17 Adulting Tips Everyone Should Know By The Age Of 25

Because by your quarter-century, you should have your shit together.

1. Switch up your regular savings account for one that has high interest.

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Look, I know it's daunting having to do ~adult~ things. But by having a savings account with a higher interest rate, you'll essentially be earning extra dollarydoos on the money you already have. This is REALLY important when you start working and accumulating those big bucks.

2. And while you're at it, research super funds that offer a high growth option.

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Just like bank accounts, superannuation is one of those things in life that seems extremely complicated. And yes, while the nitty-gritty may be confusing, to choose the best super fund, you just need to equip yourself with the simple details.

While low account fees and skimping out on life insurance can save you money, the main thing you want to do is look for a superfund that offers a high growth option. This particular style of fund was made for young people because it'll offer the best returns over the long-term. Then when you're older, you can swap out to an option that offers more stability for the super you've accumulated.

3. Develop a love of good food, working out and looking after your mental health.

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Some people may think prioritising your health is pretentious, but honestly, screw them. The most important thing in life is balance and you'll only get that through looking after your body, mind and soul. This means eating healthily, practicing self-care and doing workouts to not only keep yourself fit, but to clear your mind.

4. Write a budget AND stick to it.

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It's time to wise up and get serious about your financial future! And if you're not tracking your spendings as an adult, it's very easy to get yourself into a spending hole that you won't be able to dig yourself out of.

5. And to help with that, track your monthly expenses in a bill organiser or app.

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Some people like to write out everything on paper, while others enjoy the

convenience of a budgeting app that is with them at all times. Regardless of what works for you, it's best to start tracking your expenses and seeing where your money goes. It can also make it easier to save for things in the future, like that expensive pair of boots or that luxe trip to Hawaii.

6. Learn how to cook a couple of dishes that look complex, but are super easy to prepare.

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Repeat after me — cooking is NOT hard. You have multiple recipe books (aka the internet) at your fingertips that will give you the best, easiest and most budget-friendly recipes out there. Take advantage of fresh produce, one-pan wonders and things that you can whip out for a dinner party. It'll not only impress your friends, but ensure that you aren't tempted to eat takeout every other week.

7. And instead of wasting all your money on store bought lunches, teach yourself how to meal prep.

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A little time prepping on the weekend so you have meals ready for the week ahead will save you SO MUCH MONEY in the long run. It's honestly silly not to do it and the meals that you make will be way better in terms of nutrition and flavour.

8. Plus invest in some good quality tupperware, which will encourage you to cook.

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Throw out those old, plastic takeaway containers that stain after a single use and get your hands on some glass containers. They'll last longer, they're easier to clean and they're way better for the environment.

9. Learn what you can splurge and save on.

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Online shopping makes it way too easy to impulse buy products that may not last the distance. You should invest in things like couches, mattresses and cookware, since you'll be using them every day. Meanwhile, appliances and plants may be something you can save on.

10. Get up early on the weekends and finish all your chores in the morning.

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I know, this sounds absolutely horrible. But with working full-time, your body naturally gets accustomed to waking up at a particular time, even if your mind is still dead tired. Instead of attempting to go back to a sleep for a solid hour, it's better to seize the day, finish off everything you need to do and then by the time the afternoon rolls by, you can take a glorious nap to recharge your batteries.

11. Declutter every aspect of your life.

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Start off with your wardrobe — are there things in your closet you haven't worn in the past year? If that's the case, then it's time to either dump or donate it. Or are there files you've been meaning to organise, or a stack of old books you've been meaning to drop off at the library? Do it this weekend! Your mind will feel a lot more free once you actually start to remove all the unnecessary items weighing you down.

12. And break up with friends who are doing you more harm than good.

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If they're draining, difficult, unsupportive and make you feel bad about yourself, these so-called friends need to go. They may have been fun and exciting while you were a teenager, but times change, and you to get rid of their toxic and irresponsible energy that's keeping you from being the best you can possibly be.

13. Keep in mind that a tidy house = tidy mind.

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Doing the small things every day, like making your bed every single morning, or washing your sheets at the end of each week, can make such a huge difference to your mental health. You'll feel more at ease when you come home, especially when it's been a long day and you can sink into your beautifully made bed.

14. Stop playing games in your relationship.

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It's time to strap on the big-adult-pants and be brutally honest about who you are and what you want from a relationship. And if that doesn't suit whomever you're with, you need to walk away and stop wasting your time. Don't chase something that won't eventuate.

15. Get in touch with who you are as a person and what you really want out of life.

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To do this, you need to become more aware of not only your own emotions, but how to express them to other people. This is called "emotional intelligence" and it can really help you figure out the big stuff in life, like who you want to be and how to get there.

16. Learn how to really value your time.

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Your free time is precious because it may be the only period where you can practice self-care and get a breather from the hectic environment of life. So don't feel obligated to share it with someone else if you're feeling stressed, or if you simply need some alone time. This means saying no to social events that you don't want to go to, as well as getting over FOMO when you would much rather be in bed.

17. And finally, don't compromise on things you actually want to do.

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Get it into your head that you are the leader of your own destiny. You make the rules, you make the calls and only you can decide what is best for your future. This not only applies to things like your career, but the small stuff like seeing a movie by yourself because none of your friends were into it.

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It’s adulting week at BuzzFeed Oz! We’re celebrating everything it means to be an adult in 2019 — and discussing how to be a better one. Click here to check out more.