THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017
FEATURES
Trying to be an adult at 24
Dear Annie: I’m 24 years old end up feeling as if I’ve missed out
and trying to get a better handle on on bonding time with friends. Plus,
my life. A year ago, I was unem- I know that when I’m older, I won’t
ployed for a few months. During feel like going out dancing the night
that period, I blew through most of away, and I’ll probably have a fam-
my checking and savings accounts ily to stay in with.
Maybe what it comes down to is
to pay rent and my credit card for
I’m scared of growing up
things such as groceries
DEAR
and not being able to be
and utilities. That quickly
so carefree. Do you have
grew into a mountain of
ANNIE
any wisdom for 20-some-
debt. Brutal interest rates
things trying to seize the
haven’t helped. I guess I
day without losing their
needed to learn that lesson
savings? — Trying to Be
the hard way.
an Adult
I have a full-time job
Dear Trying to Be an
now, but after rent, util-
Adult: It’s not the bars
ities, insurance, student
Lane
or brunches that make
loan payments and my Annie
Creators
Syndicate
Inc.
the memories. It’s the
monthly credit card pay-
friends. You live in a city
ments, there’s not much left
with beautiful parks, free museums
for savings.
I’ve been looking at areas in that people travel from all over the
my life where I could cut spending. world to visit and public transporta-
I go out to eat a couple of times a tion. Grab a friend and explore one
week — whether picking up some- of the many costless and priceless
thing on my lunch break during the things your town has to offer, or just
workweek or getting brunch with a stay in and host a movie night. Pop-
friend over the weekend. I also go corn is cheaper and more healthful
out to happy hours with co-workers than a cocktail.
Face down your debt and make
or concerts with friends occasion-
ally. I live in Washington, D.C., and a realistic repayment plan. Draw up
even two drinks at a bar (with tip) a budget and stick to it. Don’t make
can end up costing $30, so it really impulse purchases. When you’re
does add up quickly. However, about to buy something, wait and
whenever I stay in to save money, I see whether you still want it in 24
hours; it’s not going anywhere.
(And if it does, that’s just as well.
You probably shouldn’t have been
buying it in the first place.) Consider
meeting with a financial adviser for
more personalized guidance.
If you take care of your body
and your finances now, “growing
up” won’t be such a scary prospect.
You may even enjoy it.
Dear Annie: This is in response
to “Speak Up or Put Up,” who is
tired of having friends bring out
their smartphones while they are all
out to eat together. You said phones
have no place on the table during
a meal, and you should have left it
there. Instead, you said it is accept-
able when sharing photos of grand-
children. You have now given per-
mission for cellphones to be on the
table and utilized during every meal
in America henceforth.
Everyone already knows that
just about no one wants to see pic-
tures of other people’s grandchil-
dren, but they won’t say so. You
need to say it for them. You blew it.
You need to take this one back. —
Ed From Vermont
Dear Ed: I’m sorry you feel that
way. I love seeing photos of grand-
children almost as much as I love
seeing the pride on the faces of the
grandparents sharing them.
3C
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve built up
an idea of what you can accomplish and,
frankly, so have they. Now you’re both expect-
ing that you’ll meet it, which you won’t. With
invisible forces at your back, you’ll surpass it.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). An eager tourist
can get to know a city better than those who
call it home. Thinking you know is the enemy
of actually finding out. Go to a place where
you’re new, or be new in an old place.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Reasonable fluc-
tuations of income, affection, mood, etc. are a
natural part of life. You’ll be unflappable in the
face of such fluctuations, which is impressive.
And those with similar strong characters will
take notice.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s said that
you shouldn’t sell yourself on someone based
on potential alone. This applies to yourself
as well. Believe that you’re capable of more,
but demand proof, too. It’s time to get a little
tough on yourself.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Steer clear of the
slippery slope. It comes in the form of a
person who is irresistibly needy. One small
thing will lead to another until you’ve sunk
deep into the drama. The whole thing can be
avoided from the get-go.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The sun in your
sign is like a gas card handed from doting
parents to children in college. It’s assistance.
It’s fuel. It will help out. It can’t be used for
much else than the intended purpose and
that’s the beauty of it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Don’t be more
concerned with upholding an image of your-
self than you are with growing. How you look
to the world will change with the times. So go
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE
on and risk appearing foolish. Dare to be a
newbie for the sake of learning.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ve different
standards, hopes, dreams and expectations
than anyone else around you. It’s why you
really won’t be happy if you conform to the
norm. Go your own way.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re in
charge of making time for all those special
things you like you to do. Don’t let others
pressure you into scheduling what suits them
but not you. Put yourself on the books first.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your per-
sonal energy is high and your creative wheels
are turning. You will give of yourself and let
others need you rather than needing them or
concerning yourself with their approval.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Fear keeps
you safe. It’s your friend. You can feel bal-
anced, alive, in love, productive and at the
same time fearful, because nothing in life is
certain. The fear is a healthy sign that this is
real and you’re not delusional.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Emotion that
flows naturally out of a situation is the stuff
of life. However, beware of those who use
emotion as a tool to attract attention or make
themselves more important.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 26). The
word that describes your spirit this solar
return is decisiveness. You stop asking ques-
tions and decide. The energy of life will carry
you spontaneously to new places. Money
comes to your family in November and May.
You’ll close deals, support causes and love
deeply. March brings a bright star to your
personal life. Aries and Leo adore you. Your
lucky numbers are: 9, 30, 2, 28 and 40.