Instant Pot: The Kitchen Miracle Worker

Let’s be honest, we’ve all had a few nights where we’ve felt like we’d starve before spending more than 10 minutes in the kitchen. Enter the Instant Pot—the pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker all rolled into one magical device.

• Price: Around $80–$150 depending on the model.
• Features: 7-in-1 functionality, customizable settings, and a sleek design that doesn’t scream “I’m a cooking disaster.”
• What I Think: It’s a lifesaver. Whether you’re throwing together a quick stew or cooking rice, this bad boy gets it done in a fraction of the time. I use it at least three times a week, especially on busy days when I don’t have the energy to cook a full meal.

Likes:

• Fast Cooking: A dinner that takes 30 minutes is a dream come true when you have a million other things on your to-do list.
• Easy Cleanup: The pot is easy to clean and the lid locks to prevent spills.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It’s great for batch cooking. You can make a huge pot of chili or stew and have leftovers for days.

Dislikes:

• Bulky: It takes up a lot of counter space, so if you have a small kitchen, prepare to shuffle some things around.
• Learning Curve: It takes some trial and error to figure out all the different settings, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing.
• Pressure Build-Up: The first few times I used it, I was terrified of the pressure release valve. But once I got used to it, I realized it’s not as scary as it seems.

Check it out here on Amazon.

Good Knife Set: Because Your Dull Knife is the Real Villain

Nothing feels more like an adult than owning a set of sharp knives. Seriously, I never knew how much of a game-changer a good knife could be until I got my hands on a solid set. I used to struggle through chopping veggies with a dull knife, only to find myself frustrated and, more often than not, missing a fingertip.

• Price: Typically $50–$200, depending on the brand.
• Features: A variety of knives to handle different tasks, ergonomic handles, and stainless steel blades.
• What I Think: A sharp knife isn’t just safer (yes, I’ve had my fair share of “oops” moments), it makes everything easier. Chopping veggies, slicing bread—it’s all a breeze with the right tool. I can’t imagine going back to a dull, random knife collection anymore.

Likes:

• Sharper = Safer: A sharp knife is far less likely to slip and cause an injury, unlike its dull counterpart.
• Precision: It makes chopping ingredients so much quicker, and I can actually control how I slice things.
• Durability: A good quality knife can last you for years if you treat it right.

Dislikes:

• Price: Good knives aren’t cheap, but they’re worth the investment.
• Maintenance: You need to sharpen them periodically, and if you don’t, they’ll lose their edge quickly.
• Storage: I have to be careful not to misplace them in a drawer, which can dull the blade. A proper knife block is a must.

Find it here on Amazon.

Non-Stick Frying Pan: Your Relationship Saver

I once tried making scrambled eggs in a regular pan. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. A good non-stick frying pan is a game-changer, especially when you’re not an expert in the kitchen. I once found myself scraping charred eggs off my pan for an hour, only to realize that I didn’t even enjoy eating them.

• Price: About $30–$100 depending on the brand.
• Features: Non-stick coating, even heat distribution, and an ergonomic handle for easy flipping.
• What I Think: I no longer have to scrape food off my pan like I’m excavating an ancient ruin. It’s perfect for everything from eggs to pancakes, and it makes me feel like I actually know what I’m doing.

Likes:

• Minimal Oil: You don’t need to use a ton of butter or oil, which makes it a healthier cooking option.
• Even Cooking: Food cooks more evenly, so no more burnt spots.
• Easy Cleanup: Just wipe it down with a paper towel, and you’re done.

Dislikes:

• Durability: Non-stick pans can lose their coating over time, especially if you use the wrong utensils (I’m looking at you, metal spatula).
• Weight: Some models are a bit heavier than I’d like, making flipping pancakes a mini workout.
• Heat Sensitivity: Non-stick pans don’t hold up well to high heat, so you need to be careful.

Grab yours here on Amazon.

Blender: Smoothie Time, All the Time

Okay, so I’m not a “green smoothie every morning” kind of person, but a blender is essential for making everything from smoothies to soups. Trust me, your mornings will thank you. The first time I used a blender to make a smoothie, I felt like I was living in 2030, with futuristic technology at my fingertips.

