With these 9 money tips, we demonstrate that money management is unquestionably one of the most important practical life skills to learn, despite the fact that it is rarely taught in schools.
When we start college or get a job, we’re often expected to figure it out for ourselves, and many people learn the importance of basic money management the hard way.
With today’s students graduating from college with more debt than ever before and entering the job market in an economy still reeling from a recession, financial knowledge will be required more than ever before.
In this post, we’ll cover several money and personal finance subjects you might not have known about, as well as how you can enhance your financial intelligence while still in school.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Money
What no one tells you about money
It might be frightening to leave home to attend college as much as to leave university to enter the real world.
To some extent, the College prepares you for the real world: after all, for the first time, you’ll handle your own money, living costs, and budget to ensure that your money goes as far as possible.
However, after three or more years of relative freedom and studying a topic you are passionate about, the world of full-time work may be frightening. Once you start working, your parents’ financial assistance will go down, and you will no longer be able to take advantage of all those student discounts and scholarships.
Instead, you’re forced to make a living by working set hours five or more days a week, doing a job you don’t particularly enjoy, and sharing a home with others since rentals in your area are too expensive.
It may take some getting used to the change after all the fun you had at college, but it will be presumptuous if you have the appropriate financial knowledge.
Here are five things they don’t tell you about money to get you started.
Making a Post-Graduation Budget
Making a post-graduation budget is an important step toward financial independence. Begin by assessing your income sources, which should include your wage, freelance work, and any side jobs. Determine your monthly take-home pay to provide a firm starting point.
Divide your required expenses (rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and student loan payments) such that they do not exceed 50% of your income. Set aside 20% of your earnings for savings and debt repayment. Setting aside this amount is a safety net and supports your long-term financial goals.
The remaining 30% is put aside for non-essential purchases such as entertainment, dining out, and non-essential things. Accept budgeting programs or software that track and categorize your spending, allowing you to monitor and change your budget. Consider establishing an emergency fund to handle unforeseen bills or job changes.
Examine and adjust your budget as circumstances change to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and responds to new opportunities or commitments. Establishing this financial route after graduation lays the foundation for sound money management and long-term stability.
More Important First
The jar analogy is a fantastic visual representation for managing finances. Picture a jar representing your income and expenses
Rocks (Important Expenses): These are your big, essential expenses or financial goals, such as rent, savings, investments, and debt repayment. Allocate a significant portion of your income to these priorities first. They form the foundation of your financial stability.
Pebbles (Less Important Spending): These represent smaller, less critical expenses like dining out, entertainment, shopping for non-essentials, etc. These are important for enjoyment but should be addressed after taking care of your major financial obligations.
Sand (Everyday Spending): The sand signifies daily or incidental expenses such as coffee, snacks, or small impulse purchases. These expenses, while frequent, should be managed last with what remains after addressing your rocks and pebbles.
By filling your jar in this order—rocks (important expenses) first, then pebbles (less important spending), and lastly the sand (everyday spending)—you’re ensuring that your essential needs and financial priorities are met before allocating funds to discretionary spending.
This approach helps in prioritizing and budgeting effectively. It ensures that you’re not overspending on non-essential items before taking care of your important financial responsibilities.
Developing Good Saving Habits
Developing healthy saving habits at a young age is vital to achieving financial stability and security. Individuals who start saving early can use the power of compounding interest, which allows their money to grow exponentially over time.
Individuals who start early may gain long-term benefits and have more time to attain their financial goals. It also promotes a sense of financial responsibility and preparedness, which may significantly impact one’s future financial well-being.
Setting reasonable financial goals is critical for staying motivated and committed. Establish precise and achievable objectives for emergencies, purchases, retirement, or investments. Divide these goals into smaller, more manageable milestones to appropriately track progress.
A budget that breaks out income, expenditure, and savings will help you see where your money is going and how much you can save. Savings may be automated by setting up automatic transfers or direct payments to a designated savings account, which ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend before saving.
Making saving a habit takes perseverance. Implement strategies such as paying yourself first, which allocates a percentage of your earnings to savings before any charges. Reduce unnecessary expenditure or look for methods to increase your income to maximize your savings potential. Saving goals should be evaluated and updated frequently as circumstances change to ensure they remain achievable and relevant.
