Do you feel stuck in a rut with your career? You’re not alone. Plenty of people feel stuck. What you need is to clarify your career goals for the new year. Whether you hope to start your own business, get a promotion, or find a better job, it’s time to put together a strategy that works.
In this episode, we talk about how you can come up with realistic career goals this year, and the steps you can take to achieve them.
Concepts

* How to figure out what you really want out of your career this year.
* Understanding the why behind your desire for a change at work.
* What types of career goals and strategies make sense for you?
* How to set realistic goals.
* How to integrate your career goals into your overall life objectives.
* Tips for setting goals that might take more than a year to achieve.
* Who to talk to if you need guidance.
* The importance of knowing what you need to accomplish your goals.
* How to find free and paid resources to help you proceed.
* Tips for turning your goals into a strategy that works.

Our DO NOWs are all about getting started ASAP. We talk about figuring out the kind of work you want to do and researching what you need to make it happen. Then we encourage you to take that first step toward your career goals.
What happens when you’re happy with your job and your parents want to push you to be “more”? It can be tough to deal with this type of situation. We talk about what it means to be content, and why it’s ok if you don’t want to always be chasing more money.


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Resources
Many people are looking for a new job in the new year.

Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
Ugh. Does your first job out of college suck?
Join the club.
One of the first harsh lessons of adulting is that sometimes you don’t get your dream job when you finish your degree. But just because the job sucks, doesn’t mean you can’t learn something.
Lindsay VanSomeren from Notorious D.E.B.T. joins us to talk about her terrible first job after college — and what she did to get out of the rut. It’s your first job, not your permanent job. Learn, survive, and move on to something better.
Find Lindsay on Twitter and Facebook.
Watch the video above or listen to the audio podcast below.

Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

We hear about IQ all the time — even if it’s controversial. However, book smarts and the ability to pass a test might not help you a lot in your interactions with other people. What you need to develop is emotional intelligence.
The ability connect with others is an important part of life. When you develop emotional intelligence, your relationships with others, from your friends to your coworkers to your kids to your parents to your life partner, improve immensely.
Concepts

* What it means to be emotionally intelligent.
* How your emotional intelligence helps you interact with others.
* Tips for using emotional control to problem-solve.
* The importance of being able to understand others.
* How to develop an emotionally intelligent approach to life.
* Tips for boost your level of emotional intelligence.
* Learning to recognize your emotions and others.
* How to practice different activities to make you more emotionally intelligent.

Use this week’s DO NOWs to get started with developing your emotional intelligence. Begin recording your feelings in a journal, and practice active listening. You can also begin looking for others’ good qualities and get input from others about your own personality and how you come across.
Having trouble identifying social cues? Our question this week looks at what happens when you struggle in social situations. We talk about developing emotional intelligence and how to improve your skills if needed.


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Resources
Basics of emotional intelligence

Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
Are you trying to figure out a health plan? During open enrollment, it can be difficult to decide what to pick. After all, there can be a lot of choices. You want to make sure you get the right one for you.
Today we’re joined by Jennifer Jackson from ADLT 101. She talks about the first time she tried to find a health plan. We’ll talk about how to make the most of your company options, and what to watch for the next time the government exchanges are open.
Health insurance is one of those things you need as an adult, whether you think you’ll get sick or not.
Find Jennifer on Twitter and Facebook.
You can always ask us questions in the #Adulting community on Facebook as well.
Watch the video above or listen to the audio podcast below.

Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

Do you wish your friends and family would see you more? Maybe the issue is your living space. Is it comfortable? Is it clean?
If it’s not, that could be the issue. When your place is cluttered and/or dirty, it’s uncomfortable and it’s difficult for people to feel at home, they won’t want to come over. So, what can you do?
We’re going to talk about how you can make your living space into a place others want to be.
Concepts

* Why it’s important to clear clutter and clean up.
* Overcoming the difficulties of organizing and cleaning when it’s been a long time.
* The benefits of a clean and organized living space.
* Main issues: disorganization and cleanliness.
* Tips for organizing your living space.
* Ideas for cleaning your space — and keeping it clean.
* Why you should consider reducing what you have.
* Tricks for organization when you live in a small space.
* How to maintain your organized and clean space once you have it.

For this week’s DO NOWs, we start by looking at the living space and figuring out where to start. Choose one area and tackle that. Then move forward.
Do you wish friends and family would just accept your messiness? They might like YOU, but they might not be comfortable in your home. We talk about reconciling that reality in response to this week’s listener question.


