What's the Best Gift You Can Give a High School Graduate?

It's graduation season. Graduation parties are being hosted by proud families everywhere. Our children's accomplishments are being celebrated.

I don't know anyone that isn't happy or doesn't have high hopes for a graduate. Especially high school graduates. Their future just seems brightest at this point. So much of life is yet to come. So much fun. So many opportunities, experiences, and successes lie before them.

Is it any wonder then that high school graduates are quizzed a lot about their future? Planning more schooling? Looking for a job? No matter their choice, think what can lie before them in the coming months and over the next few years.

If a graduate chooses to forego more schooling, they'll probably be looking for employment soon or continuing a job they already hold. Some may have the option of living at home for awhile. Others will be looking to rent their own apartment. But no matter their choice, they'll be facing decisions on credit, utility accounts, checking/savings, car payments, rent, budgeting of living expenses or more on a daily basis.

For those attending college or trade schools, Student Loans or other sources of borrowing may be in the mix. Credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, cash, expenditures, utilities, budgeting, entertainment expenses, and so much more ... all will demand decisions from them. And many will become decision-makers for the first time in their lives.

As a Mortgage Lender, I can tell you from 36 years of experience, high school students should be getting asked questions, given opportunities to ask questions, and provided learning opportunities regarding money, financial goals, and the topic of credit far in advance of their graduation.

I can't tell you how many clients I've worked with over the years where the money and credit problems they suffer started soon after high school graduation.

• Bad credit decisions were made at college
• Bad financial decisions made after moving out
• Poor financial habits established
• No concept of budgeting or savings
• No understanding of credit
• Not to mention Student Loans!

Parents and guardians need to have multiple and ongoing discussions about financial issues with their children. They should be candid about the pros, cons, and ramifications of their own money management skills. And they should guide and assist their children in establishing good financial habits and goals as they enter the next phase of their life. (I firmly believe too, that every high school should offer classes about money, credit, finances, savings, budgeting, and borrowing.)

What's the best gift you can give a high school graduate? The gift of knowledge ... and the "tools" to make sound financial decisions to better avoid serious credit and debt mistakes in the future. We must see to it that our children are well-educated in these matters. That way they are equipped to become strong guardians of their own financial futures.

Now more than ever, it's definitely needed ...

* Have financial, credit, or mortgage questions? Hoping to Buy a Home or Refinance in New Lenox, Will/DuPage County, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland region? Contact me today! I'll be happy to put my 36+ years of mortgage and financial experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
I can be easily found through any of the following:
Direct: 815.524.2280
Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

www.genemundt.com
Get a FREE Consultation
eFax: 815.524.2281 Skype: 630.219.1316
You are Invited to Follow Me through most major Social Media
Ready to Apply for Your Mortgage?