17 Basic Things Gen Z Believes They Don’t Have To Do But Don’t Realize You Have To
Navigating daily responsibilities can sometimes feel confusing, especially when certain expectations seem unclear or outdated. You might think some tasks or duties aren’t necessary, but there are key things you actually have to do to stay on track.
Sometimes, what seems optional can have bigger impacts than you realize, affecting your growth and opportunities down the line.
Filing taxes
You might think filing taxes is only for adults with big paychecks, but if you earn any income, you usually have to file. Even part-time jobs or freelance gigs count.
Filing taxes may feel confusing, but it’s important to do on time. Not filing can lead to penalties or missed refunds.
There are free resources and apps to help you file, even if it’s your first time. Taking care of your taxes early makes things less stressful later.
Scheduling medical check-ups
You might think skipping regular medical check-ups is fine when you feel healthy. But these appointments help catch issues early before they become serious.
It’s important to set reminders for yearly physicals, dental visits, and eye exams. Preventive care can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Even if you feel fine, your body changes over time. Scheduling check-ups is one of those adult responsibilities that you really can’t skip.
Reading utility bills
You might think someone else will always handle your utility bills, but knowing how to read them is important. It helps you understand your energy and water usage.
Checking your bills regularly can alert you to errors or unusual spikes. This can save you money and prevent surprises.
You also get to track how changes in your habits affect your usage. Reading bills helps you make informed choices to reduce waste and costs.
Checking tire pressure
You might think your tires don’t need constant attention, but checking their pressure is essential. Tires naturally lose air over time, which can affect your car’s safety and fuel efficiency.
Using a tire pressure gauge is quick and easy. Just remove the valve cap, press the gauge firmly, and read the number. Your car’s recommended pressure is usually listed inside the driver’s door.
If tire pressure is too low, it can make your tires wear out faster or cause poor handling. Keeping it at the right level means safer driving and better gas mileage. Make it a habit to check at least once a month.
Paying credit card on time
You might think paying your credit card late is no big deal. But it can cost you more than just a late fee. The interest charges start piling up, making your balance harder to pay off.
Missing payments also affects your credit score. A lower score can make it tough to rent an apartment, get a loan, or even land certain jobs.
Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help you avoid late payments. Staying on top of your credit card bills keeps your finances healthy and stress-free.
Setting up a budget
You might think budgeting is something you can skip, but it’s a key skill for managing your money. Without a budget, it’s easy to lose track of where your cash goes.
Creating a budget helps you prioritize expenses and save for things that matter. It doesn’t have to be complicated—you can start with a simple list of income and bills.
Tracking your spending also shows you areas where you can cut back. This makes it easier to avoid debt and build financial security over time.
Replacing air filters
You might think air filters just clean themselves or don’t need much attention. But changing them regularly is important to keep the air in your home fresh and your HVAC system running smoothly.
Dirty filters can clog up airflow and make your heating or cooling less effective. This can also increase energy bills because your system has to work harder.
Checking your air filter every month and replacing it every 1-3 months, depending on use, is a simple way to avoid bigger problems. It takes just a few minutes and helps maintain good air quality.
Regularly backing up data
You might think your phone or computer will never lose your important files. But accidents happen—devices get lost, stolen, or damaged all the time.
Backing up your data means making copies of your important files and storing them somewhere safe. This way, if something goes wrong, you won’t lose everything.
It doesn’t take long and can save you stress later. Setting up automatic backups on your devices is an easy step that helps protect your work, photos, and personal info. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start backing up.
Maintaining a resume
You might think updating your resume only matters when you’re job hunting. But keeping it current helps you track your skills and achievements more easily.
Even small roles or unpaid experiences are worth adding. They show growth and new skills you might forget later.
Regular updates save time and stress when a sudden opportunity comes up. Keeping it clear and organized means you’re always ready to apply without scrambling.
Responding to formal emails
You need to reply to formal emails politely and promptly. Ignoring or delaying responses can create misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
Always use a clear greeting and closing. This shows respect and professionalism, even if the message is brief.
Keep your tone respectful and avoid slang. Formal emails are not the place for casual language or emojis.
Proofread before hitting send. Typos and errors can make you appear careless or unprofessional.
Responding to formal emails is a basic skill that helps build good communication habits in school, work, and beyond.
Learning basic cooking skills
You might think ordering food or relying on delivery apps is enough. However, knowing basic cooking skills saves you money and helps you eat healthier.
Being able to prepare simple meals means you’re not dependent on others. It also gives you confidence in managing your daily life and nutrition.
Even learning how to boil pasta or cook eggs is useful. These small skills will serve you well in many situations when eating out isn’t an option.
Changing bed sheets weekly
You might think changing your bed sheets isn’t a big deal or can be done only when they look dirty. The truth is, doing it weekly helps keep your sleeping environment clean and comfortable.
Your skin sheds oils, sweat, and dead cells every night. These can build up and attract dust mites or bacteria if you don’t wash your sheets regularly.
Keeping up with fresh sheets can also improve how you feel when you sleep. It’s a simple habit that helps with hygiene and overall comfort.
Knowing car insurance details
You might think car insurance is just something you pay for and forget about. But knowing the details matters more than you realize. Understanding your coverage helps you avoid surprises if something happens.
You need to know what your policy actually includes. Does it cover theft, accidents, or natural disasters? Knowing the limits can save you money and stress later.
Also, keeping track of your deductible and premium changes is important. If you don’t understand these, you could end up paying more than necessary. Stay informed to protect yourself and your finances.
Booking appointments in advance
You might think you can just walk into places like the doctor’s office or the salon whenever you want. But many services require you to book ahead to secure your spot.
Without an appointment, you could face long waits or be turned away. It’s not about being old-fashioned; it’s about respecting the schedule and the time of others.
Booking in advance also helps businesses manage their day better. So, making a quick call or online reservation can save you time and frustration.
Separating laundry colors
You might think tossing all your clothes in one load saves time. But mixing colors can lead to unwanted dye transfer. Whites can turn pink, and bright hues may fade faster.
Sorting laundry by colors keeps your clothes looking fresh longer. Separate lights, darks, and bright colors before washing. It’s a simple step that protects your favorite outfits.
It might seem like extra work, but it prevents costly mistakes. Your clothes will last longer and look better. Plus, your laundry routine will become more efficient with a little practice.
Filing warranty claims
When you buy something with a warranty, you need to keep your receipt and product info. Without this, filing a claim can get tricky or even denied.
You also have to follow the company’s process for claims, which usually involves contacting customer service or filling out forms. Ignoring this means you may lose your chance for a repair or replacement.
Waiting too long to file a claim can cause problems too. Warranties have time limits, so acting quickly helps you use the protection you paid for.
Understanding rental agreements
You can’t skip reading your rental agreement just because it looks long or confusing. It’s a legal contract that explains your responsibilities and what the landlord must provide.
You need to know about rent payment dates, pet policies, and rules for breaking the lease early. Missing these details can cause unexpected fees or problems.
Your signature means you agree to follow all the rules in the agreement. If you have questions, it’s okay to ask the landlord or get advice before signing.
