. We realized we were taking a big risk by not protecting our property, so we gladly added this to our monthly expenses. We’ve been treating our renters insurance payments just like regular utility bills, which has worked out great. If you’re considering renters insurance, you may want to check if your policy will let you add a roommate, as few of them do. Since renter’s rates tend to be pretty low for people our age, most people I know simply pay for their own policies. It took us a little while to figure out the best way to handle our bills. But now that we’ve been living together for almost a year, my roommate and I have our system down to a science—which leaves us plenty of time for reality TV!

Why Saving for Your 401(k) Matters

Lindsey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:18:28 +0000

When I first got my own place, I felt overwhelmed by the mountain of monthly bills I was responsible for. Paying for rent, cable, Internet, groceries, car insurance and student loan payments added up fast—and that’s not including my social tab! So when my company gave me the option of enrolling in its 401(k) plan, I was hesitant to opt in. The last thing on my mind was how my life would look 30 years down the road. And with so many fixed expenses, it seemed impossible to set anything aside on my entry-level salary.

But after talking to a family member who’s a financial adviser, I learned that it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. Here’s why:

1. Free Money from Your Employer

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but it can really add up when your employer sends some extra your way. Many employers will match the dollar amount you put toward your 401(k) —some match 100 percent of your contributions, but most will match a portion of what you contribute. With a match program, not only will you have more money going into your 401(k), the money you do have will accrue more interest.

2. Tax Benefits

Having a 401(k) can lower your taxable income. The contributions you make to your 401(k) happen pre-tax—the income isn’t taxed until the benefits are paid out to you later in life. This allows your money to compound more quickly, which means you save more money in the long run. (I can already see the dollar signs…)

3. Flexibility

If you change jobs, you can usually move your 401(k) over to another retirement account fairly easily. When you’re unsure of where the future will take you, like most of the 20-somethings I know, that’s a huge plus.

4. The Future Matters

You may spend a third of your life in retirement, so in order to maintain a solid standard of living, you’ll need more money than you think. Experts recommend that you start saving at least 6 percent of your salary in your 20s and increase that amount (even if just a tiny bit) every year. If you start saving now, you won’t have to set aside as much later on to reach your retirement goals. While it seemed unimportant at first, I totally get why it makes sense to start saving for the future now. It’s about securing a future for yourself. And there’s nothing like the satisfaction of feeling young, free—and financially responsible.

5 Tips for Renegotiating a Chicago Apartment Lease

Lindsey — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:31:22 +0000

When I first moved to Chicago, I saw my living situation as temporary. I’d planned on finding a less-expensive apartment once I made a few friends and had a better sense of my daily life here. But, when it came time to re-sign my lease, I realized I wasn’t ready to leave. I was always pinching pennies to pay for my modest—but pricey—apartment, so my dad suggested I talk with my landlord about renegotiating my lease terms. I am a pretty good tenant: I always pay rent on time; I'm not disruptive to others in the building; and I have renters insurance. So, I did it. I approached my landlord with the request. And in the end, he was willing to renegotiate my rent—saving me $200 a month! Check out these tips I learned along the way: Do some rent research Compare your rent to listing prices for similar units in your neighborhood. If you think you’re being overcharged, referencing a price list for similar units can help strengthen your position. Here are a few ways you can gather that information (Don’t be shy!):

Word of mouth: If you feel comfortable doing so, ask building mates and neighbors what they’re paying.
Look online: Check any of the dozens of online rental marketplaces for Chicago apartment listings; many let you do hyper-local searches to identify rentals in your immediate neighborhood.
Ask the experts: Talk to a real estate agent or apartment broker for advice and for analysis on nearby rates.

Offer to sign a long-term lease Finding tenants can be a hassle. Your landlord may be more open to negotiating if you are able to commit to a long-term lease. For example, if you agree to renew your lease for another two years instead of one, you might ask for a lower rent in exchange. Renegotiate beyond rent Your rent isn’t the only thing you pay monthly. If you’re looking to resign your lease, now is the perfect time to ask about lease term, security deposit amount, pet deposit, utilities, parking, cable, Internet, etc. If your landlord won’t budge on monthly rent, see if you can’t work something out with one of these aspects of your lease. Work it off Consider offering to help your landlord with the property workload as part of a lease negotiation. Ask if you can do some work around the building, such as general maintenance, landscaping, cleaning the pool or collecting rent from fellow tenants. In exchange for your services and time, you might be able to bargain a rent decrease. But of course, get everything in writing. Put your lease requests in writing Even if you’re on great terms with your landlord, it can’t hurt to have a plan in case trouble arises with your new lease some time in the future. It’s also helpful to know your rights as a Chicago renter. Writing an e-mail or letter leaves a paper trail you can refer to if you need to share information with a third party (like a lawyer). Make sure to include your rationale for requesting lower rent, and don’t forget to keep a copy for your records! Just because you’re new to renting doesn’t mean you have to be afraid to speak up. By doing your research and taking a few proactive steps, you might find extra money in your pocket in the year ahead.

