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RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

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Build Your Safety Net!

As you step into the workforce, one of the most important financial goals you can set is building an emergency fund.

This safety net will help you manage unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical bills, or even job loss, allowing you to navigate your early career with more confidence and less stress.

So, how much should you aim to save?

• A good starting point is to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

• Take a close look at your monthly costs, including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation.

• Consider your unique situation — like how stable your job is or any upcoming expenses — to figure out what feels right for you.

To kick off your emergency fund, try setting aside a small, manageable amount each month. Here are some actionable steps to get you started:

1. Set a Savings Goal: Determine how much you need to save for your emergency fund and set a specific target. This gives you something concrete to work towards.

2. Create a Budget: Review your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back. Redirect that extra money into your emergency fund.

3. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account right after you get paid. This way, you won’t have to think about it — your savings will grow without you even noticing.

4. Celebrate Small Wins: Each time you reach a milestone, whether it’s saving your first $500 or hitting that first month of three-month expenses saved, take a moment to acknowledge your progress and even celebrate with a splurge! It’s all about building good habits!

Why does it matter? Having an emergency fund not only gives you financial security but also peace of mind. When you know you have a cushion for life's little surprises, you can focus on what really matters — your career and personal growth. Start today to build a stable foundation for your future!

Self-Service Expectations

There’s a noticeable gap in customer service expectations between generations, with Gen Z being the most comfortable with self-service options, according to recent reporting by Forbes.

HubSpot found that 60% of Gen Z prefers self-service, with most expecting rapid responses as well. Unlike older generations, who often prefer talking directly with customer service representatives, young people are known to value efficiency and quick solutions.

Growing up with technology, many find it more convenient to resolve issues on their own, much like using an ATM for cash. This desire for independence in customer support reflects their comfort with navigating digital tools and platforms.

This shift towards self-service will likely change customer support experiences as businesses shift to evolving preferences.

Juul Payouts Surprise

If you filed a claim in the Juul class-action lawsuit, you may have been surprised recently when payments began to arrive. On October 21, many recent grads found unexpected cash in their accounts, with some receiving amounts of nearly $3,500, according to reports from The Independent.

TikTok has been buzzing with users sharing their own payouts, with playful disbelief in the comments:

• “I also got [$3,000] and fell to my knees!”

• “I don’t even remember filing and got $6,000!”

• “I woke up to $1,600 — how do we all have different amounts?!”

The $300 million settlement results from claims that Juul and its major stakeholder, Altria, misled consumers about their products’ addictive nature, especially among teens.

Both companies deny wrongdoing but agreed to settle, leading to these unexpected payouts.

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