If you or a student in your life has recently graduated, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations. This is a monumental accomplishment. 

 

For many, this achievement marks a first foray into managing finances independently. This can bring unexpected challenges to new grads as they juggle student debt, investing, and saving. 

 

With that in mind, we wanted to share a few key areas that new grads can focus on to help find their financial footing. Please feel free to share:

 

Build a basic budget immediately

Know what’s coming in and going out. A simple 50/30/20 framework works well:

• 50% needs (rent, food, bills)
• 30% wants (lifestyle, entertainment)
• 20% savings/debt payoff

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s awareness and control. Remember to always consult a professional for a framework that suites your unique needs.

 

 

Start an emergency fund (even small)

Aim for $500–$1,000 to start, then work toward 3–6 months of expenses. This prevents credit card debt from becoming your fallback when life happens.

 

 

Understand your student loans early

Don’t ignore them. Know:

• Total balance
• Interest rate
• Repayment plan options
  Even small extra payments can reduce long-term interest significantly.

 

 

Build credit intentionally

Your credit score affects renting, buying a car, and future loans.

• Pay bills on time (most important factor)
• Keep credit card balances low
• Avoid opening too many accounts at once

 

 

Start investing early (even small amounts)

Time is your biggest advantage. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get it - it’s essentially free money.

You can also consider starting a Roth IRA (if eligible), which allows tax-advantaged growth over time through the Internal Revenue Service rules.

 

 

Avoid lifestyle inflation

As your income grows, it’s tempting to immediately upgrade everything. Instead, increase savings first, then adjust spending gradually.

 

 

Learn your benefits package

If you have a job with benefits, understand:

• Retirement plan options
• Health insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employer perks

These can be worth more than they appear on paper.

 

 

Make financial learning a habit

You don’t need to know everything at once, but staying curious about money, investing, and taxes pays off long-term.

 

 

Bottom line

Your early career isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about building momentum. Small, consistent financial habits now can compound into major opportunities later.

 

 

If a loved one has recently graduated and has questions about investing or other money management strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. 

 

 

 

This presentation is not an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The information contained in this presentation has been compiled from third-party sources and is believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon in any way whatsoever. This presentation may not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and does not give investment recommendations. Any opinion included in this report constitutes our judgment as of the date of this report and is subject to change without notice.

Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website, www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.