Enjoy the Holidays Away from Home

Lindsey — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:06:25 +0000

The holidays are supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” filled with family get-togethers and never-ending sugar buzzes. So when last year’s work schedule kept me away from home during the holidays, I thought I’d spend weeks moping around Grinch-style. But instead, I decided to make the best of my situation.

With a great city to explore and a few friends around, I was able to soak up some holiday spirit and enjoy the local festivities. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’ll be away from home this holiday season:

Surround yourself with holiday cheer

My mom keeps our home smelling like fresh-baked cookies from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Since she couldn’t be in my kitchen last winter, she sent me a box of homemade treats instead. If you know your way around a mixer and measuring cups, you could ask family members to send a few of their signature recipes and whip up some goodies yourself. During December, I’m also used to living in a house that’s decked out to the nines. Because my decoration stash didn’t come close to the one my family’s been growing over the years, I decided to start a more robust one of my own. I hit the local dollar store for holiday lights and some basic craft supplies, then invited friends over for a night of decorating ornaments and stringing popcorn garland. It was a great excuse to get together—and in just a few hours, I had a festive, cozy place to take shelter from the cold.

Make new traditions

If this is your first year in a new place, being away from your hometown gives you a chance to explore how your new community celebrates the season. The holidays bring out the best in any area, with winter markets, ice skating and other local traditions. No matter how big or small your town may be, this is a great time to bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and have yourself an adventure. Research local events and ask friends or co-workers who are sticking around for the holidays if they’d like to join you. Local blogs, community newsletters and word-of-mouth can be great resources for finding free or inexpensive events going on near you.

Stay connected with family and friends

No matter how far you are from home, there are tons of ways you can communicate with loved ones. Skype, Twitter, Facebook, texting and even the old-fashioned phone call can connect you with friends and family across the country. Last winter, I randomly started a Facebook message thread with some of my college friends, and it turned out to be a great way for us to catch up and boost each others’ spirits—in fact, we’re still using it. The holidays can be a tough time if you’re away from family and friends, but they are also a chance to relax, recharge and start a series of your own traditions. Though I missed home last year, I know I’ll appreciate my family time—and Mom’s famous apple crisp—even more this season. Happy Holidays!

5 Reasons Young People Need Life Insurance

Brendan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:06:07 +0000

Most young people think that they don’t need life insurance. After all, mortality is far away from twenty- and thirty-somethings. There are, however, certain cases when young people do need life insurance to guard against the unexpected. Life insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. Term life insurance provides coverage for a limited period of time (for example, 10 years, 20 years, or 30 years) and is one of the most cost-effective ways to purchase life insurance. Here are five situations when you should consider having life insurance.

1. You have parents who are depending on your income. We typically don’t think of young, single people as folks with dependents. But if you are the main source of support for your parents, siblings, or relatives, you need to get life insurance as much as the sole earner who is supporting a spouse and three kids. 2. You have a partner or spouse who is depending on your income, especially if you have a home. Many times a young couple purchases a home based on both of their incomes. A life insurance policy would provide mortgage protection. Even if the life insurance isn’t big enough to pay off the entire mortgage, the money will give the surviving partner time to figure out the best next step forward. Or, if you are supporting your partner through school, the life insurance proceeds will ensure that your partner can continue with his or her education. 3. You want to give your partner or spouse time to deal with their grief without worrying about finances. Think about how devastated your partner would be if you died. Money can’t bring you back, but it can provide a cushion for your partner. 4. You want to have money set aside for funerals, especially if you would like a burial. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral was $6,650 in 2009. This cost does not include cemetery or headstones. If you want to be buried, a plot of land can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of cremation is lower at $1,000, according to the National Cremation Research Council. 5. You are able to buy affordable term life insurance. Typically, a $25,000-$250,000 term life insurance is very affordable for young healthy folks. Many companies also offer free or discounted life insurance coverage. A life insurance policy will hopefully be something a young person never has to use (knock on wood!), but it does provide protection—and should provide comfort—to loved ones in case of an unexpected tragedy.

Well Heeled is a guest blogger from WellHeeledBlog. In exchange for sharing this content, the Allstate Community has compensated her via cash payment.

Spruce Up Your Apartment on a Budget

Lindsey — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:59:34 +0000

Since starting my first full-time job, all I want to do at the end of the day is relax on my couch and enjoy the peace of my apartment. But when I moved into my own place earlier this year, my surroundings felt anything but serene: The walls were bare and my furniture was a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs from my parents and former roommates. It felt more like my old dorm room than a home. While this didn’t stop me from enjoying frequent dates with my DVR, there was no denying that my place needed some sprucing up.

