The big day is here!  Whether they are going off to college or moving straight into the workforce, your child is transitioning into adulthood.  Make sure your student masters these basics to take care of him or herself once they are out in the real world.  Teach them how to do their laundry, plan and shop for five basic meals, show them how to clean the bathroom, kitchen and their room, and then draft an expense plan for their first months on their own.  Take a look at the college worksheet for some hints about expenditures you can expect.  Congratulations on a job well done! 

   When planning your special day, be careful not to get too caught up in the details for the “look”.  Will anyone really notice whether you are using the white linen table cloths that the venue provides for free, as opposed to the white on white embroidered ones that you will pay extra to use?  Can a simple white plate be as good a back drop for the food everyone will wolf down as one with a silver band around the rim, which adds extra cost to your wedding budget?  Ask yourself what you remember most about the best wedding you’ve attended.  Was it the people? The music? The food?  Make careful choices based on what is important to you.