How to be an Adult: Everything you need to know about being a grown up, from bills to break-ups

by Ann Russell

From the much loved 'Auntie' of TikTok, and the author of How to Clean Everything and How to Save Money, How to be an Adult covers everything that a young (or not so young) person needs to know - the stuff that should be taught in schools but isn't.

From renting and budgeting to dealing with break ups and grief, and from how to change a plug to how to ace a job interview, no-one should leave home for the first time without a copy of this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2025

Reviews

[✼ Hollie ✼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased because I absolutely adore this lady and the motherly advice she shares online, but I’m still profoundly appreciative of this book. In it, Ann offers us some pretty solid and helpful guidance - from the very basics (how to iron a shirt) to stuff a little more complex (understanding insurance and coping with grief) - without coming across as patronising or judgmental in any way, often making examples out of her own mistakes and personal experience to emphasise the “we’re only human and we’re in this together” approach. I also caught myself chuckling a good few times, which I really wasn’t expecting from a book advising me on how to store frozen food and properly clean a loo.

Overall, a painless and insightful read!

(P.S - Ann’s dog is named Hollie and I am honoured - I, too, am a nervous wreck and not the biggest fan of people)

[Steph_the_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Ann Russell's great!
Her warm personality radiates through the pages of her books just as much as it does through her TikTok videos.

Just like with "How to Clean Everything" this guide for your (adult) life is filled with useful tips advice on so many different things. Life comes with so many things that require knowledge or at least an idea on how to fix/approach/navigate, and not everyone is lucky enough to have had parents who showed and taught them.

So, safe to say, I think this is an awesome book - written with the same sensitivity and care for people's various backgrounds and level of knowledge.
There's chapters on moving, insurance, health, break-ups and general life advice and even though there weren't as many new things for me in here (thanks mum and dad :)), I still benefitted from some of the advice and I do believe that there are many people who'll benefit even more. So, I do appreciate this book and Ann's "mission" very much. There's a reason we call her our favourite TikTok Auntie :)
Also, again, I LOVE the British sense of humour so much!

All in all, I'd recommend this book if you like Ann and want to support her or/and you realise that you could use some help and advice on some of the things life brings with it.

[Morgan]

I have a hard time rating non fiction books. This is a good one, though is obviously going to be more informative to people living in the UK. I got the audiobook and Ann narrating it herself was a great choice. She has a very comforting presence and handles a wide array of topics in a straight forward and non judgmental way.

[Violet Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very good and full of useful information I still didn't know at the age of 28! Listening to it on audiobook there was something very comforting about Ann's voice! Wonderful, this book would be perfect for someone going off to university or living on their own for the first time.
🎧

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of the only tiktok personalities i trust and will listen to (especially as she often says 'don't waste your money on what they are trying to sell')

[sigihohovod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook but wouldn’t listen again. I think I enjoyed listening to Ann talk more than the content itself, but if I need to, I may refer back to the information provided.

[Liv Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book ! Very helpful advice on all topics.