Graduates and Their Finances

AS a new generation of graduates gets ready to enter the workplace, new financial concerns take center stage.Now it’s no longer about how to pay for their education, it’s whether they’ll get a job and how they’ll manage on their own. The good news is that employment opportunities for college grads are out there, and employment rates for those with higher education are higher than for those without. 

Now is the time to have a conversation about financial planning and the future. Here are some areas to cover:

Savings

Getting that first paycheck can be exciting, and it’s very tempting to go out and spend it all. However, if you start saving in your 20s rather than waiting until you’re in your 30s or worse, your 40s, think of what that will cost you in terms of lost income from compound interest. 

Retirement Planning  

It may seem very far away, but now is the time to start your retirement fund. You have the luxury of time. If you have a job that offers a 401k, contribute enough to get the maximum employer match. If not, start your own IRA.

On average, Americans retire at age 63, and yet almost half of the American workforce have nothing saved for their impending retirement. 

Emergency Fund

Consider what would happen if you needed to come up with $1000 for an emergency such as unexpected medical costs or a major repair bill. This can happen to anyone, and without an emergency fund, it can be devastating financially. Aim to keep an amount equal to three month’s salary in this fund, so you can cover any emergency or loss of income.

Student Loans

Americans are saddled with student loan debt ($1.3 trillion, according to the latest statistics, which means on average, graduates owe over $37,000 in student debt). This can lead to derailing other goals such as buying a house. Pay the loans with the highest interest rate first.

Credit

Credit cards can get out of hand very fast. Then you’re on the never-ending payment and interest cycle. Do yourself a favor, and find out just how much you’ll end up paying if you buy something on a card and only pay the minimum payment each month. You’ll be shocked at how much more you end up owing.

While you’re at it, learn how your credit score works – what improves it and what makes it worse.

Once you’ve graduated, one phase is over, but another begins. You’re just starting out on the road of life, and these lessons can help them make it a smooth transition.

 

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. 

To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

David Lerner Associates does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual's personal circumstances. Member FINRA & SIPC