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Do you want a better job? You need professional references to help you reach the next level.
As always, who you know matters. You don’t necessarily need to know someone on the inside, but you do need to have references who matter. As you apply for jobs, make sure you have the right references to make a difference in your career search.
Concepts

* Reasons your professional references matter so much.
* How the right references can build your credibility.
* Tips for choosing the right people to serve as your references.
* The difference between personal references and professional references.
* How to approach potential references.
* Things you need to let your references know if you want to make the most of the situation.
* Why you need to be prepared to write your own letter of recommendation.
* What to do after your reference has agreed to help you out.
* Tips for leveraging your network down the road.

For this week’s DO NOWs, we take a look at how you can identify professional references and practice how to approach them. Then we ask you to take action and make contact with one reference this week.
What happens if you don’t have anyone who can give you a good reference? This week’s reader question tackles the thorny issue of winning over a reluctant reference.


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Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
Today we don’t have a video, but we did talk to Lillian Karabaic from Oh My Dollar!. We talk about finding your dream job. Lillian has had several interesting jobs in her life, and she’s done what she can to enjoy what she does.
Sometimes, your dream job isn’t what you think it is. And sometimes you have to create your own dream. No matter your path, though, it’s possible for you to enjoy yourself and make a difference.
Lillian brings a dash of glitter to everything she does, from personal finance to job hunting. Let’s make it happen. With kittens!
Oh My Dollar! on Twitter.
Oh My Dollar! on Facebook.
And make sure to join us at the #Adulting community on Facebook!
Listen to the audio podcast below.

Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

Holiday debt is a real thing. And it can be super stressful. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance you’re going to use a credit card — and carry debt into the new year.
It doesn’t have to be like that, though. You can save money during the holidays and still have an amazing time. We’ll show you how to avoid being another holiday debt statistic.
Concepts

* How come we feel like we need to spend so much during the holidays?
* Do you feel like you have to travel?
* Problems with getting caught up in the excitement and overspending.
* Tips for avoiding debt during the holidays.
* How to save money during the holidays.
* Ideas for creative ways to show your loved ones you care without overspending.
* How to create rules and a budget around your holiday spending.
* Tips for making sure you avoid this problem next year.

Our DO NOWs focus on helping you save money during the holidays by getting your spending under control. We talk about setting up a realistic budget and savings plan and making a list of things you need to cut back on.
This week’s listener question is about trying to explain to others what you’re doing to save money during the holidays without looking cheap.


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Resources
Holiday spending trends

You want to talk to someone, but you get tongue-tied. Trying to talk to someone you’re attracted to can be difficult. After all, you don’t want to say something stupid or end up rejected.
In this episode, we talk about how you can meet people you’re attracted to and even talk to them without falling on your face. Can you make that first move?
Concepts

* Reasons it’s so difficult to meet people you’re attracted to.
* How introverts and those with social anxiety can find it even more difficult to talk to someone you’re attracted to.
* Fear of rejection and feeling foolish.
* How to feel better about rejection, and why it’s good.
* Tips for approaching someone you’re attracted to.
* Ideas for asking questions and starting a conversation.
* What to do after you’ve had a successful conversation.
* Tips for avoiding playing games afterward.

Our DO NOWs this week focus on your ability to meet people without feeling totally uncomfortable. We talk about feeling good about yourself and practicing with a friend.
Our reader question takes a look at what to do if your attempts to approach someone doesn’t work.


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Resources
How to break the ice.

Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
You know you want to travel. But you also need to be on a budget. Today, we talk to Whitney Hansen about how she does the travel while budgeting thing. We look at tips you can use to save money on travel. We even take a look at how you can do it with kids.
Just because you don’t have a ton of money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy seeing new things. Here’s how to get out of town no matter how much (or little) you have.
twitter.com/whitneyhansenco
Facebook.com/whitneyhansenco
instagram.com/whitney_hansen_co
WhitneyHansen.com
themoneynerds.com
Watch the video above or listen to the audio podcast below.

Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

We’re doing a special swap episode with Miranda’s other podcast project, Money Tree Investing. Check out this other podcast for discussions about investing and money. In this episode, Miranda talks to co-host Joe Saul-Sehy about how to manage money like a millionaire.
Plus, keep an eye out. In December, Adulting will make an appearance on MTI with a special swap episode!
Concepts

* How do millionaires manage their money?
* Looks at practical steps to help you manage money like a millionaire.
* Reviews millionaire habits.
* Learn about financial priorities.
* Ideas for treating your money like a resource.
* Practical tips for managing your money today so you can be a millionaire later.

