Congratulations graduates, commencement season has arrived. But what do you know about handling your finances now that you're on your own?
Relax, we're here for you. We've gathered dozens of your most pressing questions and answered them in language you can understand -- even if you aren't a finance major. Because in the real world, there is no extra credit to make up for your mistakes.
If you're not a graduate, but you happen to be a concerned -- er, well-wishing -- parent, our manual can give you the tools you need to guide your grad in the right financial direction.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Although your formal education may be coming to an end, a whole new learning experience is about to begin. Behold our guides to everything you wish you had learned in school ... but didn't:
SPENDING & SAVING
Do you really need a budget? How can you start building credit? Is it possible to make a million bucks without lifting a finger? Our Guide to Spending & Saving outlines the basics of money management when you're just starting out.
STARTING YOUR CAREER
How can you nail a job interview? How can you dress to impress on a tight budget? Should you go to grad school? Our Guide to Starting You Career tells you what you need to know about getting a job and building a career.
DECODING YOUR BENEFITS
What's the difference between an HMO and PPO? Should you invest in a 401(k)? What the heck is a mutual fund anyway? Find answers to your questions on making the most of your health insurance and job-related benefits in our Guide to Decoding Your Benefits.
FINDING HOUSING
How can you find cheap -- or even free -- housing? What's the secret to finding a good roommate? How can you furnish your place cheaply but chicly? Our Guide to Finding Housing addresses your questions about making the most your new place.
GETTING AROUND
What is the least expensive car to own? How can you save money on car insurance? How can you get the best gas mileage? We tackle your questions about getting from one place to another in our Guide to Getting Around.
HAVING SOME FUN
What's the best way to book cheap travel? How can you snag discount tickets to concerts, plays and other events? Should you go into debt to buy an engagement ring? Money doesn't have to be boring. Our Guide to Having Some Fun helps you make smart decisions when love, travel and entertainment are on your mind.
-
Take Charge of Retirement Spending With This Simple StrategyTo make sure you're in control of retirement spending, rather than the other way around, allocate funds to just three purposes: income, protection and legacy.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
