Whether it was when you moved out of your parents’ house or when you graduated college and started looking for your first job, at some point we all have that thought that we’re a grown up now. Adulting doesn’t have to be filled with existential dread. Here are a few books that will help you with everything from financial planning to finding the one.
What Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling You: The 10 Essential Truths You Need to Know About Your Money, by Liz Davidson
Confused how to handle personal finances beyond balancing your check book? Then check out Liz Davidson’s What Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling You from HPL. Financial advisor Davidson helps with how to find a trustworthy advisor and cut through some of the jargon surrounding the field. She also looks at topics like paying off debts, the advantage of different types of employment benefits, and investing mutual funds. You might also want to borrow from BCCLS Libraries, The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to be Complicated by Helaine Olen and Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson.
Avoiding the Con in Construction: How to Plan for Hassle-Free Home Building, Renovation, and Repair, by Kia Ricchi
First time condo or home owner? Avoiding the Con in Construction is written by a Florida based contractor who gives tips on planning, cost, and communicating with contractors on home projects. I wish I had read this before we had renovated our kitchen since it would have helped us better work with our contractor. If you are handy and looking to take care of repairs yourself consider, The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: With 350 Projects and Over 2,000 Photos or The Useful Book : 201 Life Skills They Used to Teach in Home Ec and Shop by David and Sharon Bowers.
121 First Dates: How to Succeed at Online Dating, Fall in Love, and Live Happily Ever After (Really!), by Wendy Newman
Once you are out of high school and college, dating can seem a bit more intimidating. Lots of people have gone online to find love (it’s how I met my husband). Relationship coach Wendy Newman draws from her own experiences to give you tips on online dating advice on everything from profile pictures, from what to expect, advice for making your first meeting safe, and how to make your first date great. You can also check out Love: The Psychology of Attraction by Leslie Becker-Phelps for a fun infographic and quiz-filled book that will help you find and improve your relationships.
How to Cook Everything The Basics: All You Need to Make Great Food, by Mark Bittman
Bittman’s gives you the basics of cooking including everything from how to peel vegetables to how to hold a knife. After reading the book you’ll understand the difference between roasting and broiling. Helpful pictures illustrate the techniques and recipes. You’ll also be given a list of recommended ingredients to have on hand and the cooking equipment any kitchen should have. This could be the year you host Christmas! Also check out Simply Scratch: 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy by Laurie McNamara. Now that you’ve got cooking learn how to behave with Table Manners: How to Behave in the Modern World and Why Bother by Jeremiah Tower which looks at everything from RSVPs to iPhones at the table.
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps, by Kelly Williams Brown
Finally if you are looking for something all-encompassing for your exploration of adulthood, this funny but informative book attempts to cover all the basics of being a grown-up from home care, autocare, getting a job, saving money, and more. The guide may even soon become a TV series!
-Written by Aimee Harris, Head of Reference
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
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