66 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2018 5 | HOW TO MANAGE MONEY AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CREDIT CARD AND A DEBIT CARD A debit card needs a PIN because money comes from a bank account right away. A credit card needs a signature because you’re agreeing to pay interest and anything you owe at a later date. Kids, make sure you know how to balance a checkbook, so you don’t get that debit card declined … so embarrassing! 6 | WHAT AN ADVANCED CARE DIRECTIVE IS AND WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE Once you turn 18, the law states that you can make your own medical decisions. Since you’re away from home, you need to think about what you would want done in the event of a life-threatening accident. A living will gives specific instructions, while a durable power of attorney is when you assign someone to make the deci- sions for you. It’s a heavy but necessary discussion to have with your family. Go to Colin Smith’s article Happy 18th Birthday on Good- lifefamilymag.com for more details. 7 | HOW TO MANAGE TIME You might have a part-time job along with classes, homework and social time. Just like with money, getting real makes a huge differ- ence. Google Calendar is a great on-the-go option and different ac- tivities can be color-coded, so you can see where you might have a free block of time … or where you may be double-booking yourself. Don’t forget to plan sleep time in there, or you’ll burn out fast. 8 | HOW TO REFILL A PRESCRIPTION Make sure you have insurance information handy, so it can be logged in the database, and find a drugstore that will take your insurance. The first time you do this, you will likely need to contact your doctor so he/she can contact the pharmacy, but after that refills should be smooth sailing. 9 | HOW TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE There truly is an art to bringing up grievances and respectfully dis- agreeing with people such as authority figures and roommates. You don’t have to be a doormat when arguing your case with a professor, doctor or boss, but you also don’t have to always go for the win. 10 | HOW TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Check online or grab a paper schedule and route. If you’re still con- fused, ask someone at the station how to get where you need to go, then buy your ticket using your student discount. Now that you have some important basics down, relax and enjoy your college experience, knowing you are prepared for whatever life throws your way. Editor’s Note: Kerrie McLoughlin is a seasoned homeschooling mom of 5 and author of The Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook. DON’T FORGET TO PLAN SLEEP TIME IN THERE, OR YOU’LL BURN OUT FAST.