{"id":1701,"date":"2025-04-11T07:49:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T11:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/?p=1701"},"modified":"2025-04-11T07:49:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T11:49:44","slug":"your-money-your-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/your-money-your-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Money, Your Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A
Forsyth Central High School held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Photos courtesy of Bowen Photography, Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Roshan Ramlal, FACS Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we enter graduation season, thousands of recent grads will enter the workforce. High school students from the eight high schools throughout Forsyth County and college graduates, both local and out-of-state, will collect their very first paycheck through summer jobs, paid internships or full-time employment. College graduates will be eager to find the fastest track to building wealth, having financial security and achieving financial independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial literacy provides new income earners with fundamental knowledge to be able to manage their money and spend wisely. It is important to begin to understand and practice good financial habits with that first paycheck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Photo of digital piggybank on Unsplash.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cost of Living in Forsyth County<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost of living in Forsyth County is 21.9 higher than the national average and 29% higher than the average in Georgia. For a single person, it is 3.5% less expensive than the national average ($4,600\/month) for total of $55,200 for the year to live in this county. Financial literacy, tips and tools will help Forsyth County residents thrive by enabling them to make better, informed decisions about their future on how to live, work, travel, and have fun without breaking the bank and going into unnecessary debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Save, Save, Save<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saving is a habit, a financial muscle we should use daily. It is not too late to set reasonable goals for 2025 savings. Remember to save first, not last<\/strong>. As soon as you get paid or receive cash as a graduation gift, birthday, or allowance, put it into your savings bucket. Track your spending and your savings<\/strong>. It is a well-known fact that people who track their spending early, find they spend less and save more. Look for deals.<\/strong> When you do spend money, shop around for the best price. Don\u2019t get caught up in the brand names<\/strong> at the stores- find the price tags. Ask questions<\/strong>. Use ChatGPT<\/strong> as a tool to do your research, get questions answered and find local trusted resources. Reach out to local certified financial planners and advisors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No More Ramen: Your Guide to Smart Spending<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now is the time to understand the basics of personal finances. To get started, track your spending using apps like Mint<\/a>, YNAB<\/a>, or even just a simple spreadsheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n