So You've Graduated High School, Now What?

Most of us can remember the night they graduated high school. It was a time of joy for all involved, especially our parents. But once you have reached the end of that long road, what do you do now?

Whether or not you plan to attend college in the fall, or even delay a year, you should get a job if you already don't have one. If you are college bound, your choices are somewhat better since you are looking for mainly employment through the summer months. However, if you do not plan to attend college or plan on delaying entering college for a year or more, a full-time steady job is a must. Your days of slacking away your summers are gone and it is time to get with the program. Having a job gives your life purpose and honestly, it keeps the parents off your back. No one likes to have their parents harping on them about their unemployment.

Once you have a job, your next stop should be getting a bank account if you do not already have one. You are an adult now, so act like one! If you are going to get an apartment out on your own, chances are you are going to be paying rent. Paying rent in cash is not a good idea since paying for cash does not leave a trail if there is ever a dispute about whether or not you paid. Solution: Open a checking account. Many banks offer free checking accounts to students, if not to the general populous. Once you have your check book, make sure you deposit your check in there. I realize this is a no-brainer to some, but now is the time to build good financial habits. Deposit your paycheck and take only a small amount of cash. Carrying around a wad of cash will only entice you to spend it.

Once all the fanfare of graduation dies down, the real world awaits. Be prepared and know what you need to do now that you are officially a high school graduate.

Credit: Adrian Enache

Copyright: Adrian Enache