Finally, understanding different saving and investment options can help you maximize your money’s growth potential while minimizing risks. With focus and commitment, these activities may provide the groundwork for a financially secure future.
Managing Student Debts and Loans
Navigating the complexity of student loans after graduation can be tough, but there are strategies to help you manage and pay off your debt. Make a thorough inventory of your debts, including their terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules. This clarity will allow you to devise a repayment strategy tailored to your financial situation. Investigate alternate repayment options, such as income-driven programs or refinancing, to reduce interest rates.
To avoid being unduly indebted, use smart financial practices. Budgeting is critical—keep detailed records of your expenses, prioritize your necessities, and set aside a percentage of your income for loan repayments. It’s also a good idea to pay more than the minimum amount whenever possible, even if it’s only a few dollars extra every month; this method may significantly reduce the total interest accumulated over time.
Steer clear of the tempting traps of buy-now-pay-later schemes such as AfterPay, Apple Pay Later, Affirm, and many more. While they offer immediate gratification, they can lead to long-term financial strain. Interest rates can vary and can go up to 36%.
The scheme’s disadvantage is the possibility of overspending.
One of the most severe risks of using BNPL services is that it is too simple to overextend your money. Only considering the cost of each payment may make registering the total cost of the item difficult. Bills may pile up—and be difficult to juggle—especially if you make many transactions with buy now, pay later agreements.
Finally, stay out of debt by keeping track of your credit card expenditures and living within your means. By taking proactive steps and being knowledgeable, you may negotiate student loans and debts while building a solid financial foundation for the future.
Beginners' Investment Strategies
Investing might be overwhelming at first, but grasping a few key concepts can make all the difference. One of the most important things for beginners to understand is the power of compounding. Investment returns generate further returns over time, similar to a snowball effect for your money. The sooner you start investing, the more time your money has to grow.
Low-risk investments might be a great place to start for young graduates interested in investing. Consider a high-yield savings account or certificates of deposit (CDs), which offer moderate returns while safeguarding your money.
Another option is to invest in diversified exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or index funds, which spread your investment over many assets and lower risk compared to investing in individual shares. This variety can assist newcomers weather market swings and is usually more conducive to long-term success.
Keep in mind that patience is vital. Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting small, understanding the basics, and keeping consistent in your investment efforts may result in massive long-term returns.
Part-time and second jobs
Part-time and second jobs are wonderful methods to augment your income while remaining flexible. These improvements can supplement your primary income, help you save for a rainy day, or even serve as a stepping stone to starting your own business. One key benefit is the ability to diversify your revenue streams, reducing your reliance on a single funding source. Side jobs enable you to explore hobbies or abilities that may not be fully used in your principal employment, so enhancing your personal and professional growth.
Consider using online platforms like freelancing websites to find flexible job possibilities where you can offer skills like graphic design, writing, coding, or virtual assistance. Delivery and ridesharing services provide flexible schedules, allowing you to work as much or as little as you need.
Examine the freelance market as well – tasks such as pet sitting, house sitting, or teaching may be able to be planned around your current responsibilities. Networking within your community or through online organizations may lead to local part-time or freelance jobs that fit your talents well.
Remember to match supplementary jobs or part-time work to your skills, interests, and timetable. Balancing these interests with your primary obligations is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment.
Credit Cards: Best Practices
Credit cards may be useful financial tools when utilized correctly. Making on-time payments and keeping balances low compared to the credit limit is crucial for establishing a good credit history. To avoid interest charges (18-22%), attempt to pay off the monthly balance. Begin with a low credit limit and gradually raise it as your credit history improves. Making on-time payments repeatedly displays responsible financial behavior and raises your credit score.
To avoid debt, it is important to be disciplined and aware of your spending habits. Create a budget that incorporates both mandatory and discretionary spending. Limit your credit card usage to amounts that you can easily pay off each month. It’s a good idea to keep track of transactions and to review your statements regularly to verify they’re in line with your budget. Credit cards should be used for convenience and emergencies only, not to bridge financial gaps or make unnecessary expenditures.