• Price: Around $40–$300.
• Features: Multiple speed settings, crushes ice like a pro, and can even make nut butter (seriously).
• What I Think: I use this thing every day. Whether I’m making a smoothie or blending soup, it’s a quick and easy way to get my ingredients mixed. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s the key to being a morning person—at least I convince myself that it is.

Likes:

• Quick Smoothies: Throw your ingredients in, press a button, and boom—smoothie in 30 seconds.
• Versatility: It’s great for all kinds of recipes, from purees to soups.
• Consistency: Everything blends to a smooth, creamy texture (even frozen fruit).

Dislikes:

• Storage: It’s another bulky appliance that needs a place to live in your kitchen.
• Noise: Some models sound like they’re about to take off into space.
• Price: High-end blenders can get pretty expensive, but the cheaper ones might not blend as efficiently.

Check it out here on Amazon.

Cast Iron Skillet: For the Perfect Sear

There’s something about a cast iron skillet that just makes cooking feel a little more… badass. It’s heavy, it gets super hot, and it can go from stovetop to oven. What’s not to love? My cast iron skillet has become my go-to for steaks, stir-fries, and even cornbread.

• Price: Around $20–$50.
• Features: Even heat distribution, oven-safe, and a naturally non-stick surface once seasoned.
• What I Think: Once I figured out how to season it properly (yes, I watched a 20-minute YouTube video), it became one of my favorite kitchen items. Perfect for searing steak or baking cornbread. It makes me feel like I’ve truly “arrived” as a home cook.

Likes:

• Longevity: These things last forever if you take care of them.
• Versatility: I can go from stovetop to oven to table, all with the same skillet.
• Even Heat: It’s perfect for cooking food evenly without hot spots.

Dislikes:

• Heavy: It’s not lightweight, so be prepared to get some bicep workouts while you cook.
• Maintenance: You need to season it regularly and clean it properly.
• Price: You can get one for cheap, but the quality versions can be a little pricey.

Find yours here on Amazon.

Microwave: A Millennial’s Best Friend

Alright, I’ll admit it—sometimes I don’t feel like cooking. That’s where my trusty microwave steps in. It’s not the most glamorous kitchen appliance, but it gets the job done. If it weren’t for my microwave, I’d probably starve on the days I’m too lazy to cook.

• Price: Around $50–$150.
• Features: Multiple settings, defrost function, and quick heating.
• What I Think: It’s not just for reheating leftovers (although that’s its true calling), you can cook full meals if you know what you’re doing. I use it way more than I should. Maybe I’m a little too reliant on it, but it’s hard not to be.

Likes:

• Convenient: It’s so easy to throw something in and hit the start button.
• Fast: Instant gratification—dinner in minutes.
• Great for Leftovers: I have a lot of leftover takeout that tastes just as good the second time around (or even better).

Dislikes:

• Texture Issues: Sometimes food comes out a little soggy or chewy.
• Limited Cooking Options: You can’t do everything in a microwave, let’s be real.
• Size: If you have a small kitchen, finding space for a microwave can be a challenge.

Get one here on Amazon.

Coffee Maker: Start Your Day Like a Boss

Last but certainly not least, my coffee maker is a must-have. If you’re not caffeinated by the time you start your day, are you even really alive? Whether you’re a Keurig fan or an espresso enthusiast, a coffee maker is essential for keeping your mornings on track.

• Price: Around $30–$100.
• Features: Brewing options for all coffee types, auto-start, and programmable settings.
• What I Think: It’s my morning ritual. A good cup of coffee sets the tone for my entire day, and having a reliable coffee maker is non-negotiable. Without it, I’m not sure I’d make it through the workday.

Likes:

• Cost-Effective: Makes coffee cheaper than going to a coffee shop every day.
• Customizable Brew: Adjust the strength to suit your mood.
• Convenient: You can set it the night before for a fresh cup first thing in the morning.

Dislikes:

• Cleaning: Coffee machines need regular cleaning or they’ll start making gross coffee.
• Slow Brewing: Some models can take a while to brew your coffee, which is a problem when you’re running late.
• Cost: Higher-end models are more expensive, but worth it if you’re a serious coffee drinker.

