Summer is almost over, and with that, your free time will start to slip away. Between wrapping up projects, attending social gatherings, managing school, and preparing for the holidays, the upcoming seasons are sure to keep you busy. 

Before the holiday rush consumes you, invest in yourself and build skills that will pay dividends for months to come.

Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, become more self-sufficient, or simply make your life a bit easier, these skills will serve you well. Dive in and make the most of the remaining summer days to set yourself up for success in the months to come.

Unleash your inner Gordon Ramsey
Are you tired of relying on takeout or overpriced restaurant meals? If you’re not cooking for yourself, it’s time to start.

Cooking at home gives you control over ingredients, leading to healthier, more nutritious meals. It’s a valuable life skill that builds confidence and self-sufficiency, making you less reliant on processed foods. Plus, it makes you more attractive to the ladies!

Don’t panic if your kitchen feels like a minefield; there are simple ways to get started. 

Start with straightforward recipes with few ingredients, like instant pot meals or simple pasta. You can increase the complexity as you develop confidence. Taste each dish, adjust your seasonings, and figure out what is and isn’t working. 

You’ll start developing a few dishes you can whip up without any trouble over time.

Break out the spreadsheets
Money makes the world go round, so it's best to learn how to manage it early. You don’t have to become the next Warren Buffet or master Excel, but you must spend time becoming financially literate. 

Financial literacy helps you create a strong foundation and an intelligent relationship with money. But where do you begin?

-Understanding how to create and maintain a budget is fundamental. You can utilize budgeting apps like Mint, YNAB, or tools built into your bank account to track expenses.  

-Read books, articles, and blogs on personal finance. Some popular entries include Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, and Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez.

-Take advantage of free or low-cost resources offered by community colleges, online platforms, financial institutions, and nonprofits.

You’ll likely have a relationship with money for the rest of your life. Continual learning and practical application of financial principles will contribute to a healthy, long-term relationship with money.

Get comfortable under the hood
Basic car maintenance is an invaluable skill that’s becoming increasingly neglected. Knowing how to change a tire, check your oil, and replace fluids can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations.

These three skills will familiarize you with your vehicle and basic maintenance. You’ll need to invest in essential tools like a jack, lug wrench, and socket set, which will be helpful later. 

Mastering these skills will save money, prolong your car's lifespan, and enhance safety and performance.

Talk the talk
With the holiday season coming up, family gatherings, dinner dates, and work parties will be in abundance. That’s why you need to improve your communication skills. 

The best part is that you can practice active listening in every social interaction, maintaining good energy, and working on your humor. You can also attend groups and organizations like Toastmasters to work on specific skills. 

With the right skills, you will develop a strong network of meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.

Become a time bender
Mastering time management is a powerful skill that enhances productivity, reduces stress, and improves overall efficiency. It’s more challenging to manage your life when you can’t manage your time.

Here are some tips to gain control over your time:

-Start each day with a to-do list. Prioritize items based on importance and deadlines.

Schedule your tasks, appointments, and deadlines using a calendar or planner. It can be digital or physical. 

-Use the Pomodoro Technique—a simple time management tool where you work in 25-minute intervals followed by a short, 5-minute break. This allows you to maintain concentration without burning out.

-Break down large goals into smaller, manageable specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound tasks.

It’s time to become great
Skills are like building blocks—you can create a strong, lasting foundation with the right blocks. These are just a few skills you can work on before the end of summer. You don’t tackle everything all at once; use your time wisely and select what’s important. 

- Forte team