She Strengthens

Financial Regrets of Post-Grad Life: 15 Women Share Their Mistakes

As I reflect on my own post-graduation journey, I’m reminded of the countless mistakes I made – from failing to start a retirement account to splurging on unnecessary expenses. But I’m not alone. I asked 15 women, aged 23-32, to share their biggest financial mistakes after college, and their responses are a valuable lesson for anyone navigating the challenges of post-grad life.

Underestimating Moving Costs

Meghan, 25, learned the hard way that moving can be a costly affair. Between excess baggage fees, storage fees, and security deposits, her savings disappeared quickly. She advises others to be prepared for the financial burden of moving.

Living Beyond Your Means

Jamie, 23, fell into the trap of overspending after landing her first job. She thought she needed to “experience” the world, but soon realized she had zero savings. Her advice? Be mindful of your spending habits and prioritize saving.

Failing to Plan for Unemployment

Suree, 25, worked in production, which meant irregular income. She didn’t allocate funds properly, leading to financial stress during periods of unemployment. Her takeaway? Create a strict freelance budget to prepare for uncertain times.

Credit Card Missteps

Jenny, 26, regrets signing up for a credit card without understanding its terms. Kelsey, 25, fell into the trap of using credit cards to fund big purchases, leading to a high-interest debt. Their advice? Educate yourself on credit cards and use them responsibly.

Not Saving for Emergencies

Abby, 23, wishes she had saved more during her first six months of employment. Jenn, 28, made a similar mistake, thinking she needed a credit card that earned points. Their advice? Prioritize saving for emergencies and avoid credit card traps.

Post-Grad Financial Mistakes

Tania, 32, regrets not saving during her first year out of college. Melonie, 25, wishes she had invested in retirement during her graduate program. Brenna, 32, thinks she should have taken a break from education to work and save. Their advice? Don’t put off saving and investing for the future.

Impulse Purchases

Kendra, 26, regrets spending her graduation party money on unnecessary items. Laura, 25, overspent to earn a travel bonus, but ended up with debt. Their advice? Avoid impulse purchases and think carefully before making big financial decisions.

Emotional Spending

Rachael, 24, spent money on a relationship that didn’t last. De, 30, tried to live up to an unrealistic image of New York City living. Their advice? Don’t let emotions dictate your spending habits, and prioritize financial responsibility.

Lack of Planning

Emma, 30, wishes she had tapped into her school’s resources to find job opportunities before moving abroad. Her advice? Exhaust all options and plan carefully before making big decisions.

These women’s stories serve as a reminder that financial mistakes are common, but they can also be valuable learning experiences. By sharing their regrets, they hope to inspire others to make better financial decisions and avoid similar pitfalls.