3 Money Hacks for Recent College Grads
What a glorious time of life! Graduation brings about the end of homework and late-night studying. When one door closes another opens and priorities shift to finding jobs, paying student debt, and making future plans. The job hunt and making a name for yourself can be stressful enough without finances looming over you. Luckily, we can use a few easy hacks that will lift that burden.
#1
Use a budgeting app. Robin S. Sharma said, “What gets measured gets improved.” In Chris Hogan’s new book called Everyday Millionaires, he conducted a survey of 10,000 wealthy people and found that 93% of them follow a budget. There are a lot of budgeting apps out there but find one that is simple and easy to follow. I currently use Mint because it has a nice user interface, it knows which transactions are just transfers, and it links all your accounts to one location.
#2
How much better do you feel when you buy something that normally costs $10 for only $5. Don’t forget the power of student discounts. In the same book, Everyday Millionaires Chris goes on to say that 93% of those surveyed said they use coupons regularly. One of my favorite ways to score deals is using UNIDAYS. Don’t be afraid to look for deals or utilize them!
#3
Many programs tied to credit cards offer rewards that either give you points or cashback. Taking advantage of them is a no-brainer. Credit cards can be scary but if you are utilizing a budgeting app and tracking your spending, you can enjoy those rewards without the guilt of paying off debt. In addition, credit cards are great at building credit which will be needed when buying cars and houses.
Life has many challenges and finances can be a big one. Taking these next steps in life can be more rewarding and less stressful when you take the time and plan. No matter who you are, following a solid plan is crucial for your future.