HowStuffWorks Newsletter
Becoming an adult can be a frightening time in your life. Being financially independent requires a lot of know-how. In this section we'll examine many of the financial aspects related to becoming an adult.
More Money Topics to Explore:
Student loans aren't free money. If you're tempted to buy a car with your financial aid check, you might want to do the math first.
Teens should know both the practicalities and philosophy of taxes. Learn what your teen should know about taxes in this article.
Teens often work to help pay for their expenses or to help out at home. Learn if your teen should work for the family in this article.
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Your two biggest goals in life are to build a career and have fun, but if you forget about starting a nest egg, there could be tough times ahead. Take these suggestions to heart, and you'll be on the beach sipping mai tais in your golden years.
When you were a kid, you probably couldn't wait to grow up. Now that you've hit full-on adulthood, you wish you could go back to the easy life of a child. These are 10 childhood traits you should hold on to, no matter how old you are.
By Sara Elliott
You spent your childhood wanting to be just like them. Then, during your teenage years, you did everything you possibly could to be nothing like them. Somewhere along the way, though, you did, in fact, become your parents. How did that happen?
By Sara Elliott
Now that you're all grown up with a place of your own, the first place to go shopping is your parents' house, of course. From dishes and clothes to special antiques, these 10 things should definitely make the move with you.
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The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a difficult one for both children and parents. Fortunately, there are movies out there that compress the long and rocky road to adulthood into a 90-minute, family-friendly story that gives parents and teens something to talk about.
Dating is already stressful enough without having to worry about money. What are you going to wear? Where will you go and what will you say? But when you're working with a tight budget, you can still be creative and have a fun time on your date.
By Jane McGrath
When you're finally on your own after getting out of school, starting your first real job can feel exhilarating -- until you're faced with utility bills, car insurance payments and rent. How should you go about setting up your first budget?
By Jane McGrath
It's all about innovation. By refurbishing and reusing what you already have, you can spruce up your living room to make it look like a completely different space.
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The American Dream: A nice house with a white picket fence, a big porch in the backyard and a flat-screen TV in the living room. In order to buy some of those things, most of us depend on credit. But before you can even establish good credit, you need to go through the application process.
If you don't have a bank account, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a loan to cover bills or major expenses. What types of loans are you eligible for, even without a bank account?
Signing the lease on an apartment is only the beginning! If you're clueless about what you'll need to make that place your own or how to transition from an old place to a new one, we've got time-tested tips.
By Echo Surina
A new city means exciting new experiences. It also means facing the unknown, which can be a bit scary. Don't worry; there are future friends in that crowd of strangers. We'll help you find them.
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Sometimes people need to settle down or start over. It's best to do those things as cheaply as possible, so we've compiled a list of the 10 U.S. states with the lowest cost of living.
By Josh Briggs
Buying a home is the American dream, but as recent history has taught us, that dream can turn into a financial nightmare. How much should you spend? How much risk should you take? Those are just a couple of the questions that need to be answered.
Home, sweet home just isn't as cozy without any electricity. It takes a little effort to pick the best utility providers and have the services turned on, but these modern amenities make life much sweeter!
By Echo Surina
Rent or mortgage payments will undoubtedly be your largest single housing expense, but utilities will typically come in second -- sometimes a close second. Don't get left with a bill you can't handle.
By Julia Layton
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Rent is probably the biggest expense you've got, so you want to live in a place you love. When you're choosing an apartment, keep these tips in mind.
They're not extravagant but efficiency apartments do offer affordability and convenience. We'll show you how to get the most from the limited space.
By Sara Elliott
If your apartment complex catches fire or floods in a natural disaster, you may be surprised to find out how little of your property is covered by your landlord's insurance policy. But we've got you covered. Here are the easy-to-understand components of renter's insurance.
By Sara Elliott
They're relatively uncommon, but month-to-month apartments can have distinct advantages in certain circumstances. We'll help you decide if they're for you.
By Sara Elliott