Congratulations! You landed your first job and this is the next big step in your adult life. But with the new job comes a lot more responsibility. Now what?
Step 1. Set up a 401K & your benefit package
Right after you sign your contract, find out what you company offers in both benefits and retirement packages. Some companies may offer reimbursements for extended education or they may cover travel expenses if you are commuting. On the scale of benefits, those are minor. If your employer offers you a 401k account, make sure to take full advantage. The earlier you start saving for your retirement, the better!
Step 2. Build your network
When you are new in the workforce, it is very important to build your network and strengthen it every chance you can. Creating deeper connections with your coworkers will add to your company culture and you never know where people will go in their career and how they can help you further down the line.
Always have an updated LinkedIn page that showcases your talents, your story and contact information. Connect with the people you work with, follow the company and other companies you are interested in and start building your digital network. Two of the most recommended social medias for connecting with people are Linkedin and Twitter. These two provide you with the opportunity to talk with people who you may never meet, but still can do business with (depending on the industry).
Step 3: Budget
The likelihood of you landing a job right out of college that is high paying is very slim. With that being said, planning out your budget and sticking to it are crucial, not only for the present but for your future as well. There are several apps out there that can help you budget and save. Look into your bank app (Bank of America, USAA, TD Bank, etc.) and see their budget tracker options. In addition, research saving apps like Acorns or Robinhood that will round up your expenses to the nearest dollar and then save and invest the additional.
Cost of living is always a big conversation we have with our clients. Cost of living has been increasing while the average salaries have not. This causes problems for people that are first trying to start out. We want to preface this, there is nothing wrong about moving home for a year or two and saving up to give you a more of a cushion when looking for your own place. You can also look for a roommate situation so all of the rent does not fall directly onto you.
Starting a new job is a big step! There are a lot of things to consider when starting that new phase in your life. But it is okay to not know all of the answers. It is always a best practice to speak to a professional before making any financial decisions.
For Educational Purposes Only – Not to be relied upon as financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed are those of the author/presenter and all data is derived from sources believed to be reliable.
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