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!

Budget Smart, Live Well!

Starting your first job is a thrilling experience, but it can also bring some financial challenges.

Learning to budget effectively is the key. It not only helps you save more, but it also takes the stress out of paying for things. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Set Clear Financial Goals: Begin by identifying your financial priorities. Use a tool like Google Sheets to map out your budget and then do this:

1. Tackle high-interest debt: Focus first on paying off high-interest debts, like credit cards. At the same time, continue making monthly payments on student loans to keep them manageable.

2. Build an emergency fund: Once your high-interest debt is under control, start setting aside money for an emergency fund to handle any unexpected expenses.

3. Save for discretionary goals: Finally, begin saving for things like that dream vacation or that new TV you’ve been eyeing.

Open a High-Interest Savings Account: Consider opening a high-interest savings account with a bank like Ally or Marcus by Goldman Sachs. They typically offer much better interest rates than traditional banks, allowing your money to grow faster. Aim to save at least 20% of your income each month and place them in one of these banks.

Review and Adjust Monthly: At the end of each month, take a moment to reflect on your spending. Identify areas where you can cut back, perhaps swap that daily coffee shop visit for home brew. Use the savings to boost your emergency fund or further pay down debt.

By following these steps, you can create a budget that works for you, which will set you up for long-term financial success. Remember, budgeting isn't about depriving yourself, it's about understanding where the money is going!

Young Leaders Rise

A notable trend is emerging among young professionals: they want to take on leadership roles early in their careers.

Many are eager to step up, particularly those who have navigated challenging paths. This drive to lead is changing how organizations view entry-level roles and talent development, as reported by Fortune.

To nurture this ambition, programs are being developed that connect new graduates with coaches who guide them through the career landscape. These relationships cultivate a strong sense of community — similar to what we have at RoadMap (shameless plug alert! 🚨) — which promotes growth and collaboration. This approach both supports young professionals and empowers them to build leadership skills.

However, trust between employers and young professionals is vital. Many are willing to start at the bottom but expect clear communication about career paths and opportunities. It’s becoming clear that companies that are transparent are more likely to earn loyalty.

Swsh: ‘Clean’ Photos

A new photo app called Swsh is aims to make content sharing and maintaining a “clean” online presence simpler than ever. With innovative features designed to help users curate a polished online image, the app is already turning heads on social media, according to PetaPixel.

Swsh's AI-powered tools can automatically filter out photos containing alcohol and use facial recognition for seamless tagging, making it easier to find and share your favorite moments without the hassle of endless scrolling.

Addressing the growing demand for a tidy digital footprint among young people, Swsh also simplifies the process of sharing event photos with friends. The app's founders emphasize that this streamlined experience is at the core of what they aim to provide.

Having raised $2.4 million in funding, Swsh has gained early traction, though it faces competition from rivals like Dispo and Lapse. By targeting college students and recent grads, the company hopes to become the go-to platform for those who want to capture and share life’s moments while keeping their online presence squeaky clean. 🧽

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