Next-Level Adulting: How to Take Control of Your Life

Being an adult has its real benefits (hello, financial independence!), but it’s also a lot. Here, Scouted experts drill down on the aspects of true adulthood that you should be on top of—but might be avoiding. Read on to be equipped to take control of your life and take your adult status to the next level. Consult The Scout Guide Directory to secure these professionals in your area.

Finally conquer estate planning. No one wants to think about their inevitable demise, but according to Nathan J. Seifert, Esq, partner at Hartmann, Doherty, Rosa, Berman & Belbulia in Hackensack, New Jersey, estate planning is an act of love and thoughtfulness toward your family and friends so that your death or disability does not place an undue hardship on those you care about most. He generally doesn’t ask prospective clients to bring any documentation to an initial consultation because he doesn’t want them to feel overwhelmed by starting the process. Instead, Seifert recommends clients come with a general familiarity with what assets they own, how the assets are titled (e.g. individually, jointly, with or without beneficiary designations) and the approximate value of each. “That can help make the meeting more productive, but bringing that information is not a requirement for getting the process started,” he says. First things first, make the appointment, and come up with a plan with your estate planner for next steps. 

Schedule that annual check-up. If you’ve been putting off making your health a priority, or simply neglecting regular check-ups, now’s the time to make that appointment with a primary care physician so you can live your best life. Shara Posner DC, chiropractor and clinic owner at Back to Health Center in Alexandria, Virginia, notes the three key reasons to get ‘er done: 

1. Early detection and prevention: Every year you should have bloodwork and other doctor-recommended done to determine whether or not you are trending towards health issues. By visiting your doctor yearly, you have the advantage of preventing the progression of an issue or catching it in the early stages when it’s easier to treat. 
2. Provide lifestyle changes: Based on your overall health assessment, your doctor can make recommendations for changes in diet and exercise, etc. “If you have high cholesterol, your provider may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or medication,” Posner explains. “Skin cancer may lead you to recommendations on future skin care and protection.”
3. Monitor chronic issues: When you have a disease or disorder that needs consistent management, doctors are there to make adjustments that trend you towards health or management of the disease. 

Get your home organized. An organized home is about creating an environment where we can thrive. “When spaces are cluttered, too full, or not usable in the way they are intended, we can’t fully enjoy one of our most important assets—our home,” Kerry Mayer, owner and founder of Kerry Mayer Home in Asheville, North Carolina, explains. An organized home allows you to move through daily tasks with more ease, more efficiency and less frustration. When our brain isn’t filled with thoughts about missing items , what to cook for our family , and we dont pull into a garage full of stuff we don’t use, your overall stress decreases and your quality of life greatly increases. Need help getting started? Check out this article, Home Organization 101. 

Take charge of your finances. One of life’s top stressors is over personal finances. That’s why hiring a financial planner can actually lead to a better night’s sleep and help you design your destiny. “A financial planner will help you put your arms around all your assets to ascertain what you have and how to work with it to ensure your current needs, as well as future needs, are met,” Mary Howard, CRPC, portfolio manager and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley in Bozeman Montana, explains. Financial planners are trained to think of things that you may not, provide guidance on spending prioritization, planning for short-term, as well as long-term needs, tax strategizing, insurance, and estate-planning coordination. Howard advises for your first appointment to bring an open mind and a willingness to be transparent about your current financial situation. Additionally, come prepared with everything you know about your income, current assets, and debt. “Be forthright about your attitude about money, your goals, and fears,” Howard says. “A good financial planner goes beyond the cold-hard dollar facts and explores the human side as well.” 

Make your mental health a priority. It’s never a bad idea to have a therapist in your back pocket to help navigate life’s ups and down. Whether you’re dealing with a major life change or just need some strategies to live your life to the fullest, a licensed therapist can help. Andrea Santa Maria, owner and clinical director at Delilah Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee, notes that finding a therapist isn’t a one-size-fits all approach, and encourages people to talk to a few different providers to see who you click with. “The right therapist will help you feel comfortable with the therapy process and will gently guide you through the steps needed to fully address the issues you’re having,” she says. Anxious about that first visit? Santa Maria notes one of the great things about therapy is how much autonomy you have, since the therapy session is really a space for you. “Feel free to take the first few sessions at a speed that works for you and disclose whatever you feel comfortable disclosing,” she says. 

Ensure your insurance policy is adequate. Most everyone has basic home insurance, but it’s a good idea to check in with your insurance agent on an annual basis to make sure everything is up to snuff. Your agent will want to discuss risk factors, your current insurance coverage, how they perceive risk, and how insurance will respond in a claim situation, explains Margaret Ann Pyburn, executive vice president, personal lines; Margaret Brooke, risk consultant, personal lines; and Brooke Ferrell, associate producer, personal lines at Cobbs Allen in Birmingham, Alabama. They will also help you take stock of your possessions, and take steps to insure items such as jewelry, fine art, and antiques coverage. The trio also notes that an appraisal will be requested or required for these items, along with a description and value of each item. But don’t worry, your insurance broker can help you navigate all of this, and any other questions you might have. 

Build a sustainable fitness routine. Everyone knows staying physically active is the key to a long and healthy life. If you’ve been unsuccessful in finding a workout you’re excited about, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Erin Cantrell, owner and personal trainer at Erin Cantrell Fitness in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recommends hiring a trainer or signing up for group classes—and trying classes you wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. “People are more successful with a professional trainer who will hold them accountable or joining a class with friends who expect you to attend,” she says. Cantrell also recommends putting that 5K on the calendar. “Signing up for a fitness event, and working toward that goal, is a game-changer.” Cantrell acknowledges it’s not always easy to make exercise a priority, but the only way to make it a habit is to stick with it. “If you stay on track daily, and don’t miss a beat, your momentum will start to carry you,” she shares. “Make a point to challenge yourself and do a hard thing, even if it’s the same hard thing, every day, for months at a time. That’s what creates positive results and a habit.” 

TSG Tip 473 from Nathan J. Seifert, Esq, partner at Hartmann, Doherty, Rosa, Berman & Belbulia in Hackensack, New Jersey; Shara Posner DC, chiropractor and clinic owner at Back to Health Center in Alexandria, Virginia; Kerry Mayer, owner and founder of Kerry Mayer Home in Asheville, North Carolina; Mary Howard, CRPC, portfolio manager and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley in Bozeman Montana; Andrea Santa Maria, owner and clinical director at Delilah Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee; Margaret Ann Pyburn, executive vice president, personal lines; Margaret Brooke, risk consultant, personal lines; and Brooke Ferrell, associate producer, personal lines at Cobbs Allen in Birmingham, Alabama; and Erin Cantrell, owner and personal trainer at Erin Cantrell Fitness in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Hartmann, Doherty, Rosa, Berman & Belbulia appears in The Scout Guide Bergen County. Back to Health Center appears in The Scout Guide Alexandria. Kerry Mayer Home appears in The Scout Guide Asheville & Western North Carolina. Morgan Stanley Bozeman appears in The Scout Guide Bozeman. Delilah Counseling appears in The Scout Guide Nashville & Franklin. Cobbs Allen appears in The Scout Guide Birmingham and The Scout Guide Atlanta. Erin Cantrell Fitness appears in The Scout Guide Ann Arbor.