I have often written in this column about how young people should be required to take and pass a life skills course before they graduate from high school. It would serve them well.

But truth be told, many college graduates also lack life skills.

For Christmas a few months ago, my wife Laura bought my 22-year-old daughter-in-law a book called “How To Adult” which is mainly about getting your finances in order. It’s super important, but we also need to know a lot of things beyond that.

Here is a brief overview of the skills I think high school students should be taught:

It starts with being able to write a CV and an interview for a job. Then, once you are hired and have a salary or hourly wage, what percentage will be withheld for income tax and social security (FICA)? And how do you file and pay income taxes? Next, it’s important to learn to live within your means.

Young adults should know how to open a checking account, a savings account, a money market account or buy a certificate of deposit. If they are able to save, they should also learn about stocks, bonds and mutual funds…as well as interest rates, yields and average purchase price. And how do you find a good broker and/or fund manager?

There are also 401(k) plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, and Roth IRAs to check out. It’s never too early to start saving money for retirement. The longer your money has to accumulate, the better off you will be.

Also, when applying for a credit card, it’s important to know that you shouldn’t accumulate debt that you’ll have to pay off at ridiculously high interest rates. You’ll save tons of money by paying your credit card bill each month.

But I digress. To get to work, you will need a means of transport. Unless you live in a big city and can take the bus or train, you will need a car. Should you buy a new one or a used one? Pay cash or borrow money? After that, what about insurance and a state check sticker every year?

Additionally, you will need a place to live, whether you are renting an apartment or buying a house. You will need to know about leases and security deposits. If you’re buying, you’ll need to know how to put down a down payment and get a mortgage. Should it be for 15 or 30 years? Then you have to pay property taxes and home insurance.

When it comes to our health, nothing is more important. Many young people don’t always make health insurance a priority, but it is a necessity. We need it when we get sick and in case we develop a health problem or have an emergency.

You need to know the difference between HMOs and PPOs, as well as deductibles, copayments, maximum outgoings, and health savings accounts.

Then there’s health, fitness, and nutrition, which can help keep you out of the doctor’s office except for annual checkups. The class should emphasize the need to be physically fit, including the benefits of cardio and strength training. It could also teach good nutrition – basically, meat, vegetables, fruits and nuts are good with good hydration, while excess carbs, sugar, alcohol and tobacco are bad.

I would also add to the program:

Learn how to write a CV and an appropriate business letter.