Society of Grownups

Color me impressed. The boy and I recently went to a home buying supper club, and I thought the whole experience was great, and time and money well spent.
There were 12 attendees in this intro «So you wanna buy a house» class, just the right size for it to be very interactive and participative without being awkward, and 2 knowledgable leaders, a financial planner and a real estate agent (who BTW didn’t once toot their own horns and were both really helpful and knowledgable). Coming in, I felt I was generally knowledgable about the process and was planning on only picking up a tip or two during the class, but I found myself learning way more than I thought I would. The materials we were all given were pretty useful– a blank notebook, some fact cards and worksheets-​, and the session was a great mix between presentation and Q and A, where the attendees could really drive the conversation to what was specifically relevant to us (like the fact that most of us were looking for condos instead of single family homes). I was afraid there might be a bit of Society indoctination or sales pitches from the presentors about their own services, but I barely got a whif of anything beyond receiving a calendar of upcoming classes. They did mention there are more advanced home buying classes that focus on the physical process meant for people who are ready to purchase within the next few months, so I definitely plan on checking those out when I get to that point.
Also, did I mention the food and wine? The $ 40 price tag included choice of one full entrée from the Fireplace (the chicken over spinach with a side of veggies, a caesar salad, and roll was excellent) and a brownie dessert, PLUS essentially unlimited refills of your wine or beer. The meal alone would have been a value, but that combined with an really well-​done and informative class that aims to help you invest in your financial future, means this is the best damn deal in Brookline.
I’m one of those people who already has her adult shiz together and doesn’t need a ton of hand holding or 101s, but my experience at SoG has me really looking forward to taking another class, because I know I’ll learn a ton no matter what the subject, and it’ll probably be pretty enjoyable to boot.
UPDATE: The Couples and Money supper club was also really well done and totally useful, I’d highly recommend it.

I was quite curious about this place as I see it advertised all over the green line. I wasn’t quite sure what it was. The ads don’t tell you what it is. Until I just decided to look up more information.
I’m very happy a place like this exists. I consider myself a career woman on the move that is always in constant need to career advising. There’s a ton of financial planning workshops relevant to people in my generation. We always see memes about real life skills not being taught earlier on… taxes and other financial forms can seem daunting. These workshops make it easier.
I’ve only attended one workshop thus far. The workshops are priced between $ 10-​$ 40. There are some nights where it’s either board games or trivia. It’s a nifty social, but intimate atmosphere for young professionals graduating from red cups to wine glasses. I look forward checking out more workshops.

This place is an adorable little gem in Brookline which caters to helping young people navigate life. I came for an event at 7pm on a Tuesday for networking with women and the presenter was quite good.
The good:
–drinks are included with a purchase for an event
–great concept, great managers and people running the place. easy way to book and pay for events online, too.
–gorgeous little space with lovely décor, amazing pens, snacks, books, magazines and services to assist in all the areas where young adult need guidance most.
–amazing marketing – truly a case study for business schools and marketing schools in America. this model will blow up all over the country I am sure.
The bad:
–so far from the South End. took me an hour to get here via train after work in Seaport.
–wayyyyy too finance based. I wish there were more mingling supper clubs rather than ones all about money. i don’t really have money issues so don’t feel like i want to talk about money or get guidance only on my bank account. i would be more interested in the networking classes, cooking class, and speakers on happiness etc.
–too many «girly events”– would like to see more gender neutral ideas for things.
#whitepeopleproblems. i felt awkward that the bar tender was someone who probably made no more than 10 dollars an hour and here is a bunch of white people complaining they do not love their job and don’t have a passion for their work.
Otherwise, a cool interesting concept and I will for sure be back for other events.

My two experiences with SoG are a Wine & Investing dinner class called «Getting Better with Age» and a BYOBoardgame night.
The teachers at Getting Better With Age were wonderful. Knowledgable, obviously, but they also made it relatable and fun. That can be hard with investing! They also stayed after for quite some time answering questions. That was the best part of the evening! Food was catered by The Fireplace from down the street. It was pretty good, but not amazing. The wine was great though!
The Bring Your Own Boardgame night was lovely. It was low key and fun, meeting other people similar to myself. There were opportunities to learn more about SoG during this event, but it wasn’t forced. Rather, it was more an invitation to get to know the space and team better in an informal setting.
Check this place out! Whether you go to peruse their library and grab a coffee, or you go for a dinner class, they seem to have it well thought out!

This place is amazing! I went for a class about student loans, and learned way more than I thought I could ever learn. For the most part, I’ve learned something that is going to save me a bundle of money! I can’t even begin to tell you the relief I felt (and still feel) after all that!
Prior to the class, I met Erik for a complimentary check up session. I had a million questions and I’m grateful he had the patience (and sense of humor) to match. Either way, working with him on a plan makes me feel confident in my ability to be an (not so new) adult.
What I think I love most about this place is their honesty in all processes. For something as intimate as finances, having that initial feeling of trust is absolutely essential. I’m working on my plan, one step at a time, and feeling that much more confident about it. Thanks SoG! :-)
P. S. Their classes are amazing! Lots of diverse offerings depending on where you are in your life. Totally helpful for young adults as they progress in their lives and changes happen.

Okay in theory but I sent a few e-​mails about a payment discrepancy and never heard anything back. Perhaps the grownups over there need to take some of their own classes.

I couldn’t be more excited about Society of Grownups.
So far, I’ve been to two events (one author talk and one class). The space is warm and inviting, much like the staff greeting you as you walk in. SoG offers a calendar of events as expansive and engaging as their library and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Society of Grownups is a rare community that’s completely in tune with what their audience needs. Gen Y is called many things — irresponsible, self-​centered, aimless. Even though we know that isn’t true on the whole, it’s a privilege to have spaces like SoG at our fingertips. Whether you need assistance with churning out your first budget or a primer in translating loan-​speak, the good people at SoG are there to help…
…and will do so while you sip a drink from their bar in style.
Sign up for a class or consultation and traipse over to Brookline. The discount code HOLIDAY2014 is valid through the month of December and is good for waiving the cost of one course.
Future you will thank you for it.