Don’t Let Your Finances Swamp You After College – Here’s How To Stay Afloat

In a young person’s life, college is often seen as the be all and end all. It takes a LOT of time to build up your college application, and we’re all familiar with the nail-biting tension as you wait to hear your results. Then, you actually have to go to college, pass your classes and decide what to major in, as well as living away from home for the first time. But the truly crazy thing is that college is the easy part – it’s what happens after that can really challenge you. Being fresh out of college with a degree to your name can be pretty exciting, but it’s where all the hard work begins. It is also a time in your life where circumstances can play havoc with your finances, leaving you both poor and stressed. If you want to be able to pay your way after college, read on to find out how you can do so.

Move back in with your parents
Okay, so this is one situation that many recent graduates dread. After having a taste of independence living in dorms at college, the last thing many of us want to do is to move back into our parent’s place. But it shouldn’t be something you shun so quickly. Firstly, there’s no shame in it. Everyone knows the state of the housing market these days, and no one is going to think any less of you if you don’t rent or buy immediately. Moving back home can be a great way to save money, especially if your parents let you off board if you’re only planning on staying on a temporary basis. On the downside, it can be stressful – you may feel smothered or mollycoddled by your parents who may not fully understand your new independence. But by sitting down and talking it out with them, you should be able to come to some kind of agreement that works for all of you.

See what loan repayment programs you are eligible for
One of the most stressful things about being a recent graduate is knowing that you need to pay back whichever student loan you took out. Most people cannot go through college without a loan, but you may find the looming debt you have over you once you graduate a bit of a stressful prospect. In order to take some of the pressure off yourself, see if you are eligible for any of the  forgiveness programs for student loans.

Have a job lined up
Don’t wait until your graduation day to start looking for jobs. It may be hard to job hunt alongside your finals, but having something ready to walk into that pays will save you a lot of stress. Plus, it means you will be up against less competition. Even if you don’t apply for any ‘professional’ jobs, having something part time (such as retail work) to tide you over financially means you are still earning money – especially important if you don’t plan on moving back home.

I hope you enjoyed the post!

Thanks so much for reading, as always <3

Xoxo, Rae