<prompt> Human: Although I know some of the basics when it comes to being a real adult, I dont think I know enough since I have not experienced anything yet. The thought of being all on my own and completely independent one day is a somewhat intimidating image for me. Id like to ask for any kind of advice, especially _personal_ advice based on your own experience, so that I can get a better picture of what is ahead of me.  <response>: ok, there are a few things that are pretty important.first off, you need to understand that no one is really an adult we are just kids in flabby bodies that get looser and older every year. But some people die at 25 and arent buried until 75. secondly, for finances and money. basically you want to spend a few minutes each week planning a budget, figure out what you spend money on gas, food, bills, snacks, weed, gaming, etc and try to EARN more than you SPEND. if that means cutting back on some stuff for a few months, do it. nothings worse than being in debt. seriously.if your working for a paycheck, try to split that paycheck up, put a certain percentage into savings it can be 1 if thats all your budget allows, the point is to DO it and always put aside about 5-10 for taxes, and when its tax time, youll either pay and NOT be in debt, OR you wont have to pay and that will be your special little windfall money.as far as taxes go, just search online and read as much as you can. its about the single most important thing that the federal government actually CARES about you being an adult. if your paying taxes you can basically do anything you want, if your not paying taxes, doesnt matter WHO you are, your going to face a serious punishmentthis is exactly why our school system is completely and utterly useless.the final year of highschool in america should be teaching kids things like how taxes work and how to file them, how the government works, how to be a part of your local city government and have a say about whats happening, and how to do adult things like cooking nutrious foods with real ingredients over fast food, and how to do basic things like minor plumbing skills, electrical, woodworking skills, so you can be a somewhat informed person when it comes to stuff going wrong with your house or other things adults have to deal with.basically, you need to know a few certain things that school probably didnt teach you, in no specific order, I would say these skills are important to being a REAL adult.being able to purchase foods at the store based on the nutritional label on the back, and not over or under eating, and eating properly. being able to cook various meals for yourself andor familychildren in the future.being able to grow a small garden and nurture plants. not that you have to. but its better to KNOW how over NOT knowing how.being able to change a car tire, a car battery, and understanding HOW an engine works so when something goes wrong, you wont be 100 at the mercy of your mechanic. Im a mechanic, we prey on people who dont know whats going on with their car. learn it. your an adult now, theres no excuse. understanding BASIC plumbing, household electrical, how a fusebox and breaker setup works, how a septic tank works, how a toilet works, how the sinks work, and how to use basic tools. These skills will save you literally thousands over the course of your life. you can learn them online or by renting books at your local library or taking free classes at community colleges or local home depotslowesetcalso you should study the local governments of whatever city you live in, and where you plan to move. learn who the elected officials are, how you can contact them, and how you can be a part of the city in a way that you get a say in what happens. also if your up to date on this stuff, youll be so much more informed about what new laws are about to pass and that might affect you that everyone else is oblivious to. dont ignore it, thats what everyone else does and thats why our country is in such a mess.once you have these basic skills and a little common sense, everything else will fall into place and you can happily find your little niche in the world, a few hobbies you enjoy, a family to care for and be financially stable and happy for a GOOD LONG LIFE 