The 5 things no one tells you to do before 35 (until now).

Thanks to our brand partner, Zurich Insurance

Here's a wild truth I've come to accept in my mid-30s: being an adult is mostly Googling how to do basic life stuff and hoping no one notices you're winging it.

So much of your 20s is spent trying to keep your houseplants alive, navigating dodgy sharehouses and trying to work out whether that mole on your leg has always looked like that. And then suddenly, you blink and everyone's buying property, having babies, and asking you about life insurance?

If I could go back and give my 20-something self a heads-up, it would go something like: "Put down the third espresso martini and sort out these five things. Future you will be so grateful."

1. Sort out life insurance and income protection. Yes, now.

This is the one I wish I'd thought about earlier. For the longest time, I assumed life insurance and income protection were just for people with kids or a home loan — "proper adults" — but Zurich Insurance made me realise how wrong I was.

Life insurance isn't just about having dependants. It's about protecting the people who would have to pick up the pieces if something happened to you. Even if you're young, healthy and not planning a family anytime soon, it's worth asking: "Would my parents or partner have to cover my debts or funeral costs?"

Income protection, on the other hand, is the kind of grown-up safety net you don't realise you need… until you really do. If you got sick or injured and couldn't work for months, how would you pay rent? Cover your bills? Afford your daily $8 iced long black?

Zurich's income protection policy can cover up to 70 per cent of your regular income for up to five years, allowing you to maintain your lifestyle while you recover. And the best part? You can get started online through Zurich Ezicover — no insurance broker required.

They even give you your first month free, and if you bundle income protection with life insurance, you get a 5 per cent discount. Yes please, savvy queen.

2. Book that solo holiday. Seriously.

I know it's scary. I also know it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. Travel before your responsibilities multiply, before your annual leave becomes the family trip calendar and before there's a tiny person depending on you to pack 12 snack options and four changes of clothes just to leave the house.

The confidence, freedom and joy that comes from navigating a foreign country on your own? Priceless. And yes, it is perfectly acceptable to experience lost baggage, getting lost and terrible accommodation… and cry about it.

Image: Supplied.

3. Actually read your work contract.

Look, I get it. They're long, full of jargon, and the font size is always offensively small. But buried in there are things that really matter — like notice periods, redundancy pay, what happens if you get sick and whether your boss can legally text you at 10pm (hint: probs not okay).

Understanding your rights is self-care. And if you're not sure what half of it means, ChatGPT does.

4. Set up an emergency fund (even if it's small).

If your version of financial planning is "try not to look at your bank balance" — same. But having even $500 to $1000 tucked away for emergencies like unexpected vet bills (especially necessary when one owns a French Bulldog who loves to chase cows… hello, broken paw). Also handy for car troubles and unplanned, last-minute hens weekends.

Start small. Set up an automatic transfer. Hide it in an account with a name like "do not touch unless on fire". That little cushion can save you from big stress.

Image: Supplied.

5. Get your skin checked.

Because adulting isn't all spreadsheets and tax returns. It's also moles, sun damage and weird freckles that popped up after a beach day in 2017 and never left.

A skin check is quick, painless and potentially life-saving. Plus, there's something extremely grown-up about being the friend who casually mentions they booked theirs months ago. Iconic — and on brand for being a sun-safe girlie.

You don't need to have everything figured out by 35. You don't even need to pretend. But if you can tick off a few of these things now, you'll be ahead of the game — and way more confident navigating all the other wild stuff adulthood throws your way.

Learn more about Zurich's life insurance and income protection online.

Consider if Zurich is right for you and read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and the Zurich Financial Services Guide available at zurich.com.au before making any decisions. This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these factors and the appropriateness of the information to you. Consider seeking advice specific to your individual circumstances from an appropriate professional. Zurich refers to Zurich Australia Limited ABN 92 000 010 195, AFSL 232510.

Feature Image: Instagram/@livsimons.

How to buy insurance from ZurichThere are two ways you can buy Zurich life insurance.
Through a financial adviserA financial adviser can help you understand your current financial situation, as well as your goals for the future, so you get the right cover for your needs. They can structure your cover in a way that gives you the best value for money and suits your cash flow and tax objectives.
Directly from us
If you know the type and amount of cover you need, Zurich Ezicover is a range of simple life insurance products. It's easy to apply online. Get an online quote here - direct.zurich.com.au