Anyone still living at home with mom and dad, longing for the day they can get out on their own, take advice from everyone who’s ever entered the real world: enjoy that ride while it lasts. Sure, growing up comes with great liberation, but along with it comes the shackles of responsibility. Before leaving the nest, plan ahead, budget, take control of your finances and own those real world responsibilities.
Here are some tips for the real world:

RENTING:
Rent an apartment or house you can actually afford. Your rent should be no more than a quarter of your monthly salary. If you make $2,000 per month, then your rent should be no more than $500.

EATING & DRINKING:
Drink water, it’s free. Eat as much free food as you can on campus. Join clubs and volunteer for events that offer free grub. Buy non-perishable food in bulk and avoid eating out.

ENTERTAINMENT:
Learn to love the simpler things in life, because simple is cheap. Take advantage of student mixers and socials, the public library, free live music venues and $3 movies at Mcmenamins.

LIVING:
Buy generic household products or make your own. Visit TheBroadsideOnline.com for free laundry soap recipe.

HEALTH:
You cannot afford to get sick, so take care of yourself. Exercise, eat fruits and veggies and get plenty of sleep.

TRANSPORTATION:
Commute and walk whenever possible. Fix up that old bike in the garage and bike to school and work.

OTHER STUFF:
You can’t afford other stuff, so cut up those department store credit cards and skip the trips to the mall. If it’s not in your budget, don’t buy it.

Operation don’t go broke–out.

–Anna Quesenberry

The Broadside