Don’t forget to check out other great articles on Adulting.tv for information that can help you make your millionaire dream come true. These articles and resources will get you started on the right path to manage money like a millionaire:
Make $200 a Day With These 57 Side Hustle Ideas
3 Easy Ways to Start Investing When You’re Broke AF
Book Review: Set For Life by Scott Trench
Book: The Best Bank Accounts for Adults
Lifestyles of the Financially Independent


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Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
Justin Taylor from Saving Sherpa joins Harlan and Miranda, sharing tips from military training that can be used to become a better adult. You don’t have to join the military to use these philosophies and become an expert at navigating your life.
Adulting is hard, but you don’t have to give up. Here’s what you need to know to take command of your life and make something you’re happy with.
Watch the video above or listen to the audio podcast below.

Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

Stress during the holidays is a real thing. Everything from holiday hosting to buying gifts for everyone can put a crimp in your season. Well, we can’t solve your gift-giving problems, but we can help you figure out what to do when you’re called upon to host a holiday party.
In this episode, we take a look at hacks you can use to make holiday hosting a little easier, keeping you sane while everyone has a good time.
Concepts

* Do you really have to host?
* Reasons you might feel like holiday hosting is your job.
* How to decide if you really should be in charge of a holiday party.
* Tips for keeping it simple, yet fun.
* Food ideas that are easy to prepare and eat.
* Budgeting tips for keeping your party from breaking the bank.
* Putting together a playlist of great music.
* Ideas for foods you can prepare ahead of time.
* Simple tricks for keeping the home neat and tidy ahead of your holiday hosting commitments.
* How to bring the party to an end with grace.

Our DO NOWs revolve around making sure you plan ahead for your holiday hosting duties. Be ready for what’s next by making a list and budgeting so that you can keep from going crazy.
This week’s listener question is all about getting people out of your house after the event. We talk about simple ways to signal that the party’s over and you want your personal space.
Also, check out these recipes for great holiday drinks:
Champagne Punch
Slowcooker Apple Cider
Also, check out this handy rolling coatrack from Amazon.


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Resources
Stress during the holidays survey

After you’ve been through a couple stock market crashes, it’s hard to get excited about investing. In fact, many millennials are wary of investing — especially investing in stocks.
On the other hand, we’re told that investing is an effective way to prepare for the future. So, can you build wealth without stocks?
It’s possible, especially if you forget notions of stock-picking. In this episode, we’ll look at how to build wealth without stocks, providing different ideas that you can implement to help you grow your nest egg.
Concepts

* Reasons many people don’t like the stock market.
* How the news can influence how you think about the stock market.
* A look at some of the ways people feel the stock market is stacked against them.
* Why you need to develop multiple sources of income.
* How to use real estate to build wealth without stocks.
* Different business ideas that can help you grow your wealth.
* Using P2P lending as a way to build wealth without stocks.
* Exotic alternatives like cryptocurrencies, forex, and precious metals.
* The risks you need to be aware of if you decide to try to build wealth without stocks.
* Why you should consider funds (even if they are stocks) as one way to grow wealth over time.

Use this week’s DO NOWs to evaluate your situation, figuring out what kind of risk tolerance you have and thinking about what investments might be most appropriate for you.
Our listener question this week deals with the investing systems you are likely to see advertised everywhere. We talk about how you can tell legit systems from the shady offerings.



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Resources
Millennial feelings about investing

Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
Chonce Maddox joins us to talk about paying down student loans. Like many saddled with student loan debt, Chonce has struggled to make ends meet. In this special episode, recorded live on the Ally podcast stage at FinCon.
Chonce is a successful freelance writer who covers personal finance topics for a variety of outlets and writes at MyDebtEpiphany.com. In this episode, we talk with Chonce about setting intentions, changing your money mindset, and using all the tools available to you in order to pay down debt and crush student loans.
Listen to the audio podcast above.
Hosted by Harlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

It’s really tempting to quit your job with a flourish. We’ve seen the stories of the souls who launch into a tirade and stick it to the soul-sucking company they’ve been working for years.
It’s a nice thought, but an office meltdown or dramatic exit as you leave customers in a lurch probably isn’t the best way to quit your job. When you burn bridges, you run the risk of having your behavior come back to haunt you later.
Today, we talk about how to quit your job without destroying your career, and while keeping your network intact.
Concepts

* Reasons your current work relationships matter.
* The importance of maintaining connections for networking purposes.
* Why a dramatic exit might feel good but could cost you be ruining your reputation in an industry.
* How to approach your boss about having the talk about you quitting.
* Tips for having the conversation with your boss, without telling your coworkers.
* The importance of talking with HR and making sure you understand the terms of your employment.
* What you need to know if you plan to work for a competitor.
* How to respond if your boss is being unpleasant.

