Money Basics

Build a money foundation before bad habits start. For a structured progression, see our full financial skills guide.

1. Open your first checking and savings accounts
2. Use a debit card without overdrawing
3. Build a simple monthly budget
4. Track where your money actually goes
5. Pay yourself first — save before you spend
6. Build a starter emergency fund
7. Understand how credit cards really work
8. Build credit from scratch
9. Know your credit score and what affects it
10. Avoid credit card debt and high interest
11. Understand compound interest
12. Set up automatic savings transfers
13. File your first tax return
14. Read a pay stub and understand withholdings
15. Plan for a big purchase instead of financing it
16. Protect yourself from scams and fraud

First Job & Career

Land the job, keep the job, and start building a career. Our career readiness skills walk through each step in detail.

17. Write your first resume
18. Write a cover letter with no experience
19. Prepare for a job interview
20. Dress appropriately for an interview
21. Send a thank-you note after an interview
22. Set up a professional LinkedIn profile
23. Show up on time, every time
24. Communicate clearly at work
25. Accept feedback without taking it personally
26. Ask for help when you are stuck
27. Manage your time and meet deadlines
28. Handle workplace conflict
29. Negotiate your first salary
30. Know your rights as a worker

Living On Your Own

Run a household with confidence from day one. For homeowner-specific upkeep, see our home maintenance skills guide.

31. Read a lease before you sign it
32. Understand what renters insurance covers
33. Set up utilities in your name
34. Create a cleaning routine that sticks
35. Do laundry: sort, wash temperatures, and treat stains
36. Cook a few simple, healthy meals
37. Grocery shop with a list and a budget
38. Store food safely and avoid waste
39. Unclog a drain
40. Reset a tripped circuit breaker
41. Change smoke detector batteries
42. Patch a small hole in the wall
43. Pack and move efficiently
44. Keep important documents organized
45. Set up a home emergency kit
46. Own and maintain a basic set of tools

Health, Safety & Well-Being

Take care of your body and mind as you take on more responsibility. See our personal well-being skills for a deeper look.

47. Find a primary care doctor
48. Schedule preventative check-ups
49. Understand your health insurance basics
50. Build a consistent sleep routine
51. Start a basic exercise habit
52. Cook with nutrition in mind
53. Read a nutrition label
54. Manage stress in healthy ways
55. Recognize when you need mental health support
56. Practice basic first aid
57. Handle a minor emergency calmly
58. Limit screen time intentionally

People, Communication & Digital Life

Relate well to others and protect yourself online. Our communication skills guide covers each of these in depth.

59. Hold a face-to-face conversation
60. Write a clear, polite email
61. Set personal boundaries
62. Say no without over-explaining
63. Have a hard conversation
64. Recognize healthy vs. toxic relationships
65. Protect your privacy online
66. Build a positive digital footprint
67. Spot misinformation online
68. Be kind and respectful on social media
69. Build a support system of trusted people
70. Ask for help when you are struggling

Navigating the Adult World

Handle the official parts of growing up without panic. For a broader view, see our 100 life skills master list or the life skills checklist by age.

71. Keep your important documents safe (ID, SSN, passport)
72. Register to vote and understand the basics
73. Understand what a lease, loan, and contract really mean
74. Make a plan for college or training costs
75. Compare job offers beyond just the salary
76. Build a 5-year life and money plan
77. Plan safe travel: documents, money, and insurance
78. Recover from a setback without giving up
79. Build resilience and keep learning
80. Know the basics of a will and beneficiaries