Graduation is an exciting milestone filled with promise and potential. However, navigating the world of money can be daunting for new graduates.
Those who are graduating from school this year can learn from today’s retirees, who are happy to share important financial advice they wish they had received at the start of their careers.
Here are 15 essential tips from retirees that can help young graduates get ahead financially and get a head start on their financial future.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Boost your credit score
A strong credit score can open doors to better loan rates, improved housing opportunities, and enhanced job prospects. Many retirees regret not understanding the importance of building and maintaining good credit from a young age.
Fico — the company that created the Fico credit score — says a “good” credit score begins at 670. So, aim for at least that number, and try to exceed it.
To boost your credit score, make your payments on time, try to get out of debt, and don’t borrow excessive amounts of money.
Avoid debt whenever possible
As millions of today’s retirees know, debt can quickly kill your dreams of building wealth. While some debt can be necessary in life, try to avoid it as much as possible.
Use credit responsibly and aim to pay off balances in full each month to avoid costly interest charges.
Understand the power of compound interest
The magic of compound interest can significantly grow your wealth over time. Many retirees wish they had fully grasped this concept and started investing earlier in their lives.
Even modest early investments can lead to significant wealth if you have many years ahead of you.
So, do your best to save and invest consistently, even if the amounts are small. The sooner you start, the faster your money can begin growing for you.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Build an emergency fund
Financial emergencies can strike at any time, so having a financial safety net is crucial. Many retirees have learned this lesson the hard way.
Perhaps they put off saving for a rainy day and suddenly had to use a high-interest credit card to pay for an expensive medical procedure. Or, maybe they were forced into debt so they could cover the cost of an unexpected home repair.
Try to save between three and six months of living expenses — or even more — so you will be prepared to absorb life’s financial shocks should disaster strike.
Create a savings plan
A structured savings plan will motivate you to allocate money toward various financial goals. Many of today’s retirees reflect with remorse over how a clear savings strategy could have helped them save cash more effectively.
We all benefit from having a roadmap to guide our financial decisions. Decide on your financial priorities and systematically set aside money each month toward those goals.
Trending Stories
Craft a budget
Understanding where your money goes each month is the foundation of financial stability. Retirees often wish they had learned to budget better earlier in life.
When crafting a budget, start by tracking your income and expenses. Then, create a plan that allows you to both live within your means and save for the future.
Keep some ‘fun money’ around
Many workaholic retirees have learned a painful truth: All work and no play can lead to burnout.
Try to balance financial responsibility with personal enjoyment. Keep saving, but don’t forget to set aside a portion of your income for hobbies, dining out, travel, or other forms of fun.
Consider creating ‘sinking funds’
The purpose of an emergency fund is to save for life’s unexpected — and often unwelcome — surprises. By contrast, a “sinking fund” helps you save intentionally for future goals or expenses.
You might use a sinking fund to put away cash for vacations, home repairs, or holiday gifts. As retirees know, contributing small amounts regularly to such a fund can help you prepare for these costs without disrupting your main budget.
Start saving for retirement as soon as possible
Many people retire with less money than they wish they had. They have learned too late how much they would have benefited from beginning to save for retirement as early as possible.
So, start saving as soon as you can for your golden years. Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans so you can benefit from compound growth over time.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Understand your spending
Smart spending can significantly boost your financial health. Retirees often regret not paying closer attention to their spending habits.
Regularly review your expenses to identify areas where you can cut back. Then, take the money you save and earmark it for future goals.
Pay back your student loans in a timely fashion
Student loan debt can be a heavy burden if not managed properly. Retirees emphasize the importance of paying off student loans promptly. Doing so helps you avoid excessive interest costs and overall financial strain.
Consider strategies such as making extra payments so you can get rid of this debt faster.
Don’t underestimate your value in the job market
Negotiating salary and benefits before accepting a job can lead to substantial long-term financial gains. Retirees often wish they had been more assertive in recognizing and negotiating their worth.
Research the standards for your industry and confidently advocate for fair compensation throughout your career.
Learn how to cut medical costs
Retirees advise learning the ins and outs of health insurance, including premiums, deductibles, and coverage options. Many seniors would have benefited from making better-informed choices about their health care coverage.
Another way to save is to contribute to a health savings account if you are eligible to do so.
Start a side hustle
Additional income streams can significantly boost your financial stability. Retirees frequently wish they had explored side hustles to supplement their primary income during their working lives.
Whether it's freelancing, building a small business, or trying your hand at gig economy work, creating sources of extra income can help you reach financial goals faster.
Live on two-thirds of your income, save the rest
Living below your means and saving a substantial portion of your income can lead to financial security. You might even save enough to retire early.
One good strategy is to try to live on two-thirds of your income and save the rest. As today’s retirees know, saving a little year after year can result in growing a large nest egg over time.
With the benefit of hindsight, many retirees now understand how much peace of mind they would have gained by having a significant savings buffer throughout their working lives.
Bottom line
Are you taking the necessary steps today to secure a financially stable and prosperous future?
Planning and managing your finances from an early age can make a significant difference in your ability to build wealth in the long run. So, tap into the wisdom of today’s retirees and apply these tips to your own financial journey.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.