“Learn to live within your means right out of the gate.” – Manisha Thakor, CFA

Manisha has an MBA from Harvard and serves as a Financial Fellow at Wellesley College. She runs MoneyZen Wealth Management, and has a financial blog geared toward helping women master their finances

“How we handle our money early in life can impact us in future years- for example, young adults who rely on credit may find themselves continuing this pattern throughout life and consumed with debt.” –Kimberly Foss, CFP, CPWA

Kimberly Foss is the founder and president of Empyrion Wealth Management Inc. She is passionate about working with women in transition (widows, divorcees) as well as small-business owners, pre-retirees, retirees, Generation X and Y, and all the people in between.

“If Gen Y expects a similar lifestyle to their parents, they need to be consciously tackling their debt, managing spending habits and preparing for their financial future.” –Andy Josuweit,

Andy Josuweit is the CEO of Student Loan Hero, which helps students to organize, manage, and repay their student loans.

“Did you know that one of the biggest barriers to financial success is organization? That’s right, it’s that simple.” –Kimberly Palmer

Palmer’s Planners is a series of financially-themed planners to help you navigate life events and goals. Kimberly writes books, columns, and blogs; you can sign up to receive her newsletter too.

“Concentrate more on saving than investing. It’s a lot easier to save your way into a secure future than to invest your way there.” –Tom Brakke, CFA

A consultant, writer, and investment advisor, Tom specializes in investment policy strategy.

“From Day One, it is crucial to set aside some portion of each paycheck toward a retirement account.” –Rafael Pardo

Raphael is a professor of Law at Emory University and specializes in bankruptcy and commercial law.

“My advice today to young graduates and those beginning their careers is slightly more complex. Two words: ‘Human Capital.’ We usually think that wealth is built through money management, but just as important is the management of another sort of capital- namely, the education, training, skills and experience that an individual brings to the workplace. These resources require investment, monitoring, rebalancing and diversification throughout one’s life to produce the highest possible risk-adjusted returns.” –Eleanor Blayney, CFP

Eleanor is a Consumer Advocate and helps consumers take control of their personal finances.

“It’s better to save a minimal amount than not to save anything.” –Charles Rotblut, CFA

Charles is a writer, editor, and speaker. He is the vice president of the American Association of Individual Investors and authors a weekly Investor e-newsletter.

“Nothing helps you sleep better at night than knowing you have money tucked away for a rainy day… The best way to get this habit started is by having money directly deposited from your paycheck into a dedicated savings account.” –Greg McBride, CFA

Greg McBride is a senior financial analyst and vice president at Bankrate.com. He is known for both in-depth commentary and practical advice for consumers.

“You should be laser focused on getting rid of any student loans or credit cards. Start an aggressive debt payoff schedule. Debt is your enemy, so don’t get comfortable with holding on to debt.” –Michelle Perry Higgins

Michelle is a financial planner who specializes in wealth management. She is also a mentor to college students entering the financial planning profession.

 

Bio: My name is Kevin Watts and like millions of people I am in student debt. I have created Graduating From Debt, a site aimed to help people, as well myself get out of debt, gain financial freedom and ultimately make money work for you.