Welcome to RoadMap!

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

Discover how RoadMap can help you navigate your ideal career path by visiting our website today!

Maximize Your Paycheck!

You worked hard for that paycheck—now it’s time to make it work for you. Whether you’re saving for a dream trip, building your first emergency fund, or just trying to stretch those dollars between paydays, we’ve got you covered. From snagging free money to turning coffee runs into investments with round-up apps, these hacks are simple, smart, and savvy ways to save.

1. Get Every Dollar of Employer Matching

If your employer offers a 401(k) match, it’s free money—don’t leave it on the table! For example, if they match 100% of your contributions up to 3% of your salary and you earn $40,000, contributing $1,200 gets you an extra $1,200. That’s a $2,400 boost to your retirement fund annually. Check with HR to ensure you’re contributing enough to get the full match.

2. Earn Cash Back on Everyday Purchases

Apps like Rakuten or Ibotta give you cash back for buying things you already need—groceries, clothes, even flights. Install the app on your browser, and it will automatically check websites for potential savings.

3. Max Out Rewards Cards

Use a credit card that aligns with your spending habits. For dining out, try Capital One Savor for unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants. For everyday purchases, Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on rotating categories. Always pay off your balance monthly to avoid interest charges.

4. Save Automatically with Round-Up Apps

Apps like Acorns or Qoins round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the spare change. For example, buy a coffee for $3.50, and $0.50 gets invested. Over a year, those small amounts can grow into hundreds of dollars.

Start Your Side Hustle

Why climb the corporate ladder when you can go viral instead? Many young workers are rewriting the rules of work by turning to digital side hustles for income and freedom. A recent Credit Karma survey found that 45% identify as digital hustlers, with nearly half earning more from online gigs than traditional jobs—and 13% are pulling six figures.

This generation isn’t just chasing trends—they’re avoiding the pitfalls of past generations. After watching their parents struggle through layoffs and debt, many see 9-to-5 jobs as unstable. They’re embracing multiple income streams, using tools like TikTok, Instagram, and round-up apps to diversify.

But digital entrepreneurship isn’t all glamour. Success requires patience, adaptability, and staying ahead of algorithm changes. Consistency and business savvy are key to long-term goals. Monetizing content can include affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling products through platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Tools like Canva or CapCut make creating professional content accessible to beginners.

Cash App Payouts

If you’ve used Cash App in the last six years, you could get a piece of a $15 million class-action settlement. But hurry—claims are due by tomorrow!

The lawsuit claims Cash App and its parent company, Block Inc., were negligent in protecting user data. That led to account hacks, unauthorized transfers, and unresolved errors in 2022 and 2023. If your account was accessed without permission, funds went missing, or you had issues with your Cash App or Cash App account between August 23, 2018, and August 2024, you might be eligible for compensation.

Payouts could go up to $2,500 if you’ve got proof of losses like stolen funds or credit monitoring costs. You can also claim $25 per hour for up to three hours of lost time dealing with the fallout. Filing is easy, but don’t wait—claims are due by November 18, 2024, at 10:59 p.m. PT. Submit online with documentation of your losses.

The final approval hearing is set for December 16, 2024, and payments will roll out after that. Don’t leave money on the table—check your eligibility and file ASAP to claim what’s yours.