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Stage 09 · Life-stage hub
Student / New Grad
Your post-graduation money roadmap
Just graduated? Congrats -- and welcome to the real world of money. Whether you are staring down student loans, figuring out your first paycheck, or wondering how to start saving, this hub has the tools and guides to help you build a solid financial foundation from day one.
Start the roadmap§ The roadmap
Your Student / New Grad toolkit
Learn the concept, then run the numbers — each step pairs a plain-English guide with the calculator that puts it to work.
Student Loan Repayment Plans Compared
Student Loan Repayment Plans Compared
A side-by-side comparison of student loan repayment plans -- standard, graduated, and income-driven -- so you can pick the right one.
7 min readStudent Loan Repayment Calculator
Compare standard, graduated, and income-driven repayment plans.
Open calculatorThe 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained
How to Set (and Actually Hit) a Savings Goal
§ Required reading
The guides behind the math
6 min read
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained
A simple, flexible budgeting framework that actually works -- how to split your income between needs, wants, and savings.
8 min read
How to Set (and Actually Hit) a Savings Goal
A practical guide to setting realistic savings goals, building the habit, and using automation to make saving effortless.
7 min read
Student Loan Repayment Plans Compared
A side-by-side comparison of student loan repayment plans -- standard, graduated, and income-driven -- so you can pick the right one.
§ Numbers to know
What this stage holds
A quick snapshot of everything mapped out for this life stage.
Calculators
Guides
Next stages
§ Smart moves
Quick tips for this stage
Start with your student loans
Know your repayment options before your grace period ends. Income-driven plans can make payments manageable.
Build a simple budget
The 50/30/20 rule is a great starting point: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment.
Open a high-yield savings account
Even $50/month adds up. Start building an emergency fund before you need one.
Take the employer 401(k) match
If your employer matches retirement contributions, that's free money. Contribute at least enough to get the full match.