TD survey finds recent working post-secondary
graduates are anxious or overwhelmed about living with their
new financial reality
TORONTO, May 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Graduation is an
exciting time but it can also bring high financial expectations
that don't always match reality. A competitive job market,
lower-than-anticipated income and higher-than-expected costs are
just some of the realities facing post-secondary graduates, leaving
many with a negative "grad-itude". A TD survey found that the top
financial pressures facing recent working post-secondary graduates
are desires to become financially independent (52 per cent), to
save money so they can live on their own (39 per cent) and concern
over re-payment of their student debt (23 per cent). In addition,
60 per cent often felt guilty spending money on things they wanted
versus using the money for other financial commitments, such as
debt repayment, when they first started working.
"Today's graduates are ambitious and motivated, but the
realities of the job market can lead to feelings of financial
pressure and guilt when they're unable to afford many of the things
they want," said Sue MacDonald,
Associate Vice President of Everyday Banking Products at TD Bank
Group. "Setting realistic and manageable goals and seeking advice
from a trusted source such as a financial advisor is key to
tackling new financial realities and starting off on the right
financial foot."
One of the biggest challenges for new graduates is the fact that
two in five (41 per cent) found that it took up to one year to find
a job. Once employed, 41 per cent say they earned less than they
had anticipated, with many facing unexpected expenses, such as
transportation or commuting (33 per cent), meals (25 per cent) and
buying a work-appropriate wardrobe (23 per cent). It's hardly
surprising then, that almost half (47 per cent) of recent graduates
say they feel anxious or overwhelmed at having to manage their
finances on their own.
TD offers the following advice to help graduates reduce stress
and still be able to have some fun as they transition to the next
phase of life:
Make a plan: What are your short- and long-term financial
goals? These can include paying down debt, such as student or
personal loans, saving enough money to get a place of your own, or
building up a nest egg so you feel financially independent. Decide
what's most important to you and build a plan and speak to a
financial advisor at your local branch who can help you with a
strategy to achieve your goals.
Set and stick to a budget: Living within your means is
always important, especially when discovering new financial
realities of post-student life. Remember, you'll no longer be
eligible for student discounts on things like transit passes,
memberships or bank accounts. Setting and sticking to a budget and
really asking yourself what is essential – like rent and debt
repayment – versus what is a want – like travel or a new car – will
help keep you on track. Once your budget is set, remember to track
your spending. Money management apps, like the TD MySpend app, can
be helpful tools since they help keep TD customers aware of certain
types of transactions on eligible TD accounts and credit cards, and
also provides notifications of spend transactions in
real-time to help stay on budget.
Look for fun ways to save: Now that you're earning an
income, it's an ideal time to establish new financial habits to
help you save extra money that will help you reach your long term
financial goals. When it comes to creative ways to stretch your
dollar, below is some food for thought:
- Plan and prep your meals for the week to reduce the temptation
of eating out, or try creating your favourite restaurant's dishes
at home
- Go for a coffee date instead of dinner or drinks
- Sign up for an old-fashioned library card instead of buying
books; most libraries also have apps for digital book rentals
- Fake it till you make it by buying gently used or vintage
clothing instead of expensive designer outfits
- Work part-time at a gym or fitness studio in exchange for free
classes
- Rent a car only when you need it instead of leasing or buying
one
- Keep living like a student and save the rest of your money; if
you didn't need the lavish lifestyle before, there's no reason to
start it now
Don't try and keep up with others: Everyone's financial
reality is different. Avoid trying to keep up with friends or
colleagues who may be posting their lavish lifestyles on social
media. It's important to know how much discretionary spending you
can afford based on your own situation, rather than trying to keep
up with everyone else.
For more information, please visit
www.tdcanadatrust.com.
About the TD Graduates and Finances Survey
TD Bank
Group commissioned Environics Research to conduct a custom survey
of 6,020 Canadians aged 18 and older. Responses were collected
between February 9 and 16, 2017. The
results cited in this release are based on the responses from 4,135
graduates of post-secondary studies who found a job after
graduation, 704 of those who are considered recent graduates (Class
of 2012 – 2016).
About TD Canada Trust
TD Canada Trust offers personal
and business banking to more than 11.5 million customers. We
provide a wide range of products and services from chequing and
savings accounts, to credit cards, mortgages and business banking,
to credit protection and travel medical insurance, as well as
advice on managing everyday finances. TD Canada Trust makes banking
comfortable with award-winning service and convenience through 24/7
mobile, internet, telephone and ATM banking, as well as in over
1,100 branches, with convenient hours to serve customers better.
For more information, please visit: tdcanadatrust.com. TD Canada
Trust is the Canadian retail bank of TD Bank Group, the sixth
largest bank in North America.
Mutual Funds Representatives with TD Investment Services Inc.
distribute mutual funds at TD Canada Trust.
SOURCE TD Canada Trust