“Adulting” can be scary – from managing loans to securing health insurance. Whether recent graduates are launching their first job search or mapping out long-term goals, understanding today’s economic landscape and leveraging local resources can set them up for success. Here’s how recent graduates in Maine can manage student loans, build credit and kickstart a thriving career. 

The 2025 Graduate Landscape: What Recent Data Reveals 

Recent surveys highlight both obstacles and opportunities for this year’s grads: 

  • Financial insecurity is on the rise: Nearly half of Gen Zs (48%) and millennials (46%) report they do not feel financially secure, up from previous years.  
  • Loan repayments resume with a sting: After a pandemic-era pause, 5.6 million borrowers became newly delinquent in early 2025, pushing the overall student-loan delinquency rate from below 1% to 8% in just one quarter. 

The good news? 

  • Hiring is expected to grow: Employers plan to hire 7.3% more graduates from the Class of 2025 compared to 2024. 
  • Starting salaries are on the rise: The average projected starting salary for Class of 2025 bachelor’s degree holders is $68,680, with engineering and computer-science majors’ top offers near $78,700 and $76,250 respectively. 

Financial Tips: Managing Loans, Building Credit and Kickstarting a Career 

No matter the economic outlook, there are tried and true tips for graduates entering the workforce. 

Tip 1: Manage Your Student Loans Strategically 

Staying on top of payments and exploring refinancing options can protect your credit and free up cash for other goals: 

  • Enroll in autopay. A simple, but critical step. Graduates can relinquish the mental calendar and rest assured that their loan gets paid on time. 
  • Create a targeted payoff timeline. If possible, use a bi-weekly payment schedule to shave months (and interest) off your balance. A clear payoff date can be motivating to avoid new debt. 
  • Open a Free4Me Checking account (for those 18-25). An easy way to monitor your income and outgoing payments, with refunds for service fees (twice per year), no monthly fees and no per-check fee, free debit/check card, no minimum balance and more. 

Tip 2: Build and Protect Your Credit 

Strong credit opens doors — to apartments, auto loans, even some jobs. Start building today: 

  • Open a Visa® Credit Card. With credit lines up to $10,000 and the widespread acceptance of Visa®, our credit cards are a convenient and useful financial tool. Small, recurring purchases paid in full each month can quickly establish a positive payment history. 
  • Leverage a Personal Loan. Borrow a small amount that’s held in a savings account; make on-time payments to build credit, then access the funds at term’s end. 
  • Monitor your credit score for free.  Regularly monitoring your credit helps you spot any errors, identify potential fraud, and understand where you stand financially. You’re entitled to one free report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Taking a few minutes to review your credit can ensure that there are no surprises when applying for loans or credit in the future.   

Tip 3: Kickstart Your Career in Maine 

Your first job may come from both who you know and what you know. 

  • Attend Maine hiring events and local workshops. Events across the state connect grads with employers in healthcare, education, manufacturing and beyond, while providing valuable training and education for jobseekers. 
  • Check out Maine’s career exploration program. The program provides young people (ages 16-24) with 75 hours of career exploration and paid work experience, allowing them to gain hands-on learning to see what may be right for them. 

Graduating can feel overwhelming, but with solid strategies and the right financial partner, you’ll build the confidence and credit you need. From managing student debt to helping you build your future, Sebasticook Valley FCU is here to help every step of the way. Ready to get started? Contact us today.