Real Talk for New Grads: 5 Things You Need To Know

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

What do you really need to know before stepping into adult life? My daughter asked me that question as she gets ready to graduate—and maybe you’ve wondered the same thing. So today, I’m sharing five things every graduate should know—practical wisdom, honest truth, and the kind of encouragement I wish someone had given me back then. Whether you’re the one graduating or you love someone who is, this episode’s for you. It’s all about real talk for new grads today! Let’s get started.

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Real Talk for New Grads: 5 Things You Need To Know

Well hey there and welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley—and today’s episode? It’s a little different. It’s not just about money or budgeting or spreadsheets. It’s personal.

Because this week, my daughter is graduating from high school. Yep. Caps, gowns, and all the “lasts” that come before the next big beginning. (Insert proud mom sigh here.) I’m not crying…you’re crying.

And if you have a graduate in your life—or you are one—then you know this season brings a swirl of emotions: Excitement. Pride. A little bit of fear. And a whole lot of what happens now?

My daughter told me the other day that she still feels like she’s missing things. That she doesn’t know enough to go out in the world just yet. And, maybe you’ve wondered the same thing—either for yourself or for someone you love.

So today, that’s what we’re talking about.

This isn’t just advice—it’s a note from my heart. To my daughter, yes—but also to every graduate standing on the edge of something new.

Because I remember that feeling. The mix of excitement and fear. The pressure to have it all figured out. And the quiet wondering: Am I really ready for this?

So today, I want to share a few things I’ve learned—things I wish someone had told me when I was in that in-between space. Not to add pressure, but to offer some clarity and encouragement as you step into what’s next.

So, without further ado, let’s jump into the 5 things every graduate should know.

1. Life Skills Matter More Than Test Scores

You’ve spent more than a decade learning how to play the school game—tests, projects, deadlines, group work, maybe even some last-minute cramming. And that’s not nothing. You’ve worked hard. You’ve accomplished a lot. I’m proud of you.

But can I tell you something I wish I’d known earlier?

It’s not the grades that carry you through adult life.

It’s the skills.

No one teaches you how to figure out insurance paperwork when you’re sick for the first time on your own. Or how to budget for groceries when your paycheck is tight and rent’s due next week. Or how to keep your cool when your car won’t start—and you realize you forgot to schedule that oil change three months ago.

But these—these are the things that matter.

You need to know how to:

  • Cook a meal that doesn’t come from a box
  • Wash your clothes and your sheets
  • Call the dentist when something hurts and make the appointment yourself
  • Write a professional email
  • Track your spending, even if your income feels small

These things might not seem like a big deal now—but they build confidence. They help you walk into new spaces knowing, I’ve got this. Because the truth is, the world won’t ask for your test scores—but it will expect you to show up for life. And the more equipped you are with the basics, the easier it becomes to thrive—not just survive.

And if you don’t know how to do some of these things yet? That’s okay. Ask. Learn. Try.

You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.

2. Debt is Easy to Get Into—and So Hard to Get Out Of

You’re about to be offered a hundred ways to “have it all” right now.

Credit cards. Payment plans. Student loans.

  • “Buy now, pay later.”
  • “Build your credit score!”
  • “Only $10 a month!”

It sounds so harmless—so adult. But what those offers don’t tell you is this: Debt doesn’t leave quietly. It sticks around.

  • That $500 balance becomes $1,200 before you even realize it.
  • The student loan you didn’t fully understand feels manageable… until interest starts to grow.
  • And that Amazon impulse buy from three years ago? You might still be paying it off when you’re deciding whether or not you can afford to take a weekend trip with friends.

And hear me on this—this isn’t about guilt. It’s about freedom. Because debt doesn’t just cost you money. It costs you options. It limits your yeses. It keeps you from saying yes to a job you love because the one you hate pays better. It holds you back from generosity, travel, creativity—even rest.

So here’s my best advice:

  • If you don’t understand the terms, pause.
  • If you can’t afford it now, wait.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
  • And if you’re not sure? Ask. Someone older. Someone you trust. Someone who’s lived it.

I’m not saying never borrow money. But I am saying: walk into every financial decision with your eyes wide open. Because learning to manage your money now—even in small, simple ways—can change the entire trajectory of your life later.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being wise. And that wisdom? It’ll serve you a lot longer than anything you could swipe your card for.

3. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

Let me say this gently but clearly: You don’t have to know what’s next.

