Jan 7
Life After College
January 7, 2022 | By Edwin Burgos Perez
Life after college seems like a far-off concept if you’re in high school or in your first/second year of college. But as the years go by, the life-after-college questions have a way of being a part of every decision you make. So, what happens after college? It can be different for everyone, but striving to not just survive, but to THRIVE after college is the goal.
Organizing Your Financial Life
Having the right tools and dedicating time to organize your financial life is a great way of making sure you keep track of where your money is going. To specifically learn how to do this and set financial life goals, check out these resources to track your progress: Organizing Your Financial Life and Setting Goals.
My Net Worth
Accounting for what you own and owe is something you can calculate anytime to understand your personal net worth. Combining your assets and liabilities lets you understand your current financial situation and can be a way you can track your progress. If you need more of a breakdown, use this net worth worksheet.
Calculator of Life
Make sure you’re reflecting on your financial well-being and your goals. Knowing your current situation and goals can help you make your dreams more feasible. Use these calculators and tools.
Understanding Credit Scores
Your credit score isn’t something you can afford to ignore, because it plays a big role in your financial journey. A credit score determines how likely you are to receive credit to make future purchases like renting an apartment or buying a car. It is also partly determined by whether or not you make payments on time. Usually lenders see a brief summary of how risky you are based on what makes up your credit score.
Good vs. Bad Credit
It is easier to borrow money than to pay it off. So, be on the lookout for high interest rates, length of the loan, and the overall debt you’re accumulating. It’s important that when you borrow money, you have a plan to pay it off as quickly as possible to reduce the total amount you have to pay back. Take a look at what it means to have good or bad credit here.
Insurance
The kinds of insurance you invest in are important and there are several essential forms of insurance that you will need to consider. Having insurance is the best way you can secure your financial security. Here you can explore the different types of insurance available to you, including, but not limited to: health, car, life, and renter’s insurance.
Savings
You can save money in a variety of ways, including: living within your means, cutting down on unnecessary expenses, and paying yourself first by including savings in your budget. This is an ongoing process that will help you secure your financial future and respond to any financial emergency that arises. Learn more about why you should save and how much here.
Changing Jobs
While changing jobs may impact your financial security, it is possible to plan ahead of choosing a new job with your financial well-being in mind. If you lose your job, never fear! Here is an immediate action plan that can help you minimize stress.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help with the things you are struggling with. It is more likely that the thing you are trying to ask for help for is something someone has already overcome. Finding supportive people or a community that you can go to for help is an effective way to overcome the barriers in your life. Others may have more experiences and perspectives that have helped them resolve these circumstances and made them stronger.
Want to discuss financial literacy with your teachers or advisors? Tell them to check out Next Gen Personal Finance, a tool designed to help teachers structure curriculum through engaging resources and activities.
Don’t Compare Yourself To Others!
It is very easy to compare yourself to others during any stage of your life, but this behavior or habit is counterproductive. You should know that everyone is on a different path when it comes to achieving what they want out of life. Trust your own intuition and move towards a path that makes sense to you. Live the life you want to live without comparing yourself to others’ accomplishments, or the jobs they have experienced.
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