It’s one thing to reward yourself with something reasonable after you graduate from college, but making a habit of spending entirely too much money in your twenties isn’t a great long-term plan.
Whether you really enjoy dining out or you simply have an over-the-top shopping habit, it’s important to recognize that life has just gotten started and there is plenty of time for fancy things later on in life. Rent, food, and a family all cost money but your priorities matter, too.
We’re ready to help you weed out your vices. Check out our list and see if you can relate to some pretty typical temptations for recent graduates in their twenties!
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A New Car
For a lot of people in a lot of places with a lot of jobs, a car is a necessity. Public transportation isn’t always an option, riding a bike isn’t always realistic, and hitching a ride leaves you incredibly dependent on another person. Buying a new car, though, doesn’t need to be the first thing that happens after a 20-something graduates from college. A lot of us have crummy cars from high school that still run perfectly well even if they don’t look shiny and current anymore. Those of us that don’t can always opt for a well-maintained used car instead. Spending so much on appearances is, for many entry-level professionals, a waste of money.
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A Nice Apartment
Nice and safe are different from one another. When watching shows like House Hunters on television, it becomes very apparent that many young people expect stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, updated fixtures, and more. Sure, our parents may have these nice components of a home but they’ve also been working for an extra 30 years. There’s nothing wrong with doing our time in safe but modest housing with (Gasp!) brass knobs, kind-of-gross carpet, and laminate countertops.
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Designer Accessories
We expect our significant others to shower us in Michael Kors and Kate Spade, and some of the truly crazy actually ask for Louboutins at Christmas. Whatever happened to a heartfelt card or a romantic gesture? After all, money is usually kind of tight at this age and there are lots of other ways to say, “I care.” We’re too young to be keeping up with the Joneses, so shop for less expensive accessories and don’t expect too much from your loved ones. They have to pay rent, too.
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An Engagement Ring
This is more of a thing for early 20-somethings. After dating for a year or two, sometimes the engagement ring is expected. While that may work out for both parties, sometimes it’s best to test the waters for a bit longer before the question gets popped. College life is different from the real world. Figure out how you and your significant other handle the job hunt, finances, paying rent, and balancing your social lives before you assume you’ll be the right fit for the long term.
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A Senior-Level Paycheck
The cost of living in some places really sucks. A lot of entry-level jobs aren’t paying what you need in order to live comfortably, but you also don’t need to be getting paid the same as your sister who is five years older than you. There is something to be said for working your way up from the bottom, assuming the bottom is still a respectable wage for your experience, education, and rent expectations. Pick a company for the potential of growth and avoid selling your soul for a crazy cool paycheck right after school.
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A Gourmet Coffee Lifestyle
I’m guilty of this one, so this is more of a personal pep talk than it is a scolding. You see, having worked at a business where employees and clients waste a ton of money on gourmet coffee, I became consumed with doing the same. Working part-time, I would make maybe $150 per week and find myself with about $20 after my trips to the café. Opting for at-home coffee can easily save you a huge chunk of your monthly budget. You can splurge once you’re rich and famous.