I know the pressure feels real. People are asking, “What’s your plan?” “What’s your major?” “Where do you see yourself in five years?” And sometimes… you just want to say, “I have no idea.”

That’s okay.

Some of you are heading off to college or trade school. Some of you are jumping straight into work, the military, travel, or something else entirely. And some of you are quietly lying awake at night thinking, “Am I the only one who doesn’t have a clue what I’m doing?”

You’re not.

Honestly? Most people are figuring it out as they go.

Life is rarely a straight line. It’s winding and messy and full of pivots you never saw coming. And that’s not failure—it’s growth.

  • You’re allowed to change your mind.
  • You’re allowed to take a detour.
  • You’re allowed to start over.

God doesn’t demand a five-year plan. He asks for faithfulness with the step right in front of you. So if you feel overwhelmed by the big picture, just take the next small step. Apply. Show up. Try something. Pray. Repeat.

He’s not waiting for you to have it all together. He walks with you in the middle of the questions. And if you trust Him with the unknowns? He’ll be faithful to guide you, one step at a time.

4. Boundaries Are a Superpower

Okay—this one? I wish I could go back and whisper it to my younger self. Over and over again.

You are allowed to have boundaries.

Let that sink in. You are allowed to:

  • Say no—even if it disappoints someone
  • Change your mind—even if you were sure before
  • Walk away from friendships that feel heavy, one-sided, or unsafe
  • Take time to rest—even when the world glorifies being busy

You don’t owe everyone access to your time, your energy, or your heart. Not every voice deserves a front-row seat in your life. Not every invitation needs a yes. And not every expectation is yours to carry.

The people who truly care about you—who love you in a healthy way—will respect your boundaries. And the ones who don’t? That’s not your burden to fix.

Setting boundaries isn’t about being harsh or shutting people out. It’s about protecting what matters: your peace, your purpose, your relationship with God. Because when you live boundary-less, you end up exhausted, resentful, and unsure of who you even are anymore.

But when you learn to guard your time, your heart, your values? You make space to become who you were actually created to be.

Don’t wait until burnout teaches you this the hard way. You can start now—with small, honest steps. And when it feels hard, remember: boundaries aren’t rebellion. They’re wisdom.

5. You’re Never Alone—Even When It Feels Like It

There’s a moment that hits most people sometime after graduation. It might not happen right away—maybe not for a few months, or even a year—but it will come.

It’s that quiet realization: I don’t really know where I fit anymore.

The routines that once grounded you—school, sports, lunch with friends—disappear. The people who felt like “your people” might move away, or grow distant. And even if you’re surrounded by others, you might still feel… a little lost.

That feeling is real. And it’s normal. But it’s also not the end of the story.

Maybe it’s your first weekend in a new dorm and no one invited you to do anything. Or you’re scrolling through your phone wondering who to even text. That’s when this truth matters most: you are not alone.

Here’s what I want you to remember: Loneliness doesn’t mean you’re doing life wrong. It simply means you’re in a season of transition. And that takes time.

So when it feels hard, do this:

  • Name what you’re feeling. Sometimes just admitting, “This is lonely,” breaks the power of it.
  • Look for connection on purpose. Join the group. Text the friend. Say yes to the coffee invite. Even if it feels awkward at first.
  • And lean into the God who sees you. The one who never leaves, even when everything else feels unfamiliar.

You’re not invisible. You’re not behind. You’re not the only one trying to figure it all out.

You are held. You are known. You are never, ever alone.

Real Talk for New Grads: You’ve Got This!

So, to my daughter—and to every graduate listening today: There’s no checklist that can fully prepare you for what’s next.

No perfect plan. No magic formula.

But that doesn’t mean you’re not ready.

If you:

  • Learn the basic life skills
  • Stay out of debt
  • Trust that it’s okay not to have all the answers
  • Set good boundaries
  • And remember you’re not alone…

You’ll be just fine. Actually—more than fine. You’ll be equipped for a life full of purpose, joy, and growth—even when it’s messy. Even when the path looks different than what you expected. Even when it takes a little longer to figure out.

And in all of it, know this—there’s a whole community cheering you on.

Congratulations, graduate. We are so proud of you.

And hey—if you’re listening today and thinking, “I wish someone had told me these things years ago,”—you’re not too late. God’s still at work in your story. Right now. Today. Wherever you are.

And as always, if this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs it, or reach out to me at sarah@lemonblessings.com. I’m always here for your questions and comments.

Whatever you decide, though, just know that I’m cheering you on! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time.

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