I'm older today. Well, you are, too. But I have to jump numbers today. Last year I did some evaluating when I turned 23. And I figured I'd do so again to see where a year older and (supposedly) wiser has gotten me.
To the naked eye, it may seem that I'm even farther from crossing "organize my finances" off my to-do list.
While the year has taken a toll on my finances — from major purchases to unexpected medical bills — I'd like to think the organization piece is there. I might not be in the green, but I am aware of where my money is being spent and how to use my income wisely.
I have to admit that 24 is one of my scary ages. The label "early 20s" is now off limits and full-fledged adulthood is required — at least that's how it works in my mind. So, it feels good to have my financial adulthood on the right track.
I've slowly come to accept my entrance into financial adulthood — however, I keep wondering when it's going to feel real. There are times when I'm sitting down working on my budget, or clipping coupons, or sorting through insurance statements, or transferring money to pay my mortgage when I sit back and think: Am I seriously doing this?
According to an older Money Magazine article 
, I have the mentality of a financial grown-up.
So why don't I feel like one?
Even a salaried job, mortgage, and 401k don't help me adjust my senses. Some days it seems like I'm dreaming and will wake up to find myself a teenager whose only financial responsibility is making enough tips as a waitress to stay remotely fashionable.
So what will it take? Joint finances with a spouse? Financial responsibility for dependent children? Will the way I feel ever reflect my financial maturity?
What helped you feel financially mature? Taking on student loans...or perhaps repaying them? Your first big paycheck?
Or maybe you feel the same way I do. You tell me: At what point do you really feel financially grown-up? Or do you ever?
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