This week’s DO NOWs address the steps you need to take in order get ready to quit your job. They include double-checking the terms of your employment before you talk to anyone, as well as creating a script.
Our listener this week really wants to be mean to everyone in their toxic work environment. However, that might not be the way to go. We talk about the merits of being professional no matter what — even if you don’t want to maintain relationships with those around you.


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Relationships can be tricky, especially today when so much is in flux. Whether you are in a long-distance relationship, or whether you live with your S.O., trust issues can come up.
This sort of insecurity in your relationship can be toxic. You don’t want your own insecurities to get in the way of a great thing. At the same time, you do need to navigate the situation if trust issues are reasonable.
In this episode, we talk about how you can get beyond relationship insecurity and feel good about your relationship.
Concepts

* Signs of relationship insecurity.
* Indications that you’re going overboard trying to verify your partner’s activities.
* Questions you should be asking yourself about your relationship and where you stand.
* Problems that can lead to trust issues.
* Tips for getting beyond relationship insecurity.
* Ideas for feeling confident in yourself.
* How to handle rejection without letting it impact your next relationship.

Our DO NOWs this week are all about focusing on your relationship and reminding yourself of what you like about it. It’s important to acknowledge what you like about your relationship — as well as learning to stop comparing your relationship to others’.
This week’s listener question tackles the difficult situation of overcoming trust issues when your partner has cheated on you.


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Resources
Move beyond relationship insecurity

Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
Emma Johnson, author of The Kickass Single Mom: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children and blogger-owner of http://wealthsinglemommy.com/ joins Harlan and Miranda today to share tips about living a great life while being the single parent of children.
We talk about dating, money, and how you can feel empowered and love being a single mom without hating men. We also look at taking charge of your finances and rebuilding your life on your own terms.
Emma Johnson is the author of THE KICKASS SINGLE MOM: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children, creator of the immensely popular blog, WealthySingleMommy.com, and host of the podcast, “Like a Mother,” where she explores issues facing professional moms like herself. She is a writer, journalist, entrepreneur, former small-town Midwesterner, and current New Yorker. Since launching her blog four years ago, she has become the leading voice of single motherhood in the popular media and has been quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, Women’s Day, and NPR, among others.
Book: https://adulting.tv/a/014313115X
Twitter: @JohnsonEmma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=646747051
Website: http://www.wealthysinglemommy.com
Watch the video above or listen to the audio podcast below.

Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com

It’s easy to think of customer service representatives as irrelevant. Other service workers often get very little of our attention — and civility.
But one of the best things you can do is recognize the humanity of other people. And that includes being your best self and treating everyone well, no matter how lowly their jobs.
Plus, when you’re decent to others, there’s a good chance you can get better customer service and more of what you want.
Concepts

* Ways customer service reps can actually help you.
* The importance of service jobs like those done at the store or in the restaurant.
* Tips for speaking with customer service reps and others so you are more likely to get what you want.
* When to ask for a supervisor.
* How to get a discount.
* When and how to turn to social media to get what you want.
* The importance of thanking others for their help.

This week’s DO NOWs are fairly straightforward and include thinking through your customer service call before you make it. It’s all about preparing ahead of time so you know what to say, and so that you say it with calm confidence.
One reader wonders about all the great deals others are always talking about. While other people tend to get amazing discounts, our reader struggles. We have suggestions on how to get what others receive.


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Once in a while, we present Adulting.tv LIVE! Subscribe on YouTube to hear about future events, and share your questions about or suggestions for our next discussions!
Show Notes
We don’t have a video, but we do have an amazing conversation about Tinder dating with Gwen from Fiery Millennials. Gwen shares some dating horror stories with some help from Miranda and how you can increase your chances of weeding out the losers from your dating pool.
Find Gwen on Twitter and on Facebook.
Listen to the audio podcast above.
Hosted byHarlan L. Landes and Miranda Marquit
Produced byadulting.tv
Edited and mixed bySteve Stewart
Music bybensound.com