Laying the Foundation for Financial Success After Graduation

Graduation marks an exciting transition, but it also brings a new level of financial responsibility. Whether you’re stepping into your first job or continuing your education, this is a pivotal time to start building fundamental financial habits that will serve you for years to come. We are here to walk alongside you to help create confident, intentional financial paths from the very beginning.

1. Build a Realistic Budget
   The first step to financial stability is understanding your income and expenses. Set up a simple monthly budget that includes debt payments, savings, and essentials such as rent, groceries, and transportation. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track spending and identify areas where you can cut back. Sticking to a budget helps avoid unnecessary debt and forms a habit of intentional money management.

2. Understand and Manage Student Loans
   If you’ve taken on student loans, now is the time to understand your repayment options. Make sure to know your loan types, grace periods, interest rates, and payment due dates. Consider income-driven repayment plans if you’re starting out on a lower salary and set up auto-pay to avoid late fees and potentially lower your interest rate. When possible, paying more than the minimum can shorten your loan term and save money over time.

3. Start Saving—Even in Small Amounts
   Saving might seem daunting with entry-level income, but starting small can still make a difference. Set up an emergency fund with at least $500–$1,000 as a buffer against unexpected expenses. Once that’s in place, consider opening a Roth IRA. Even small monthly contributions may grow over time, and the potential for tax-free withdrawals in retirement can offer added benefits.

4. Build Credit Responsibly
   Good credit is essential for future financial opportunities like buying a home. Use a credit card for small purchases you can afford to pay off each month and never carry a balance you can’t repay. Monitoring your credit score and using credit responsibly can build a strong credit profile over time.

5. Seek Guidance Early
   It’s never too early to build a relationship with a financial advisor. At BCA Private Wealth, we offer financial planning support for young professionals and adult children of current clients who are looking to establish long-term financial habits with confidence.

If your children or grandchildren are graduating this year, now is a great time to connect them with us for a financial planning conversation. We’re here to support the next generation of your family as they begin their own wealth journey.

Golf Tip of the Week

Small Swings, Big Gains: 4 Easy Setup Tweaks That Instantly Improve Your Game

If you’re looking to elevate your golf game without overhauling your swing, sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Golf Digest recently shared a list of simple, tee-to-green tips that focus on improving your setup and approach—moves you can implement before the swing that pay off during the swing. Here are four that stood out:

1. Align Your Putter Before Your Feet
   Most players step into their stance first, then aim the putter. Flip that habit—align the putter on your target line first, then set your stance. This ensures your putter face is square from the start, leading to more consistent putting.

2. Widen Your Stance for Lofted Wedge Shots
   A slightly wider stance naturally reduces your club’s loft, helping you get more height and spin without adjusting your grip. It’s a low-effort change that leads to higher, softer wedge shots—especially useful around the green.

3. Use a Ball Marker to Check Setup
   Place your ball and marker down on the intended line, then step back and align your stance so the marker remains visible. It’s a quick visual trick to ensure your setup matches your aim.

4. Step Into Power With Your Lead Foot
   Want more distance with your driver? Instead of setting up flat-footed, try stepping into your lead foot last—this activates ground force and encourages a stronger, more coiled backswing, resulting in added speed and power.

To see the rest of the tips and elevate your game even further, read the full article on Golf Digest below.

Golf Tip adapted from Golf Digest. Read the full article here: 9 tee-to-green tips to help you get the most out of your equipment

Recipe Tip of the Week

Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle

Ingredients (makes 8–10 servings):

• 1/4 cup + 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1 premade angel food cake (cubed)
• 1 lb cream cheese (room temp)
• 2 cups heavy cream (room temp)
• 2 pints blueberries
• 2 pints strawberries, hulled & sliced

Directions:

1. Heat 1/4 cup sugar with lemon juice and 1/4 cup water until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in almond extract. Brush syrup onto cake cubes.
2. In a mixer, beat remaining 2/3 cup sugar with cream cheese until smooth. Add cream; beat until fluffy.
3. In a trifle dish, layer half the cake, then blueberries, half the cream mix, strawberries, remaining cake, blueberries, cream, and top with strawberries and blueberries.
4. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Recipe Tip adapted from Food Network. Read the full article here: Patriotic Berry Trifle

Travel Tip of the Week

4th of July Travel Forecast

This year, Independence Day falls on a Friday, marking the first such occurrence in over a decade—and it’s expected to be a blockbuster travel weekend. AAA forecasts show 72.2 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles between June 28 and July 6, a significant increase over 2024

Here’s What It Means for You

• Road trips rule: With 61.6 million travelers hitting the road, a record high, expect congestion and consider departing early on your key travel days .
• Air travel spike: Nearly 5.84 million flyers are anticipated, a 1.4% increase, so expect crowded terminals and busy flight schedules
• Cheapest & least crowded days to fly:
  • June 30 (Monday): Ideal for departure, fewer crowds and lower fares.
  • July 4 (Friday): Surprisingly calm travel day with reduced crowds and good airfare deals.
  • July 7–8 (Monday–Tuesday): Best days to return, airports are quieter and fares are more reasonable.

Pro Tips for Smooth Travel

• Road-trippers: Aim to leave early, before noon on July 3 or 4, or carpool to beat congestion.
• Flyers: Consider booking a morning July 4 flight to dodge crowds and enjoy a smoother journey.
• Pack smart: Expect heavier-than-usual traffic and airport wait times. Leave extra time for travel, especially around July 2 and the weekend following the holiday.

Whether you’re hitting the road or skies, planning smartly around these dates will save you time—and stress.

Travel Tip adapted from Nerd Wallet. Read the full article here: The Best Days to Fly Around July Fourth in 2025

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Please review BCA Private Wealth Disclosure Brochure for a complete explanation of fees. Investing involves risks. Investments are not guaranteed and may lose value.

This material is prepared by BCA Private Wealth for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation or any particular security, strategy, or investment product.

No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve future profits or losses similar to those shown. You should not assume that investment decisions we