Once I hit 18.... what the hell do I do?!?

Question

I want to sign up for creditcard, move out, tax forms, etc. Where can i find a guide to doing all this?

Answer 1

Good for you for thinking ahead. I highly recommend "Get a Financial Life" by Beth Kobliner.
http://www.amazon.com/Get-Financial-Life-Personal-Twenties/dp/0684872617

Here's a link to the author's web site: http://www.kobliner.com/
It has lots of useful information.

If you enroll in college, you can stay on your parents' health insurance plan while you are a student & until you are 24 years old.

Answer 2

u definately do not want or need a credit card. What would u use it for? pay with what u have and buy more when u have more.
moving out is great start, don't burn those bridges at home, though. Apartments usually require an amount equal to or more than the monthly rent for a deposit. then they require first and last months rent upfront. then there is the power deposit, water is usually furnished, cable may or may not be furnished. cheap furniture is available at second hand stores, if u can haul it.
take ur taxes to a pro for the first few years. will cost u almost nothing and will be best way of getting back more than u dream on ur own.
do u have a job? as u can tell, these things are more costly than most teenagers have experienced, so a job and several months living expenses, (rent, utilities, food, car note, gas and insurance, clothing ...) are necessary before u can even remotly consider actually paying u're own way.
go apartment hunting, fill out a couple of applications to find out what it takes (decent places require credit check and references, proof of employment ...) and how much it costs. go to second hand store and price furniture. make a list of meals u eat in a week, at home or burger joints and then price this at grocery store and multiply by 4, to find out how much food costs. can u ride bike to work or do u have a car? figure out how much gas and repairs on car will cost (if not new, plan on repairs at least every other month, sometimes more than rent, if u r not a mechanic)
Like I said, forget it all if u don't have a job.
Add up the above living expenses and add 20% for what u forgot. Ask at the various apartments how much average power runs and what other expenses are your responsibility, office staff usually live there, so they will know.
If you are not starting college, u automatically will not afford nice for long, because u r stuck in the poorest paying jobs, so hope ur parents will keep u on insurance. If you get hurt you will have to spend rent and food money on medical bills and loose job from not being at work.
Good plan to find out ahead of time what it costs, sounds like a good head on ur shoulders, go for it and good luck.

Answer 3

Credit cards are trouble. Find a skill and become good at it. The irs.gov site should have plenty of info on taxes.

Answer 4

Start with this book: "Personal Finance For Dummies." No, I'm not being smartassed - its a great introductory book covering many of the things you mention.

Answer 5

As for applying for a credit card, I suggest starting with your bank. They may have a student card available, knowing that you have not yet established credit.

Answer 6

Well hopefully, you will be starting your first year of College.