Changing the Game: You graduated. Now what??

You got the degree. ? You got the job. ? You're making the "big bucks". ?

NOW WHAT??

As my wife and I wrapped up undergrad we noticed a lot of fresh grads were commonly frustrated. We've spent 15+ years of our lives going to class and now we have more free time and money than ever before. But now all these decisions! How are you going to spend it? How will you manage the responsibilities? What's your next goal? All valid and daunting questions.

As my wife Sam and I have got closer and closer to wrapping up our undergrad, a sense of ease has came over us as we prepared for life after school. We wanted to share what that has looked like for us in hope that it help someone answer those same questions. Here's what we did:

1) Commit to Continued Learning

You've spent over a quarter of your life listening to boring lectures, reading books, and doing homework you didn't want to do. WE GET IT. But, thinking we have all the knowledge we need to succeed in life at this point is a severe mistake. Trust me, if we had it all figured out we would already be where we want to be in life. Clearly this means there is a knowledge gap somewhere.

We've committed ourselves to learn in multiple ways everyday. Systems such as books, podcasts, and meeting people who have/are creating our definition of success is our way of continuing to grow us and our thought process. I'm not sure what will work for you, but put some form of learning system in place so you don't prevent yourself from reaching your potential.

2) Find Quality People to Spend Time With

Now that the 60-70 hours a week of school are about to be done with, who will you spend all the extra time with? Your roommates are gone and study groups are too. Inevitably, it will have to spent somewhere and with someone, but how do you go about figuring that out? Value.

Meet and spend time with people who share the same values as you and are just good quality people. Scrolling through Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram will only make you so happy. It may take some time to find the right people, but there are so many different groups out there that stand for something. Find one that aligns with your values and spend your extra time there.

3) Build A Financial Plan

Hopefully when you graduate you are making more money than you were prior to graduation. After all, we went to school to get a job so we can make a better and steadier income. Now the question is, What do you prepare for? How will you manage your money? and What goals should you shoot for?

Here's how we have prepared:

Preparation:

1. Know your bills - Identify these sooner than later and build them into your budget and calendar. Especially any new ones your taking on.
2. Know your debt - How much do you have? When do payments start? How fast do you want to get rid of it? (Yes you don't have to go the 30 year route)
3. Living situation - Where will you live? Can you cut your cost of living down?

Execution:

1. Get a tracking system - There are tons of great tools out there to budget and track your spending. Whether that's an app or Microsoft Excel, find a solution that works best for you.
2. Big purchases - Don't make them. Simple as that. There are cheap options for cars and you can save until you have 20% to put down on a house. Don't dig a deeper whole for the sake of having shiny new things just because society wants you too.
3. Live humbly - Living like a new college student for a little while longer can pay big dividends when it comes to long term goals and getting out of debt.
4. Get out of debt- We are fast tracking ours in the first couple years by making some smart decisions and living below our means. The sooner you get that weight off your shoulders the better.

4) Build A Schedule For Yourself

Now that schools out and you don't have to study anymore, what are you going to do with those extra 20+ hours a week? Where do you want to spend/invest it?

For us, we see value in spending time with people who support our values and enhance who we are as people. We've prioritized spending time with people and doing things that will make us better versions of ourselves. Find what things are most important to you and where you want to go and spend time in those places.

Listen, even though there are a lot of life decisions to make and adulting that needs to happen as you wrap up your degree, that doesn't mean you can't be ready for it. Do what you can now so you can save yourself the headache after.

Hopefully our experiences can help you prepare and alleviate any of the possible stress along the way. Wishing you luck as you begin your journey!

With Love,

-Devyn & Sam Zillmer ??????

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