[Guest Post]
Graduating from college is undoubtedly an exciting season in life. However, with this excitement often comes a good deal of trepidation about what lies ahead. If you have a recent college grad in your life, it is a good idea to equip them with life advice that they can use as they start down this road of true adulthood. Here are 10 of the best pieces of advice for recent college grads.
1. Start Saving for Retirement
It is never too early to start saving for retirement. Even if you can only afford to put a little bit away, every penny counts when you are saving for your future. Do not discount the power of compound interest. Beginning to save for retirement as soon as possible will help to guarantee financial peace of mind as you age.
2. Learn Something New Every Day
Just because you are done with formal schooling, it does not mean that you should stop learning. Make it a goal to look at learning as a life-long passion rather than something that stops after you get that diploma. Try learning a new word every day or picking up a new skill.
3. Keep Reading
Related to creating a life of learning should be the goal to keep reading. Make it a goal to read at least one book per month. It does not have to be an educational book. Any topic that keeps you reading will continue to inspire your mind and grow your vocabulary.
4. Find Ways to Make Extra Money
Even if you have landed a job after graduation, it is always good to keep your money-making options open. Finding extra ways to make money on the side will ensure that you always have income flowing into your bank account. There are a number of high paying jobs that are perfect for recent grads that are looking to use this extra time to sock away more money or save for something special.
5. Push Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone
This is the perfect season in life to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Do not be hesitant to try new things. Take that backpacking trip that you have always dreamed about, jump out of a plane, or move to a new city. Your confidence will soar if you conquer the things that have previously made you uncomfortable. Now is the time to take that chance.
6. Appreciate the Small Moments
It is easy to get caught up in the big moments in life and focus your attention on them. Who does not get excited for that next big vacation or an upcoming promotion? However, you should also be purposeful about appreciating the small moments in life. Whether that be a cup of coffee with your best friend or a walk in the rain, be mindful of these special moments.
7. Give Back
Now is a good time to start giving back to others. You will find that there is an abundance of inherent joy that is found when you give back to the world around you. Find your passion and use that as a springboard to discover ways that you can give back to your community and beyond.
8. Build an Emergency Fund
You are being remiss if you do not start building an emergency fund once you get that first real paycheck. An emergency fund will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you can pay for that unexpected car repair, medical bill, or anything else that life throws at you.
9. Buy Less Stuff
It may be tempting to use this new money to buy more material goods. However, you will have more flexibility in your life if you can learn to live with less. Less clutter in your home will lead to less clutter in your mind.
10. Believe in Yourself
At the end of the day, you need to be your biggest cheerleader. It may sound cliche but believing in yourself is imperative as you embark on all of your real-world adventures. Pay attention to your best traits and skills and let them shine.
Conclusion
College grads have the whole world in front of them. It is important to know that it is completely normal to feel lost or unsure of what to do once you reach this new chapter in your life. However, you can make the most of it by following these 10 tips.
