💰 Graduation Money: A Beautiful, Stressful Gift
You tossed the cap, hugged your grandma, and opened that last card from your great-aunt Carol — the one with the surprisingly generous $100 bill in it. You’ve officially joined the elite class of recent high school graduates flush with crisp bills and zero game plan.
So… what now?
If you’re headed to college in the fall, your graduation money is more than just a short-lived flex — it can actually set you up for an easier, smoother, and slightly more fun transition into dorm life (if you play your cards right).
🎯 The 3-Bucket Rule: Save, Spend, Blow (Responsibly)
Let’s be real — you’re going to spend some of it. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be smart about how you slice up your graduation gravy train.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Bucket | % Recommendation | What It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| 💼 Save | 50% | Emergency fund, future expenses, or investing |
| 🎒 Spend (Wisely) | 40% | Dorm gear, college essentials, tech upgrades |
| 🍕 Blow (With Joy) | 10% | Something fun — because you earned it |
💼 What to Save for College (Even If It’s Boring)
You don’t need to funnel your entire grad gift stash into a Roth IRA (although, uh, that wouldn’t be the worst idea). But it is smart to set some cash aside for things you’ll inevitably need when college hits hard.
Emergency Fund
College = unexpected expenses. Think: surprise fees, Uber rides when the bus ghosted you, or needing a new phone charger every three weeks. Stick $100–$200 into a separate bank account and promise not to touch it unless it’s an actual emergency (no, midnight tacos do not count).
Textbooks & Supplies
While many parents cover tuition and dorm basics, textbooks and academic supplies often fall in that gray area of “Oops, we forgot to budget for this.” They can run $300–$600+ per semester.
💡 Coach’s Tip: Consider using graduation money to buy an iPad or tablet for note-taking, textbooks, and productivity. It’s a splurge and a smart long-term move.
👉 Shop affordable iPads on Amazon
Future Travel
If you’re moving out of state, you might need to fly back for holidays or emergencies. Bank a little now for later, even if it feels premature.
🎒 Smart Things to Spend Graduation Money On
You’ll hear this a lot: “Let us buy the necessities, and use your grad money for the extras.” Translation: your parents will cover the basics — maybe a dorm mattress topper or a shower caddy — but you’re on your own for the stuff that makes college livable.
Let’s fix that:
1. A Real Fan (Because Dorms Are Saunas)
If you read our Friday the 13th post, you already know: dorm rooms are brutally hot, and AC is a myth.
💨 Fan to Buy: Woozoo Tower Fan — quiet, powerful, and stylish enough to flex on your floormates.
2. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Dorms are loud. Whether it’s your roommate watching TikToks at full volume or the guy down the hall practicing ukulele at midnight, peace and quiet is worth every penny.
🎧 Shop top-rated noise-canceling headphones on Amazon
3. LED Lights (But Make Them Cool)
Yes, they’re borderline cliché. But customizable LED strips can transform a bland dorm room into your personal sanctuary.
🌈 Get these budget-friendly LED lights
4. Under-Bed Storage
Dorm closets are a joke. You’ll need somewhere to stash your shoes, snacks, and suspiciously large collection of hoodies.
🧺 Check out these genius under-bed bins
5. Mini Keurig or Coffee Setup
If you’re caffeine-dependent (hi, welcome to college), a compact coffee maker saves money and sanity.
☕ Shop student-sized Keurig machines
🍕 What You’re Allowed to Blow Your Money On
Not everything has to be logical. You just graduated. You deserve to blow a little cash on something fun — without guilt.
Here are a few Coach-approved splurges:
- A weekend trip with friends before move-in
- A new pair of sneakers you’ve been eyeing
- Custom dorm decor (like a neon sign or framed art)
- A ridiculous, oversized hoodie blanket for late-night study sessions
- An emotional support stuffed animal. You’ll thank yourself later.
🚫 What NOT to Waste It On
Just because you’re rolling in gift cards and twenties doesn’t mean it’s all free game. Here are some common traps:
- A new gaming console (yet) — wait until you see what your roommate has
- Too many clothes — you’ll end up living in sweats anyway
- Expensive cookware — most dorms ban hot plates and anything with a coil
- Decor that takes up floor space — think vertical, foldable, compact
🧠 Bonus: Start Thinking Long-Term
If you’re feeling financially responsible (who even are you?), consider putting $100–$300 into a high-yield savings account, or even start a Roth IRA if you have earned income from a job.
You can also look into budgeting apps like YNAB, Mint, or Rocket Money to help you track your spending once the semester starts.
🎓 Final Thoughts: Spend Like a Smart Freshman
Graduation money is the ultimate mix of freedom and pressure. It’s tempting to go all out and spend it in a week — but with a little strategy, you can turn those cards full of cash into a college setup that actually supports you.
So stash some, shop wisely, blow a little — and show up to campus feeling like you’ve already got the upper hand.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab that fan. You’ll thank us later.