Adulthood presents numerous freedoms that most of us take advantage of at least to some extent.

The basics of being financially responsible

As adults, we are allowed to drive a car wherever we please.

We can consume products like alcohol and tobacco if we choose.

We may also choose to gamble our wages, or we can choose to save that money for a rainy day.

No matter what, we are the ones who are in control. This could be for better or for worse.

Unfortunately, too many of us choose to make poor financial decisions.

It is not as though we actively want to be this way, but our society definitely encourages it.

Therefore, we must know the best ways to act contrarian and actually have a happy financial life.

Start with the basics

You do not have to become some kind of math wizard or financial guru overnight.

You might be surprised by how many average people are doing better than you with their finances simply because they know basic discipline and some simple guidelines to follow.

It all starts by literally putting back some money.

You ought to be able to easy save up $1,000 for starters. That literally should be no problem for you at all.

If it is a problem, then you clearly already have a mountain to climb. You have to start paying yourself first so that you can have that emergency fund ready to go whenever you need it.

Delay pleasure

I am sorry to have to tell you this, but you have to delay pleasure as an adult.

Just because everything is at your fingertips does not mean that you need everything.

Even simple pleasures like going out to eat can add up very quickly when you start to do this kind of thing time and time again.

Many of us are guilty of it, and when we use our money in this way, we are not able to access it for other purposes.

It is best to delay pleasure and save up for the things that you really care about. A dinner out should be something incredibly special to you.

Remember, you are an adult and can do whatever you want, but saving your money for the things that really matter are signs that you are living like a real adult.

Shop for insurance

Yes, you do need insurance.

You need all kinds of insurance, and you need to know how to shop for it as well.

Do not be the kind of person who purchases insurance from a company just because they have a funny commercial on TV or a cute mascot.

You have to be the kind of person who will ask for insurance quote after quote.

The companies will provide you with the answers you need about how much their coverage is going to cost, and what is included in the coverage.

Just remember that they are also attempting to sell you a product, so try to wade through their sales talk as best you can to figure out what it is that they are really saying.

If you are an expert at doing this, you can get the kind of insurance you need at a price you can afford.

These are just a few of the things that are required of you to become a financial responsible adult.

It might sound intimidating, but remember that you can do this. Even though you alone are in control of your financial future, at least take heart in the fact that this does mean that you have ultimate control.

Stop making yourself a victim, and start doing what you need to do to make the kind of financial life that you desire for yourself.

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