About Us

Learn More

Resources

Learn More

Podcast

Learn More

The Currency of Time Book

Learn More

Contact Us

Say Hello
Frequently Asked Questions Confidential Questionaire Client Access
 
 
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Podcast
  • Book
  • Social Media
  • Client Access
  • Contact Us

Meet the Team

Learn More

Holisitic Wealth Management

Learn More

Advisor Succession – Join Our Team

Learn More

Blog: Retire While You Work®

Learn More

Video Library

Learn More

In The Community

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More

Client Testimonials

Learn More

New Client Questionaire

Learn More

Retire While You Work® Podcast

Join us as we discuss various topics to help you find the path to viewing money as a means to the true currency, TIME, and learn how to build more memories and experiences.

View All Episodes

THE CURRENCY
OF TIME

What if you could do what you're passionate about and achieve a work-life balance? What if you were relieved of the pressure to have some massive amount saved?

Learn More

Follow Us On

Contact Us

2905 12th Ave South, #108
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: (615) 435-3644
Say Hello
Frequestly Asked Questions
New Client Questionaire

Financial Tips for New Graduates

There is no better feeling than officially completing school. I finished my master’s degree and my CPA exams a few summers ago and thought to myself, “I can’t believe I never have to take another test again!” Little did I know, I would transition to the financial planning industry and have the SIE, Series 7/66 exams, the CFP® professional exam, and insurance exams waiting for me… ha! But for most, the end of college marks the beginning of a new stage in life: beginning a career and building the financial foundation you will have the remainder of your life. Let’s review a few decisions you can make now that can have a positive impact on your finances for the rest of your life!

  • Live on less than you make, starting now – This is one of the most important, foundational aspects of good stewardship over your finances. If you come out of school, making $50,000/year and can live off $40,000 or $45,000 while saving the rest, then you are building habitual practices that will carry forward. If you can build the discipline to live off less than you make now, then when your income is higher, it will be easier to save that money. I often hear “I’ll save money once I make more,” but it’s easier said than done. Building good financial habits starts now!
  • Save money – Once you get the first principle down, you will be able to save money easily. When you are living off less than you make, the surplus you have each month can easily be saved. What’s the best practice to make this happen? At the start of every month, pay yourself first. What this means is, transfer money into savings and then work the rest of your budget for the month. This way, you have your savings taken care of, and you can freely spend the remainder of your income the rest of the month.
  • If you have student loans, develop a plan to pay them off – Student loans are a big issue in this country, there’s no denying that. They’re hanging over the heads of so many graduating students. So, if you have student loans, at least work on a plan to pay them off over a certain amount of time and stick to it! Pay off your highest interest rate loans first and work your way down the list. If you have an employer that has agreed to pay them off after a certain number of years working, that potentially changes the situation. Have a detailed discussion with someone on our team and we can walk through what’s best!
  • If your employer offers a 401(k) with a match, TAKE IT – Seriously, it’s free money. Most employers offer a match (g., if you put 3% of your paycheck in your 401(k), your employer matches your contribution). Even if you don’t plan on staying at your employer forever, still take it. It’s a 100% rate of return. You put in $10, you get $20, instantly doubling your money. There’s not a single investment product out there that can offer the same type of returns.
  • Begin building your credit with a starter credit card – There’s no hiding the fact that the entire world revolves around credit. Can misuse of credit cards come back to bite you? You bet. But credit cards are an excellent way to start building your credit and eventually build up nice rewards. I personally opened a student credit card while I was in school and all I put on it was gas each month, a couple hundred dollars, and then immediately paid it off. It’s a great way to responsibly build your credit!

These are some of the most foundational practices I can think of for those starting life after school. None of the above are a way to “get rich quick,” but they all build upon one another and can lead to financial success throughout your life if you stick with it. Of course, we would be happy to help you walk through any of the above, so please reach out.

Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss regardless of strategy selected. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Recent Posts

  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Retire While You Work

Spring 2025 Newsletter

Read More
  • Retire While You Work

Spring Clean Your Finances: A Mid-Year Money Check-In

Read More
  • Retire While You Work

How to Go on Offense During Market Volatility

Read More
  • Retire While You Work

Staying the course through the headlines

Read More

Archives

  • June 2025 (2)
  • May 2025 (7)
  • April 2025 (7)
  • March 2025 (10)
  • February 2025 (5)
  • January 2025 (6)
  • December 2024 (6)
  • November 2024 (5)
  • October 2024 (2)
  • September 2024 (6)
  • August 2024 (5)
  • July 2024 (5)
  • Nashville Location:
    2905 12th Ave South, #108
    Nashville, TN 37204
    Phone: (615) 435-3644
    Murfreesboro Location:
    1639 Medical Center Pkwy,
    Floor 4,
    Murfreesboro, TN 37129
    Schedule Appointment
    Murfreesboro Location:
    1639 Medical Center Pkwy,
    Floor 4,
    Murfreesboro, TN 37129

    Adams Wealth Partners, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

    Neither Raymond James Financial Services nor any Raymond James Financial Advisor renders advice on tax issues, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional.

    Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.

    The running stock ticker is not a recommendation to buy or sell stocks of the companies pictured.

    Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, marketed as Adams Wealth Partners. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.Adams Wealth Partners is separately owned and operated and not independently registered as a broker-dealer or investment adviser.

    Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP® holders at Adams Wealth Partners, LLC are: David Adams, Myles Zueger, Carson Odom, and Spencer Provow

    CPA holders at Adams Wealth Partners, LLC are: David Adams, Carson Odom, and Christine Kinsley

    Please note that all archived content is for informational purposes only. Investment decisions should not be based on the content provided herein. For the most up-to- date statistical information and analysis, please contact your financial professional.

    Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.

    The 2024 Forbes ranking of America’s Top Wealth Management Teams Best-In-State, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 3/31/2022 to 3/31/2023 and was released on 01/09/2024. Advisor teams that are considered must have one advisor with a minimum of seven years of experience, have been in existence as a team for at least one year, have at least 5 team members, and have been nominated by their firm. The algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 10,100 team nominations, 4,100 advisor teams received the award based on thresholds. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/ for more info.

    Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors 2023, is based on the period from 09/30/2021 - 09/30/2022 and was released on 03/15/2023. 5630 nominations were received and 1,200 won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More:https://www.raymondjames.com/award-disclosures/#2023-barrons-top-1200

    Please note that all archived content is for informational purposes only. Investment decisions should not be based on the content provided herein. For the most up-to- date statistical information and analysis, please contact your financial professional.

    Raymond James is not affiliation and does not endorse the above-mentioned organizations.

    Nashville Wealth Management & Financial Advisors | David Adams CPA, CFP® | Copyright © 2024 | Privacy Notice | Legal Disclosure

    brokercheck_external
    • About Us
    • Resources
    • Podcast
    • Book
    • Contact Us