You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

Now that your post-secondary education is coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the next phase.

Transitioning from student life to the real world can often be challenging and overwhelming.

Your priorities shift, your income changes and you have to start paying off student loans.

Getting your finances in order and understanding how to budget doesn’t always come easy.

Here are some financial tips to help your transition:

• Know what you can afford to spend.
• Figure out if it’s a “need” or a “want”.
• Always pay your credit card balance on time and if possible in full.
• Make sure you’re not spending more than you’re bringing in.
• Try and make a monthly budget to keep track of your expenses and income.
• Start putting away money every paycheque for emergencies and retirement.
• If you have extra money after saving for retirement, thinking about investing.

But do it wisely. Before you invest, consider these questions:

1. Do you have money to invest?
2. What are your investment goals?
3. How much risk are you comfortable with?