Yes it is GRADUATION time again!!!
Pomp and Circumstance are in the air for college graduates. Most students are preparing for finals, graduation ceremony, celebrations and from there into the world of business. There are some important tips that could decrease the stress level as you take hold of new ventures. If you have not already begun to create boundaries and lay the foundation for your finances; there is still time. Managing your money well is a life-long journey; the more you practice good habits, you become proficient at the task and the better your financial portfolio will look.
1) Be strategic with your career choices – floating from one job to the next can impede your chances of landing that job that you really desire. Find a job that you feel that you can stay with for at least 2 to 3 years (US NEWS MONEY 2013). Longevity on a job creates a good job history which not only builds a good resume for other income opportunities; but it helps when applying for a loan. For example, renting or buying a home or a car; lenders look for at least a 2 year income history.
2) Start saving an emergency fund now – Everyone should have an emergency fund; that includes YOU, the College Graduate! Start by saving enough to cover your monthly obligations and then increase it by six to twelve months. Saving one month of your pay is not ideal; there is a chance that your obligations could outweigh your income. When a flat tire, loss of a secondary income or loss of job occurs, one month of your income will not be enough funds to carry you through that emergency.
3) Create a spending plan – Empowering yourself early in life will provide you with the necessary disciplines and skills for your future on this journey. Creating and maintaining a spending plan enables you to assign every dollar and is essential for tracking your expenses. How you manage your finances now will dictate what your finances will look like 5, 10, 15 years from now. Start developing good spending habits, eliminating debt and preparing for retirement today; it is very hard to start over 20 years from now if you manage the first twenty irresponsibly.
4) Increase your knowledge in the area of YOUR FINANCES – there are a plethora of literature (books, magazines, blogs, newspapers, financial study guides) that focuses on financial wellness, financial freedom and planning. Stay abreast of what’s happening in the news economically; there is viable financial information/knowledge that can be gained that could affect your household in a positive manner.
Lastly, keep eliminating that student loan debt on your radar. It is possible to get RID OF IT!
Please feel free to leave a comment. Contact me directly at christineroebuck@livemylifedebtfree.com.
I urge you to register for the upcoming May class; it is the last class being taught until August 2015!! Visit www.livemylifedebtfree.com and click on seminars to register.