A Grad's Guide to the Real World
We show students how to start out on the right foot, and give parents the tools to point their kids in the best financial direction.
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.
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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.
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The Rule of Compounding: Why Time Is an Investor's Best FriendDescribed as both a "miracle" and a "wonder," compound interest is simply a function of time.
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4 Great Tools to DIY Your Own Financial PlanSmart Savings Several tools picked out by Kiplinger that DIYers can use to make their own financial plan.
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The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare PremiumsUnderstanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
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Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's FinancesTax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.
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Key 2025 Tax Changes for Parents in Trump's MegabillTax Changes Are you a parent? The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) impacts several key tax incentives that can affect your family this year and beyond.
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Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
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What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
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Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
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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.
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How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
