9 TED Talks Every College Grad Needs to Hear on Life, Money, and Career Success

Whether you’re graduating high school, with a bachelors, or a masters you’re set free. You’ve finally reached your biggest educational goal and are ready to take the world by storm. A gap year may be top of mind, or you may be ready to take over the corporate world. Even though you may be ready to hit the ground running, there are some hard questions you may need to ask yourself. 

Turns out, you may not have learned daily life lessons in school. You may be wondering how to find a budget that works for you, or how to start investing. Staying in your school town may not be your best interest either. Whether you’re wanting to move across the country, or settle back into your home town, it’s time to set a budget that works best for you and your future. 

There are some lessons that could get you ahead of the game. From learning how to break bad habits and create healthy good ones to putting your financial fears to rest. If you’re ready to get ahead of the game and learn what you can before you jump into life post-college, Mint created an infographic with nine of the best TED Talks life takeaways. 

4 Budgeting Tips for Couples to Build their Relationship

Whether you’re still in the honeymoon phase or have been together for ten years, all couples can
benefit from communication. Being together means spending a lot of time together, which can also
mean spending money together. The truth is that money issues can cause a lot of conflict in any
relationship, whether it’s a family member, friend or spouse. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to
build a strong relationship together that can help you avoid money problems. 

Like with anything, being open and honest is always the best policy. If you try to avoid discussing
bills or money with your partner, it’s time to sit down and have a “money talk” together. There are
some fabulous free printable budget templates (created by Self Lender) to help ease into the
conversation and set your relationship up for success. Make it a date night and have fun with the
questions about childhood, memories, goals, and aspirations. You might be surprised to find that
digging deeper can help grow you closer. 

1. Have a ‘Money Talk’ Together

These money conversation starters are meant to give you a better understanding of the role
finances will play in your relationship and future. You don’t necessarily have to agree on every
stance, but knowing your partner’s view will help you work together. 

• What’s more important: liking your job or making a lot of money?
• Do you want kids someday?
• When would you like to buy a house (or not)?
• What’s the next big purchase you want to make?

2. Set Some Financial Goals Together

Goal planning is a common practice but have you ever sat down to list out financial goals? These
sleek templates can help inspire you to save more, make more, spend less, or grow your credit to
increase your financial stability. These could be anything related to your lifestyle or budget. Are you
saving up for a vacation? Do you want to reach a certain amount of savings? Are you working
toward a promotion? 

3. Budget As A Couple

Even if you have separate personal budgets, taking time to sit down together and make a habit
of accountability and responsible spending. If you split expenses, budgeting together is the best
way to make sure your beliefs align. 

4. Stick to Your Budget

Budgets can be flexible, believe it or not. There will be times that unexpected expenses that come
along. The best way to react is with flexibility. Work with each other and learn what helps and what
doesn’t. Use a calendar to help keep track of expenses and income to always be on top of your
finances. 

No one said budgeting is easy and it definitely gets more complicated with two people in the
picture. Be open, trust each other, and communicate with each other to build a financial foundation
that sets you up for a happy future together.

Money Management for Kids

It’s never a bad idea to introduce your child to the concept of money, as the younger that you instill basic concepts like saving and the value of work and managing their finances the more you can ensure lifelong financial success and stability.

There are a few important things to remember when it comes to teaching your children. It’s a good idea to start with the basics, like recognizing each coin and their value. Focus on teaching your young child how to recognize coin and bill denominations, and the basics of purchasing.

To help your child understand the concept of earning money, give them an allowance for the chores they complete and keep track of what they earn on a sheet of paper. But don’t forget to teach them about how to save and decide on what to purchase with this money. The most important financial lesson they can learn will be to prioritize their purchases and practice patience.

Check out these printables created by Self Lender to help you teach your child the skills they need for financial success. The printable money games like the “coin game” will make it simple to teach your children about coin denominations and making purchases.