As the final notes of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” hustle you out of the auditorium from graduation and thrust you into the real world, a sense of freedom and a wide open world welcome you. For once, there is nobody telling you how and when you should spend your money (except maybe your student loan creditors).
As you welcome and adjust to the new changes and opportunities in your life, you may find yourself getting excited to start a new job and earn money to help you live the life you’ve always imagined. Every financial choice you make from this day forward can be one that either helps you accomplish your goals or sets you back if you don’t protect your finances. By recognizing how your choices can affect your overall financial picture for the rest of your life, you can learn to make smart moves in investing and managing your money.