Are you graduating in a couple of months? Are you experiencing a lot of stress about what your life will look like? Are you overwhelmed with all the additional expenses and financial responsibilities you may experience after college? Below are some questions you can think about as you begin to plan for life after college.

Please note that I am not listing these questions to freak you out, but as a way to encourage you to start thinking about the future now, before you graduate with no plan. And the best part, if you start to think through some of these questions now, you can do it alongside a NEXUS coach!

Living: Where are you going to live? Are you going to move back in with your parents? Are you going to rent an apartment? Will you have roommates? Another thing to consider if renting is you will have utilities and electricity to pay for as well.

Location: What is the average cost of living in the location you plan to move to? The cost of living affects everything from gas, food, rent, clothing, etc… Can you afford to live in a more expensive area or city?

Food: How much do you expect to spend on groceries every month? How often do you plan on eating out?

Debt: Will you have any debt when you graduate? How much? Will you be able to maintain debt payments with a significant increase in other expenses?

Transportation: What will your transportation needs look like? Do you already have a reliable car? Will you need to purchase a new car in the near future? Are you moving to a location where owning a car is not necessary? Do you have a longer commute? Will you be able to afford the gas for the commute?

Income: Will you have a job when you graduate? What will your income be? Will you be able to cover all your expenses?

Insurance: Does your employer offer medical, dental, and/or vision insurance? Will you still be on your parents’ insurance? Will your parents ask you to chip in for the insurance costs?

Finances: How are your finances at this moment? How will you have to pivot the management of your finances after college? Will you be able to cover all of the necessary expenses when you graduate? (such as 1-2 months rent, kitchen supplies, loan payment amount, etc). Are you confident with your current finances to be able to manage additional financial responsibility?

Hopefully these questions are helpful as you plan for after college. And while it will likely cause some anxiety to think through these questions now, in the long run, it will lessen the anxiety as you can be confident with your choices upon graduation. If you would like someone else to help you plan for after college, schedule a free appointment with a NEXUS coach today!