Get your own here on Amazon.

Conclusion: Let’s Cook (or Not)

At the end of the day, cooking as a young adult doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With the right tools, it can actually be fun—or at least a lot less painful. Whether you’re a microwave master or a future Iron Chef, these items will help you conquer the kitchen like a pro. So, go ahead—get yourself these gadgets, and who knows? Maybe one day you’ll even cook something that doesn’t come in a box.

The post The Best Kitchen Items for Young Adults appeared first on GrownUpGoal.

I walked across the stage at high school graduation feeling like a warrior. I’d conquered Hamlet, dissected a frog, solved for x, and memorized the Pythagorean Theorem. Yet, somehow, not one class prepared me for paying bills, building credit, or understanding what a deductible was.

No one taught me that buying a mattress involves more than laying on it awkwardly at a store while a stranger watches. Or that “checking your credit score” isn’t just something grown-ups say to sound responsible — it’s a thing you actually need to do.

If you’ve ever screamed internally while trying to pick a health insurance plan, you’re not broken. You were just never taught the basics of being a grown-up. Same. But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way — and the tools that saved my bacon more than once (with some affiliate links I truly vouch for).

How to Budget Without Crying

“Budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about giving your money a mission.”

In high school, budgeting meant choosing between Taco Bell or gas money. Now it means deciding whether I want electricity and groceries this month or just one of those luxuries.

I started out using a spreadsheet, but that quickly became a digital graveyard of good intentions. Enter You Need A Budget (YNAB) — a tool that actually teaches you how to budget. It uses a system where you assign every dollar a job. So instead of panicking every time rent is due, I now know what’s coming and where it’s going.

Likes:
Easy to use once you get the hang of it
Educational — it teaches financial behavior, not just tracking
Syncs with your bank accounts

Dislikes:
Monthly subscription (but honestly worth it)
Slight learning curve at the start
Makes you face your financial mistakes head-on (ouch)

Other Options:

• Rocket Money: Good for tracking subscriptions and spending.
• EveryDollar: A solid free option based on Dave Ramsey’s method.

[ Visual idea: Before YNAB – wallet full of receipts. After YNAB – peaceful tea time with a budgeted latte.]

Credit Scores: The Adult GPA They Forgot to Mention

“You know what’s more terrifying than a bad grade? A bad credit score.”

At 21, I applied for a credit card and got rejected. Not because I had bad credit — I had no credit. Which, turns out, is somehow worse? That’s when I realized that building credit is like getting fit — you need consistency, discipline, and occasionally you’ll cry about it.

I opened a Petal Card, which didn’t require a credit history and used my banking activity to evaluate my application. I also started using Credit Karma to check my score monthly without hurting it.

Likes:
Petal is great for first-timers with no fees
Credit Karma is free and offers real-time updates
Watching your score go up is addictive in a good way

Dislikes:
Petal has a lower credit limit than traditional cards
Credit Karma’s score may vary from official FICO scores
The temptation to use all your available credit is real

Other Tools:

• Discover It Student Card: Great cashback and beginner-friendly
• Experian Boost: Helps you improve your score using utility bills

[ Visual idea: Graph showing credit score climbing from “Yikes” to “Boss Level” with motivational captions.]

Understanding Taxes Without Breaking Into a Cold Sweat

“I mastered advanced algebra, but no one taught me what a W-2 is.”

My first tax season was a horror film. I had W-2s from my job, 1099s from freelance work, and not a single clue what to do. Googling “how do I tax” at 2 a.m. became an annual tradition.

Then I discovered TurboTax. It made the process feel less like I was being interrogated by a calculator and more like I was playing a weird game show. For freelancers, Keeper Tax automatically tracked my write-offs throughout the year, so I wasn’t hunting for receipts in my junk drawer in April.

Likes:
TurboTax is extremely user-friendly
Keeper Tax saves so much time for gig workers
Both offer step-by-step guidance

Dislikes:
TurboTax upsells you like a carnival barker
Taxes are still not fun
Mistakes can still happen if you’re not careful

Other Tools:

• H&R Block Online: Also user-friendly, sometimes cheaper
• QuickBooks Self-Employed: Good for side hustlers

[ Visual idea: Tax Day survival kit: coffee, laptop, stress ball, cat.]