Lastly, to get the most of credit cards, familiarize yourself with their features. Seek out credit cards that provide incentives or repayment plans that align with your typical spending habits. Benefit from initial reductions or special offers, but keep an eye out for further costs and terms. You may benefit from credit cards’ features without running the risk of accruing debt by using them responsibly.
To raise their credit score, some people steer clear of credit cards. Small bank loans or instalment payments for small appliances like refrigerators are cost-effective options that will help improve your credit score.
A high credit score is necessary if you plan to purchase a home or other significant item. Building trust is the most important thing.
Planning for Emergencies
An emergency fund is your financial safety net, serving as a necessary buffer for unforeseen catastrophes. The question is not if an unexpected cost will arise, but when it will occur. A sizable emergency fund will keep you out of financial trouble during these challenging times. Set a particular goal for your emergency fund, which is usually three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
Take a look at your monthly costs, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and other needs. Create a regular savings plan in which you set away a portion of your monthly paycheck until you reach your goal. Consider automating transactions to keep your emergency fund donations constant.
Maintaining your emergency savings requires discipline and attention. Avoid the temptation to utilize it for non-emergency purposes. As your financial situation changes, evaluate and adjust your savings goal on a regular basis. Keep the money accessible but distinct from your regular spending accounts to minimize impulsive purchases.
Regularly review your expenses and make any required modifications to your savings plan. Remember that an emergency fund isn’t just for unexpected costs; it’s also for peace of mind and being ready for the unpredictability of life.
Seeking Expert Financial Advice
Graduation is a milestone time in one’s life when financial decisions can have a massive impact on one’s future. Seeking skilled financial advice is a good first step toward establishing a strong financial foundation.
Graduates seeking credible financial advisors can obtain recommendations from trustworthy sources such as family, friends, or professional networks. Verifying the advisor’s credentials, expertise, and licenses ensures their legitimacy and ability to direct financial issues.
Professional financial advice provides several advantages, especially in the early stages of one’s career. Advisors can assist you in developing personalized budgets, managing student loan repayments, and planning long-term investments.
Their advise extends beyond numbers, promoting financial awareness and discipline, both of which have long-term advantages. Finally, seeking experienced financial advice allows graduates to manage obstacles, make informed decisions, and build a secure financial future.
An extra money tips
Here is a little yet crucial piece of advice that can help you right away:
Opening a separate bank account for your business pursuits is a prudent option that clarifies your financial situation. Separating personal and company expenses simplifies accounting.
Request a Debit Card for your named Business bank account; this way, you may use one for personal and one for business needs – straightforward.
A separate business account streamlines expense management, allowing you to differentiate between personal and professional expenditures. This split significantly reduces the time and effort required for tax return preparation and the need for costly tax professionals.
You better understand your financial situation and can appropriately record business-related costs, maximizing tax savings and preserving compliance with precisely defined corporate expenditures.
Separate accounts aid in tax planning and enable better financial management. It helps to make more informed judgments by providing a clearer picture of company viability. It also communicates professionalism to clients and partners, which increases credibility and reliability.
Separating personal and corporate assets offers a firm basis for your company’s financial health and growth, allowing you to focus on strategic business goals without being sidetracked by intertwined personal spending.
Major Banks in California
Chase Bank
- Best National Bank With Branches in Los Angeles
- APY 0.01%
- Almost 400 branches in L.A.
- Min Deposit $0
Bank of West
Now BMO Commercial Bank
- Best Regional Bank
- APY 0.01%
- Sizeable ATM network
- Min Deposit $25
CIT Bank
- Best National Bank With Branches in Los Angeles
- APY 0.40%
- Almost 400 branches in L.A.
- Min Deposit $100
Businesses face tremendous difficulties and possibilities in the rapidly changing environment of the digital media sector in the United States. Aspiring entrepreneurs and…
Disclaimer
OBCG Media Owners or its employees are not registered investment advisors and do not provide financial advice. Comments on this page are only an expression of opinion. While we attempt to illustrate the potential benefits of investing in precious metals, remarks, links, or advertising on this website should not be interpreted as advice to purchase or sell a commodity at any time. While OBCG Media makes every effort to ensure that all of our comments are genuine and correct, we employ third-party data and rely on our reputable sources’ credibility.
Before making any investment decisions, OBCG Media suggests you contact a knowledgeable investment advisor.
