Secure Your Finances
Successfully managing your money is a lifelong responsibility, but getting it right as soon as you step into the “real world” can make your life much easier.
Open your own checking account to pay for bills, rent, and other expenses.
Educate yourself on investment options such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Investing sooner rather than later may mean a much larger payoff down the road.
Analyze your earning and spending habits so you can set a reasonable budget for yourself. Free services such as Mint make budgeting very easy.
Apply for a credit card so you can build credit history, but try to pay the balance in full each month to avoid paying interest.
Start saving now for retirement with a 401(k) especially if there is a company match, or a Roth IRA. With the power of compounding interest on your side, saving $2,000 per year now may net you $560,000 by the time you retire.
Run a report on your credit history and clean up any issues before it is checked by lenders, landlords, or future employers.
Take advantage of in-person Exit Loan Counseling as you graduate to learn about your rights and have your questions answered by calling 510.642.1918 (A-L) or 510.642.5206 (M-Z).
If you missed this year’s First Year Out seminar at the Alumni House, below is Bank of America’s presentation on how to stay on top of your finances as you leave college.