Cooking Beyond the Toast Spectrum

“If you’ve ever set off the smoke alarm while making cereal, this one’s for you.”

I used to believe that being an adult meant mastering the art of frozen pizza. Then I realized it was costing me hundreds a month — and my arteries were staging a protest.

So I tried HelloFresh. And suddenly, cooking didn’t feel like a mystery. It felt like a team sport with instructions, cute packaging, and food that didn’t taste like regret. Plus, I now have five go-to recipes that make me feel like Gordon Ramsay (but without the yelling).

Likes:
HelloFresh makes it foolproof
You actually learn how to cook
Reduces food waste

Dislikes:
Pricier than cooking from scratch
Too many boxes = too much packaging
Recipes can be repetitive if you order weekly

Other Meal Help Options:

• Blue Apron: Fancier recipes for date-night vibes
• Tovala: A smart oven + ready-to-cook meals for minimal effort

[ Visual idea: Side-by-side: “Before HelloFresh – sad ramen. After HelloFresh – Instagram-worthy salmon.”]

Renters Insurance: The Most Boring Thing That Saved My Life

“Renters insurance is like a smoke detector — you forget about it until everything’s on fire.”

I used to roll my eyes at insurance. Then my upstairs neighbor’s pipe burst, flooding my bedroom. My laptop drowned. But because I had Lemonade renters insurance for $5/month, they replaced it in under a week. From my phone. No shady calls, no begging.

It’s boring. It’s essential. And it’s way cheaper than replacing all your stuff out of pocket.

Likes:
Lemonade is fast, digital, and super cheap
Claims are approved in minutes
Simple interface and setup

Dislikes:
Doesn’t cover everything — read the fine print
Coverage limits may not suit high-end items
You might forget you have it until disaster strikes

Other Insurance Tools:

• State Farm: Reliable, but more old-school
• Policygenius: Great for comparing insurance plans

[ Visual idea: Meme of “Renters insurance: boring until it’s not” with dramatic music overlay.]

Mental Health Isn’t Optional — It’s Survival

“Adulting without therapy is like driving a car with no oil change — you might keep going, but something’s gonna explode.”

We weren’t built to navigate capitalism, loneliness, burnout, and existential dread on our own. I crashed. And when I did, BetterHelp was there with a licensed therapist who didn’t blink when I admitted I cried during budget meetings.

I still see a therapist once a month. Not because I’m broken, but because I’m trying to stay unbroken in a world that sometimes feels like it’s being run by squirrels on energy drinks.

Likes:
Accessible therapy, even in rural areas
No waiting rooms or awkward scheduling
Therapists are professional and kind

Dislikes:
Pricey without a discount code
Some therapists are better fits than others (takes trial and error)
Not suitable for crisis situations

Other Tools:

• Talkspace: Text-first therapy option
• Headspace: Meditation and sleep help

[ Visual idea: Calm therapy room vs. chaotic “I’m fine” meme. Caption: “Therapy > breakdowns.”]

The Ultimate Grown-Up Starter Kit (Recap)

If you want to get your adult life together (without losing your soul), here’s a tool cheat sheet with real value — and real affiliate links:

• Budgeting: YNAB, Rocket Money
• Credit: Petal Card, Credit Karma
• Taxes: TurboTax, Keeper Tax
• Cooking: HelloFresh
• Insurance: Lemonade
• Mental Health: BetterHelp

Download the free Adulting Starter Kit PDF here – includes cheat sheets, tools, and tips.

Final Thoughts: You’re More Grown-Up Than You Think

Adulting doesn’t come with a handbook — it comes with awkward phone calls to the IRS and YouTube tutorials on how to boil water. But every time you learn a new skill, pay a bill on time, or cook something without burning it, you level up.

Keep going. Ask for help. Cry in the shower if you need to. Then log back into your budgeting app, make a grilled cheese, and keep doing your best.

Because honestly? That is how you adult.

The post How To Adult: Stuff High School Forgot to Mention appeared first on GrownUpGoal.