So I’ve decided to continue on with my survival tips for the now working college graduate due to a couple requests for me to continue with it. These also might apply to those currently going through undergrad or graduate programs.
- Keep track of your bills. Most people get screwed over and get put in debt because they forget to pay their bills. What’s also important is to make sure you pay off your bills in full. Interest is a big reason why people live in debt most of their lives. This is especially true if you are an addict of the credit card. They might as well make credit card addiction an actual disease, I mean, it’s driven people to their deaths! Swiping plastic is great and convenient, but make sure you have enough money in the bank before you start swiping it left and right.
- Don’t be cheap. There’s a big difference between being smart with your money, and just being a cheap SOB. Cheap is when you take your girl out on a date and think she’s gold digging you because she bought that extra expensive dessert that she loves. Being smart with your money is knowing when you should spend, and when you shouldn’t. My philosophy is: if you’re gonna live, you should live well. An example of being smart with your money? I know those Seven jeans are really nice and they’re the most comfortable things ever, but should you really be spending over $150 on jeans? You could, but somehow I don’t think that’s a great idea.
- Think it out financially. I know it sucks, but sometimes your decision just doesn’t make sense… on a financial level. Example? Say you want to get married. You make $2000/month, your gf/fiance makes $2000 a month. You live in the a suburb close to or outside of a metropolitan area (example: the bay area), it costs about $1000 (probably more) to rent a very small apartment. You and your future wife will barely fit in it, let alone fit a kid. Don’t forget about insurance for cars, utilities, cell phone bills, gas, food, miscellaneous things (gym membership, etc.) that you have to pay. I’ve calculated it before, if you’re lucky, you’ll barely be able to save $500 for personal spending, and that’s if you’re lucky. All this doesn’t even include your wedding expenses… and your honeymoon (don’t say you don’t need one, because i know that’s a lie). Wait for a period where your financial situation is more stable and you can afford a big lifestyle change. It will make your life much easier and possibly save you trouble down the line.
- Think before you act. You know what costs the most money? Stupidity. Stupidity costs $$$. Fixing up your car to look nice is one thing. Fixing up your car and then racing down the freeway at 120+ mph is another. Even if you don’t die, if you cost someone else something, you’re going to pay for it. Driving drunk? Walk home instead. Don’t like that idea? Then don’t drink, unless you enjoy paying legal fees and state penalties.
- Don’t be an ass. I can’t stand people who are jerks about everything. If you think your better than me, tell someone who cares. You aren’t the center of the universe. Being an ass isn’t really going to cost you financially, although you’ll probably get fired from whatever job you end up in. The more enemies you have in this world, the less friends you will have as well. Public opinion about you spreads quickly, and people will be quick to judge on what their hear about you. Lets just say, that if people like you, they will be more inclined to help you out when you need it. Everyone will have a time where they will need help from other people, it helps to be looked on positively by people.
- Be positive. Yes, I know. This sounds incredibly lame, but it’s true. Whether you think you’re can or you can’t, you’re usually right. I forget who the quote is by, but it’s definitely very true. Stop complaining about how you can’t find a job, because the more you complain the more likely it is that you won’t get one after all!
I’m tired… so this will be continued at some later date. I’m not sure when, but check in from time to time, and I’ll let you know!
