Did you know that there are now schools that teach students how to use a knife, write a resume, or build a basic budget through their Adulting 101 courses? The program is actually quite popular, and similar courses are popping up online as well.
The reason why is simple: there are skills that we all need, such as how to file taxes or time management, but few of us were taught them in school.
Think about it. You can probably edit videos or shop online like a pro, but do you know how to request a barangay clearance, cook rice without a rice cooker, or find the best options when you need emergency cash?
Ultimately, that’s the heart of adulting—being equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle whatever life throws your way. So, if you’ve recently Googled the best digital bank in the Philippines to explore your savings or borrowing options, you’re already adulting. It means you’re curious, willing to learn, and ready to grow.
That said, there are still topics that you sometimes shy away from, just like the ones below. It’s important to learn to be open to talking about them, as each one builds a foundation for the stable, fulfilling life you’re working so hard to create.
1. Money Matters: Building Systems That Keep You in Control
To begin with, let’s talk about money. It’s an integral part of life, yet most of us were never taught how to manage it. No one handed us a guidebook on budgeting, saving, or investing. So, we wing it and often get overwhelmed. This doesn’t need to happen.
As a first step, track your spending for just one week. Yes, that includes the ₱90 milk tea you “deserved”.
Once you know where your money is going, you can choose a budgeting system that works for you. Apps can certainly help, but even a simple notebook or envelope does the job.Even if your income isn’t that big yet, budgeting trains you to prioritize, plan, and make informed choices. From there, you can explore saving for pleasure and emergencies, investing in small ways, or the best ways to borrow money online in the Philippines for emergencies or business growth. Over time, financial literacy becomes less intimidating and more empowering.
2. Taxes and Government Contributions: What You Need to Know
In the Philippines, employers automatically deduct taxes and government contributions (SSS or GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG) from their employees’ salaries. While these cut into your take-home pay each month, they are necessary parts of adult life in the Philippines. Also, these contributions allow you to access member benefits.
For instance, the SSS has maternity benefits, disability benefits, and salary loans; upon retirement, the SSS will also send a monthly pension based on your contributions while you were still working. Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG has housing loans and salary loans. Even freelancers can also take advantage of these benefits, as long as they pay their voluntary contributions.
Knowing how to file your taxes and keep your records in order isn’t just about compliance—it’s about peace of mind and financial maturity.
3. Retirement and Estate Planning: Preparing for a Future
It might feel too early to think about retirement, especially if you’re still figuring out your monthly budget, but the truth is, the earlier you plan, the easier your future becomes. Retirement planning isn’t just for older people with established careers. Even small contributions today can grow significantly over time through the power of compounding.
Start with your SSS contributions—are you paying the maximum, or just the minimum? Have you considered opening a long-term investment fund? These tools are designed to support your financial independence in later years.
For your twilight years, estate planning may sound intimidating, but it simply means making sure your assets (big or small) are passed on according to your wishes. Whether it’s a piece of land, some savings, or a small business, having a will or assigning a beneficiary helps avoid family conflict and ensures your hard work benefits the people you care about. It’s not morbid—it’s mature! And it’s one of the most empowering things you can do, not just for yourself, but for your family too.
4. Physical Health: What You Do Now Shapes Your Future
In your 20s, your body feels invincible. So you go for late nights, instant noodles, and caffeine-fueled mornings. However, how you treat your body now sets the tone for the decades ahead. So, ask yourself: do I want to be able to walk when I’m 80 without assistance? Of course, the answer is yes.
You don’t need a gym membership or a super strict diet to achieve this. You can drink more water, add ten minutes of walking to your day, and choose sleep over that third episode on Netflix. When you build small, healthy habits, it becomes easier to stick with them.
5. Mental Health: Boundaries, Balance, and Asking for Help
Adulting isn’t just about focusing on your responsibilities. It’s also about knowing when you’re nearing burnout and doing something about it, because your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. How often do you check in with yourself? Are you pushing too hard? Trying to please everyone?
Specifically, learning to say no isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. And seeking help isn’t weak; it’s wise. In Filipino culture, we often pride ourselves on being strong and independent. But true strength sometimes lies in admitting, “I need support.” Help is available, from professional counselors to online communities and even your barkada.
Stay on Your Path: There’s No Deadline for Figuring Things Out
Remember that there’s no deadline for getting your life together. Some people move out at 21, others stay with family until they’re 40 or even 60. Meanwhile, some marry young; others never do. Also, some find success fast; others take a longer, winding route. Whichever path you’re on, it’s valid and you’re not behind. And you’re doing the work that deserves to be respected and celebrated.
Take note that the topics discussed here aren’t just the practical sides of adulting. They’re deeply personal. The more you explore them, the more confident and grounded you’ll become.