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You did it! Diploma in hand, tassel turned, and the world at your feet. Whether you're fresh out of high school or just wrapped up your college career, you're stepping into a brand-new chapter. And yes, it can all feel a little overwhelming, so let’s figure out a few easy steps you can take right now to begin adulting with confidence.
💼 Start Thinking About Your Finances
Maybe you’ve already landed your first job—or maybe you're still figuring it out. Either way, now is the time to take control of your money.
• Open a Checking & Savings Account: If you don’t already have one, a solid checking and savings combo is step one. This gives you the ability to have direct deposit for your first full-time job. To make the most of a checking account, open a Champion Checking account where you can earn dividends, giving you extra money in your bank account every month!
• Build a Budget You’ll Actually Use: It doesn’t have to be fancy. Use an app or even a simple spreadsheet like our college budget worksheet to track your income and expenses. The goal? Spend less than you make and save what you can.
• Start an Emergency Fund: Life throws curveballs. Saving just $10 a week adds up fast and gives you a cushion for the unexpected.
💳 Use Credit Wisely (Future You Will Thank You)
Credit cards and loans come with responsibility, but they can also help you build a strong financial foundation—if you use them right.
• Build Credit Slowly: Paying off in full each month can help you establish a healthy credit score. Think of it like a debit card. You only pay for what you can afford, plus you receive the bonus of earning rewards on every purchase if you use our Platinum Rewards card!
• Avoid Debt Traps: It’s easy to get excited about spending once you have access to credit. Keep your long-term goals in mind and spend wisely.
• Check Your Credit Score: Start a habit of checking it regularly (you can check your score daily within our Online and Mobile banking app!), so you know where you stand and how to improve your credit score over time.
🧠 Keep Learning—About Life and Money
Your education doesn’t stop at graduation. Learning about money, developing skills, and personal growth is a lifelong journey.
• Follow Financial Tips: Champion’s blog (yep, this one!) is full of bite-sized, helpful tips to grow your financial knowledge.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to stop by your local branch and talk to us—we’re real people who love helping our members feel confident with their finances. If chatting online is more your thing, click the chat bubble on our website and ask your financial questions.
• Take Advantage of Free Tools: Whether it's a budget calculator, savings tracker, or attending a future CCU Speaker Series event, there are lots of resources out there to support you.
🛠 Set Goals (Big or Small)
Whether it’s saving up for your first apartment, buying a car, or thinking about continuing education, now’s the time to dream—and plan for it.
• Write down a few short-term and long-term goals.
• Break them into small, manageable steps.
• Celebrate your wins—every dollar saved, every goal reached, it all counts!
🎓 From All of Us at Champion—We’re Cheering You On
💼 Start Thinking About Your Finances
Maybe you’ve already landed your first job—or maybe you're still figuring it out. Either way, now is the time to take control of your money.
• Open a Checking & Savings Account: If you don’t already have one, a solid checking and savings combo is step one. This gives you the ability to have direct deposit for your first full-time job. To make the most of a checking account, open a Champion Checking account where you can earn dividends, giving you extra money in your bank account every month!
• Build a Budget You’ll Actually Use: It doesn’t have to be fancy. Use an app or even a simple spreadsheet like our college budget worksheet to track your income and expenses. The goal? Spend less than you make and save what you can.
• Start an Emergency Fund: Life throws curveballs. Saving just $10 a week adds up fast and gives you a cushion for the unexpected.
💳 Use Credit Wisely (Future You Will Thank You)
Credit cards and loans come with responsibility, but they can also help you build a strong financial foundation—if you use them right.
• Build Credit Slowly: Paying off in full each month can help you establish a healthy credit score. Think of it like a debit card. You only pay for what you can afford, plus you receive the bonus of earning rewards on every purchase if you use our Platinum Rewards card!
• Avoid Debt Traps: It’s easy to get excited about spending once you have access to credit. Keep your long-term goals in mind and spend wisely.
• Check Your Credit Score: Start a habit of checking it regularly (you can check your score daily within our Online and Mobile banking app!), so you know where you stand and how to improve your credit score over time.
🧠 Keep Learning—About Life and Money
Your education doesn’t stop at graduation. Learning about money, developing skills, and personal growth is a lifelong journey.
• Follow Financial Tips: Champion’s blog (yep, this one!) is full of bite-sized, helpful tips to grow your financial knowledge.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to stop by your local branch and talk to us—we’re real people who love helping our members feel confident with their finances. If chatting online is more your thing, click the chat bubble on our website and ask your financial questions.
• Take Advantage of Free Tools: Whether it's a budget calculator, savings tracker, or attending a future CCU Speaker Series event, there are lots of resources out there to support you.
🛠 Set Goals (Big or Small)
Whether it’s saving up for your first apartment, buying a car, or thinking about continuing education, now’s the time to dream—and plan for it.
• Write down a few short-term and long-term goals.
• Break them into small, manageable steps.
• Celebrate your wins—every dollar saved, every goal reached, it all counts!
🎓 From All of Us at Champion—We’re Cheering You On
You’ve got a bright future ahead, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Whether it’s opening your first account, figuring out a budget, or planning your next big move, we’re just a call, chat, or visit away. Ready to start strong? Let’s build something great together!