About This Lesson
College is a time where you gain an influx of information, some of it useful and some not as much. University also offers a new way to be social and gives you more freedom than you may have had at home, all things that assist in making you who you are. While continuing your education can be helpful in many ways, there is also a ton of knowledge that can be applied to your life and your success that is not taught in a classroom. Here are a few examples.
1. Credit
There are not many classes that teach you about your credit and how it can affect your life. Poor credit can make it hard to obtain auto financing, and you can undoubtedly forget getting a home loan if your scores aren't at least 620. If only there were a course or two that could provide the information needed to put yourself in the best position to be successful. It certainly doesn't hurt to download an app like Credit Karma to get your financials on track. The good news is, the following tips may be helpful if you are trying to understand how to develop and strengthen your credit.
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Open a credit card, but don't max it out.
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Always make your payments on time.
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Keep your debt-to-income ratio below thirty percent.
2. Taxes
Unless you are going to college to be an accountant, taxes will continue to be a subject that is hard to understand. If you are nervous once tax season comes around, you are not alone. It is unbelievably difficult to comprehend how to calculate if you will owe money at the end of the year or if you will get a refund. Most people don't even realize where the majority of their tax money goes, so make use of this beginner's guide to America's tax system. There is no shame in hiring a professional to help you file your taxes correctly, but it doesn't hurt to ask questions along the way.
3. Budgeting
Most college students have to deal with student loans and other debts once they graduate, but also have been far too busy to have a steady income. However, after graduation, you are thrown into a whole new world of trying to find jobs and a new place to stay. Once it is time to repay your loans, it is easy to be overwhelmed with how to budget. It is smart to keep your mortgage rent under thirty percent of your monthly take home. For example, if you make three thousand dollars a month, then it is best to stay around the nine hundred dollar mark for your house payment. This way, you will have spending money for other bills and debts. Having a budgeting notebook to write down due dates and figure out exactly where you are every month is always a good idea.
4. Nutrition
You likely listened to a cheesy song in elementary school about eating right and getting exercise. Still, there are not many resources available that can teach you the appropriate amount of calories you need based on your age and activity level. It would be beneficial to have this kind of information as you make drastic changes in your life. Being healthy can be a massive advantage for you while going through college, graduating and starting a family. These things are not easy to do, but staying active and nourishing your body will put you ahead of the game.
5. Parenting
Not only would it be nice to have a few parenting tips for when (or if) the time comes, it is also nice to know all of your options for protection and sexual health. Being a parent is no walk in the park, and there are plenty of pediatric psychologists and developmental specialists that should be able to offer knowledge to any hopeful mom or dad in a classroom setting. Parenting is not all about taking care of your children but also learning to balance a new life. Balancing work with self-care and providing your kids with an environment in which they can thrive is not something that comes naturally for most. New parents would be less shell-shocked in the beginning if more resources for learning were available, so be sure you understand the expectations and obligations that come with parenthood before making any rash decisions.
College is a milestone that looks fantastic on a resume and can quickly put you on the top of the hiring board. Nonetheless, there is plenty of guidance that you can't learn from a desk that is equally as paramount. Since this information is not as easily accessible as it should be, it is in your best interest to research your own so that you save yourself from a lot of turmoil and stress. This tips above are a great way to start.
