How to take charge of your finances after university
Savings

This summer, thousands of university students across the UK are graduating into the toughest job market in seven years, with graduate vacancies down 33% compared to last year, according to data from Indeed1. In a climate of delayed job offers, rising living costs, and AI-driven uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for new graduates to take control of their finances from day one - whether they’ve secured a full-time role or are still searching.
Here are my four top tips every graduate should consider this summer when it comes to their finances.
1. Budgeting your first salary - plan before you spend
Getting paid for the first time is really exciting, but having a budget ensures that your money will last. Adopting the 50/30/20 rule can be a good place to start: use 50% of your monthly income for essentials, such as rent, bills and groceries, use 30% for lifestyle, like eating out and shopping, then 20% for savings. This approach may not work for everyone depending on what your fixed expenses are, but using budgeting apps or bank tools to track your spending and set limits could be another way to help you stay on track.
2. Start saving - even a little helps
In times of unpredictable employment, saving even a small buffer can make a huge difference. Atom’s Instant Saver Reward account is easy to manage but designed to help you stick to your savings habit without locking your money away. You’ll benefit from a Reward rate if you don’t make any withdrawals within the month, but if you need to dip into your money you can access your funds whenever you need and still earn interest on the lower Withdrawal rate. Even saving £25 or £50 a month can start a good habit and build financial resilience.
3. Think about building a credit profile
Lots of young people suffer from a ‘thin’ credit file, which can hold them back from bigger purchases. A strong credit history can help graduates secure future financial milestones, from renting a flat to buying a car. Graduates can begin building their credit profile by ensuring they’re registered on the electoral roll and paying bills and mobile phone contracts on time. If you’re in a place to use a credit card and can do so responsibly, by spending small amounts on it and paying it off in full each month, then this could help to create a strong credit history.
4. Watch out for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and subscription culture
BNPL services and streaming or app subscriptions can add up fast. Graduates should make sure they’re tracking and cancelling unused subscriptions, including any free trials before they renew, avoid using BNPL for non-essentials and set spending alerts to avoid unplanned costs.
In a challenging job market, even small steps towards saving can make a big difference. Whether you’re starting a new role, weighing up your options or job-hunting, building positive savings habits early helps create a sense of control and confidence.
Ready to take control of your finances? Check out Atom’s range of savings options, including the Instant Saver Reward, and if you’re curious about your savings personality type, try our fun quiz!
Notes 1 Indeed, UK Mid-Year labour market update 2025: Continuing to steadily cool