What they don't teach you about money in college
Disclaimer:
I am not a certified financial planner. I am simply sharing what I’ve learned through personal experience and how I’ve been able to live debt-free since college. If you are struggling with debt, there is absolutely no shame in that. You are not behind. You can create a plan, take small steps, and move toward financial freedom. If you need help thinking through a game plan, I’d love to support you in that process.
The Truth About Money After College
College teaches you how to study, pass exams, and prepare for a career- but it rarely teaches you how to actually manage money once you’re on your own.
And then suddenly… you’re expected to know how to handle student loans, credit cards, insurance, rent, and savings all at once.
Most people are figuring it out in real time.
So let’s talk about some of the things no one really prepares you for.
Student Loans: The Reality No One Talks About
While I personally don’t encourage taking out student loans, I know that for many people, this is how college was made possible.
If you do have student loans, the most important thing you can do is create a plan to pay them back as intentionally and quickly as possible.
The longer they sit, the more overwhelming they can feel- not just financially, but mentally too.
If you are under 26 and still on your parents’ health insurance or living at home, this can be a powerful time to focus on aggressive repayment.
Some side jobs that can help you create extra income include:
Dog walking or pet sitting
Retail work
Waiting tables or serving
Landscaping or local services
Beauty consulting or freelance work
Even a few extra hours a week can make a meaningful difference when it’s consistently applied toward debt.
Credit Cards: The Line Between Helpful and Harmful
Credit cards are not inherently bad- but they can become dangerous when they are not used with intention.
A simple way to evaluate your credit card use is this:
Are you spending more on your credit card than what you actually have in your bank account?
If the answer is yes, that’s a sign your spending may be outpacing your income.
Banks are designed to benefit when you carry a balance. That’s how debt grows.
Credit cards can be a helpful tool when:
You stay within a set budget
You pay your balance off in full each month
You treat it like cash, not extra money
But they become stressful quickly when they are used to cover a lifestyle that isn’t supported by your income.
How Much Should You Save?
A strong financial foundation includes having savings that can support you in an emergency.
A common goal is to build 3–6 months of living expenses, including:
Rent
Car payment
Groceries
Monthly bills (credit cards, utilities, phone, etc.)
Insurance (car, health, renter’s insurance)
This kind of savings creates breathing room and reduces financial anxiety when unexpected things happen.
Insurance: The Thing No One Warns You About
Insurance is one of those topics you don’t think about in college- but suddenly becomes very real in adulthood.
Health Insurance
Did you know that once you turn 26, you can no longer stay on your parents’ health insurance plan?
If you didn’t realize that, now is the time to start exploring your options.
One common resource is healthcare.gov. Enrollment periods typically run in November and December each year. If you turn 26 outside of that window, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
Car Insurance
Car insurance can vary widely depending on your age, location, and driving history.
It’s a good idea to:
Compare quotes online
Or speak with a local insurance agent
One thing to keep in mind is that insurance rates are often higher under age 30, so shopping around matters.
Renter’s Insurance
If you are renting an apartment or home, renter’s insurance is usually required- and even when it’s not, it’s still a smart decision.
It helps protect your belongings in case of theft, damage, or unexpected events.
Like car insurance, you can compare plans online or work with a local agent to find the best option for your situation.
Final Thoughts
No one is born knowing how to manage all of this.
Student loans, credit cards, insurance, and budgeting are all learned skills- not instant expectations.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Start small. Learn as you go. And give yourself grace in the process.
Financial freedom isn’t about perfection- it’s about direction.
And every small step counts 🤍
