The New Grad Money Checklist: Student Loans, Benefits, and Where to Start - 35

Action Item: Log into StudentAid.gov this week and find out three things: how much you owe, what type of loans you have, and when your grace period ends. Write those three things down. You cannot make a smart plan around your student loans until you know what you are actually dealing with.SummaryIn this episode I walk through the financial starting line for new college graduates and anyone who is just getting started with their money. I cover the seven-item adulting checklist from the CFP Board including budgeting, saving early, protecting your income with the right insurance, and building a debt system that actually works. I also break down what to look for in your first job beyond just the salary, including benefits, company culture, commute, and compensation structure. Then I get into student loans, when payments actually start, and how to think through whether to keep your loans federal or refinance to private. I wrap it all up with Cole's case study, a 22-year-old supply chain coordinator who figured out his benefits, got his student loans under control, and built the kind of financial confidence that changes everything going forward.Resources & Links MentionedCFP Board Adulting Checklist for Recent College Graduates: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/financial-topics/articles/young-professionals/financial-roadmap-for-recent-college-graduatesCitizens Bank: 6 Financial Tips for New College Graduates: https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/financial-tips-for-new-graduates.aspxCollege Grad: 25 Components of a Job Offer Benefits Package: https://collegegrad.com/job-offer-negotiation/understand-all-25-components-of-your-job-offer-benefits-packageMaking Waves: How to Evaluate and Compare Job Offers: https://making-waves.org/career-development-how-to-evaluate-and-compare-job-offers/Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: When and How Do I Start Paying My Student Loans: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/when-and-how-do-i-start-paying-my-student-loans-en-585/Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator: https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/Episode 32: You're Leaving Free Money at Work Every Single Day: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BsQK8fXh5CwDpmbM6cNn7?si=CALx-VV6SRek1sQpk4zfSwTimestamps[00:01:37] The seven-item adulting checklist for new grads[00:06:52] What to actually look for in your first job[00:12:00] Student loans: grace periods, repayment plans, and federal vs. private[00:15:55] Cole's case study begins[00:21:48] This week's action itemEmail me at [email protected]