10 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do by 30

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The big 3-0 has heft: Most 20-somethings fear it, 40-somethings miss it and 60-somethings realize that they’re way wiser than they ever were back then.

We don’t think you’re defined by your age on a calendar, but this turning point in our adult lives sure seems to hold mystique; at the very least, you had a lot to say about our roundup of 30 bad habits to ditch by 30.

By the time we embark on our fourth decade, there are a few things we should all know: life skills to help us manage our money, maximize our talent and make the most of where we are.

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  • Jason

    Really LearnVest?  a “should __(xyz)__  by    ____(xyz age numer)___ ” article?  

    I get the “should know how to budget and not spend all your money,”  because it’s what LearnVest stands for:  responsible money management.  

    Nevertheless, the rest of the non-money related article (e.g. learn to swim, should cook a dish by 30) sounds preachy and condescending, as if you gals had to fill in the blanks to make a longer article.   It sounds about something along the lines of “should be married by 30.”  
    What if the person plainly doesn’t want to learn to swim or cook?  are we supposed to feel bad about that?   no thanks

    • Sami

      I thought the advice was great and no one needs to feel bad about anything on that list.  You don’t want to learn to swim?  Then don’t!  Hopefully you will never need to know how!  There are certain skills that everyone-male and female-should have, and yeah, cooking at least one good dish is one of them.

    • Cocoachanel74

      Personally, I like this article. Much! Hell, pick and choose what you want to do. I view them as merely suggestions. But frankly, I agree with every point. It’s about bettering yourself and wanting to be better as time goes on instead of becoming complacent. Take it or leave it….it was worth to me….. Thanks LV  

    • Gea2006

      I liked the advice too.  I’m 28 and still don’t know how to change a tire (blush).  Even though I rely on public transportation in my city, I realize that not having this skill could get me into trouble some day — just like not knowing how to swim, for instance.  Cooking, writing, swimming, budgeting:  these are all important life skills.  That’s what I took from the article and I actually agree with most of them.  

    • Pref

      I think what the writer was trying to imply is that it doesn’t hurt all of us to have a somewhat more rounded education… I try to teach my sons (whenever they have a problem, be it with a vehical or otherwise) to help themselves by learning how to fix it. My comment to them is that you have two choices; learn how to fix it yourself, or make enough money to be able to pay a service man at least $80 per hour. As time goes on, this rate will only go up. Although I could have added several additional ideas to this article, it was still a good place to start.

  • Molly

    I actually like this article…perhaps because I’m 25 and I realize I still struggle with a lot of these things. It gives me another reason and time goal to get my act together!

    The swimming one is funny-… I went to Bryn Mawr and they require a swimming test to graduate; nice to know some still think it’s relevant!

  • kgal1298

    Thankgod I’m 27 and I think I’m good on about 8 of those phew….in the mean time sure How to Move on is important, but not easy and so that one can probably slide once in a while people handle anger and remorse differently that’s more based of a persons emotions than common sense as for the work one at the end I agree purpose over everything should matter when prioritizing. 

  • lunanicoleprism

    Thank you for this list and these resources.  I appreciate an article that actually has content.

  • bcalnyc

    I’m a bit over 30 and I can’t cook a thing but I would add some other basic things: Sew a hem/button, read a map, drive a nail straight.  There are so many things that people pay to have done that they could do themselves, or rely on technology to do and then the power goes out.  And I would add ride a bike.  It is free exercise and transportation. (By the way, if you don’t enjoy being in the water, don’t learn to swim, but DO learn how not to drown, it’s a stupid way to die when there’s another option available)

  • Just Jill

    I liked the article too! There comes a time when you have to start acting like an adult, and cooking and swimming (come on) are important adult life skills (and have nothing to do with marriage). If you’re not there by the time you’re 30, it’s just something else to consider.