By spending the past few months on a decorating mission, I managed to turn my small city apartment into an urban oasis—and stayed within my limited budget. If you’re looking to makeover your place without spending a fortune, here are some tricks I learned about decorating on a dime: Secondhand furniture first I started by scouring the websites of all the major furniture retailers, but it didn’t take me long to realize there was no way I could spend $100 on one chair when I needed four! Then I began rummaging around the thrift stores in my area. Behind dozens of ancient artifacts were several hidden gems that just needed a little work. With a good cleaning and some durable spray paint, these pieces fit perfectly into my décor—and provided fun pops of color in my otherwise boring space. I wouldn’t suggest buying everything for your place at a thrift store, however. Shelving units and dining room sets are often in great shape, but buying a used bed and couch could land you a few unwelcome roommates (yes, I’m talking about bed bugs). If you’re in the market for a couch, start by asking family members and friends if they have any items you can take off their hands—and remember that a good couch cover can do wonders. Function over form During one of my many thrift store trips, I fell in love with a must-have vintage side table. I couldn’t get over its adorable flower-print pattern and asymmetrical style. I knew I should stay practical, so I ended up taking a traditional white table home and threw a floral fabric on top of it. It was the perfect compromise and I’ll be able to use that table in many apartments—and decorating schemes—to come. Fabric can be a cheap, easy way to spice up any piece of furniture. If there’s one thing you choose to splurge on, I’d suggest it to be your bed. I bought a new mattress from a big box retail store and paired it with a slightly used bed frame I found on Craigslist. Now, my only problem is that I don’t want to get out of my comfy bed in the morning! When choosing your bed, or whatever item you decide to splurge on, make sure it’s traditional enough to stay in style for years to come. Remember, if there’s something valuable in your apartment, you’ll definitely want to consider renter’s insurance to ensure it could be replaced in the event of a theft, fire or similar disaster. DIY décor During my search for cheap accessories, I would wander around home stores and think, “I could make that for less!” So, that’s exactly what I did. Adding a fresh coat of paint and colorful knobs gave my old bookcases and end tables a total facelift. I also searched through a bunch of decorating blogs and magazines—they give great tips for creating budget-friendly wall hangings, pillows, artwork and whatever else you think will add some life to your place. Living on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. By figuring out your decorating priorities and staying true to your personal style, you can create an inviting space of your own at a fraction of the cost.

Welcome Back! The Art of Moving Back Home After College

Lindsey — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:25:13 +0000

Standing in the ranks on graduation day, I felt like I was the only one shaking in my cap and gown. Yet, I soon found out I wasn’t alone—searching for a job while struggling to pay rent is a scary prospect for pretty much everyone.

While I went straight from the classroom to a cubicle in a new city, many of my friends lived at home for six months to a year after graduation to ease themselves into adulthood. For those of you contemplating a move back home with Mom and Dad, my friends offered some helpful hints to cope with the curfews, awkward personal questions and outdated ‘80s rock references that come with moving home.

Keep your eye on the prize

It can come as a shock that your days of living off noodles in a cup and sticking to dollar-store shampoo didn’t protect you from taking on the $20,000 in student loan debt the average undergrad earns along with their degree. Keeping financial independence in your sight, like an oasis in the desert, can soften the blow of bunking in your old bedroom. Remember that as a ‘boomerang kid,’ your cost of living is minimal compared to what some of your friends are paying in rent alone, not to mention you get the perk of occasional home cooking. In the meantime, it’s best to start planning how you’ll repay all those loans you’d rather ignore. The Project on Student Debt can point you to online resources that can help you manage your debt before it becomes too overwhelming. Plus, now that your parents are within shouting distance, you’ll have plenty of time to solicit their financial advice.

Say goodbye to some stuff—and insure the rest

Before you pack up and leave campus, consider selling your used items to eager underclassmen. You can make some extra cash and take a ‘grown-up’ step by saying goodbye to things that scream ‘dorm room’ (read: foldable furniture and mini-fridges). And when it comes to Animal House wall art, patio chairs made from cinder blocks and that upside-down tub you turned into an end table, you may want to just throw those away. Whatever doesn’t make it into your new (or old) bedroom can easily be held in storage units. When storing your belongings, especially big-ticket items like electronics or furniture, you’ll want to make sure they’re insured. But some items in storage can only be insured for a limited time or at a low percentage of their actual value—so make sure to triple-check your policy and know what your stuff is worth.

Mind your manners

You might be tempted to revisit the tantrums of your teenage years from time to time, but remember that your parents are doing you a favor by letting you live at home again. Thank them as often as possible, clean up after yourself and try not to freak out when your mom calls you ‘snookums’ in front of your friends. Also, be proactive about your future and work with your parents to create a timeline of your next steps. They have a lot of life experience behind them, so consider asking them to review your resumé or provide a practice interview. And even if you begin to enjoy the old comforts of home, make sure to pound the pavement for potential jobs. Sitting on the couch eating cheese puffs is fun, but I know you’re better than that.