First Five - Your Family, Future, and Financesby Victor Vivenzio (Undergraduate) According to RamseySolutions, American’s financial freedom is impacted severely by debt. The average debt per household is $14,241 in credit card debt, $58,112 in student loan debt, and $31,142 in auto loans. Debt prevents adults from living their best life, saving for the future, and preparing for children. As they age, their debt increases, culminating in 185 billion dollars of liabilities for the 50-59 age bracket. So how can you become free? It starts with forming good habits when you leave the shelter of your parent's guidelines. Financial literacy is crucial during the first five years after college. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money. By understanding concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing, graduates can build a solid foundation for future financial success. Knowing how to manage debt responsibly and make intelligent choices regarding credit can help avoid financial pitfalls. Additionally, financial literacy equips young professionals with the knowledge to plan for immediate needs, such as rent and bills, and long-term goals, like buying a home, having kids, or saving for retirement. |