HELP!!!!!!

So you are out on your own and you don't know what to do now. There are so many big issues to be faced, insurance, turning on utilities... This blog is all about getting these things done. And if there's something I don't know how to get done, I will tell you who to ask.

• Parents! This is the first thing. If you have any questions and don't know where to turn, turn to your parents. Your parents both have experience and know your taste better than anyone else. So while they may have cut you off financially, as some have at our age, they will never cut off advice. 
• What you need! Whenever you call a utility or insurance company to get something turned on or transferred to your name, you need three things in front of you. 1. Your address. Not everyone has their address memorized, so it would be best to have it written down in front of you when you call. 2. Your checkbook. Sometimes utilities require an immediate payment. It is best to go ahead and get your checkbook with your account information in front of you so that you can go ahead and make this payment. 3. Blank paper. Before you hang up, ask how much the first payment will be (with electric you may not know, but some companies bill the average of the complex). It is wise to right this down so you know what to expect! Also ask when to expect your first bill. Depending on the time of the month, it could be up to two months before you get your first bill (and this one could be even more expensive). Companies send out all of their bills at the same time, and if it's past this time, it may be awhile before you get your first bill. 
• Utilities: Utilities need to be turned on, or transferred to your name. When you first put your apartment on hold, you should get a list of all utilities you need to take care of and their phone numbers. A list of possible utilities include, electric, water/sewer, cable, and gas. Call each of these a few days before you move in. Two days for the general utilities, because they are generally already turned on, they just need to be changed to your account. If you would like you can ask your apartment office what they would suggest. Call your cable a week in advance, because it usually takes a week to get a cable person out to hook up your cable. 
• Services: For most utilities, you have two options, on or off. And in many apartment complexes you only have one choice, on. These would be for the necessary utilities such as electric. Then for insurance and cable you have more options. It would be best to speak with someone who works for the company and ask them prices, because this will be the deciding factor. You should do research and figure out exactly what you want, and visit the websites to see what is offered and prices. When you contact them, ask about specials. I got an extra 100 channels on cable thanks to a special. But the people who work at these companies are there to help you out.
• Transferring: Most people already have car insurance, car registration and cell phone service before they graduate from college. All that needs to be done is for the service to be transferred to your name. Especially during that time of year, insurance companies get calls about this all the time. They know exactly how it works. As far as car registration. You local DMV's website will have all the necessary information. If you would rather, you can call or head down to your local DMV to ask questions, but be prepared for a long wait.
• Cell Phone service: You will have to start this on your own. Do research in advance, although the service you had with your parents may still be active, so you may have service for a few more months. A great site that compares your top choices would be here. Google cell phone carrier reviews to find more. If you can't decide, stop by a store and get pamphlets to see what is offered. A great question is how easy it would be to get out of the service if you are unsatisfied. If you still can't decide, look at the phones offered. Once you decide on your carrier, you have to decide what services you want. Ask your parents how many minutes you spent and how many texts you used. Also, if you have a smart phone you usually have to get a data plan. Some services have an unlimited plan, which is usually the way to go. Sit down with all of this information and with the prices of the plans your chosen carrier has. Once you have picked this out, go in, get your phone and sign up for a plan! 
• Health insurance: If you are getting health insurance through your work, it is best to speak with Human Resources about this. They will know the details, and will be able to answer your questions, or at least point you in the right direction. It's why they're there! If you get it through an insurance company, ask the company. Ask the company about what they have to offer. Just make sure you have health insurance! 
• Taxes: If you are only doing taxes for yourself, you may not need a professional. Quicken is a great program for your computer that will help you with your taxes. Or you can ask your parents, as I intend to. 
• Address: You need to change your address to many places. Your job, your bank (as well as change your job), your magazine subscriptions, your drivers license... Anything that could be mailed needs to be changed to your new address. As things go to your parents, change it over! 

Bills are very important. They need to be paid, but they also need to be started. Representatives are trained and prepared for people who are on their own for the first time. They know exactly what is going on and can answer any question you may have. Just be prepared with all of your information and something to write with so you can write down your answers! Don't be scared, everyone goes through this!