05/19/2026
Finding your way after college is stressful- it’s the start of your career, with new financial responsibilities and endless opportunities.
Here are our top tips:
1️⃣ Start a budget
List your necessary expenses- rent, utilities, groceries, student loans, car loans. What’s left is how much you can spend on discretionary expenses like eating out, streaming services, and vacations.
2️⃣ Establish an emergency fund
Whether you lose your job, your car breaks down, or any other unforeseen event occurs, having a safety net will provide peace of mind and keep you out of debt. You should target six months of expenses.
3️⃣ Manage your student loan
Begin by getting a clear picture of what you owe- know whether your loans are federal, private, or both, how much you owe, how many years are left, and what interest rates you’re paying.
4️⃣ Start saving for retirement
Yes, now. It’s never too early to start saving.
5️⃣ Build and protect your credit
Pay your bills on time and avoid maxing out credit cards. A credit score above 750 will allow you to access the best loan, insurance, and mortgage rates.
6️⃣ Don’t skip health insurance
Accidents and illnesses do occur. Hopefully your employer provides health insurance through the benefits package. If not, you can be insured as a dependent on your parents’ health insurance plan if you’re under 26.
The strategies you begin to implement now will lay the foundation for your financial habits and will shape your future.
Want the full breakdown?
Read more on the blog: https://www.greatoakadvisors.com/financial-tips-for-new-college-graduates/