Grands for Grads

The Real Cost of Growing Up (and How to Help Your Kid Handle It Like a Boss)

Let’s be real: the moment your kid is born, someone somewhere starts whispering “college tuition…” like it’s a horror movie. And while tuition is a beast on its own, it’s not the only cost that sneaks up on families. Living expenses? Credit cards? First apartments with no furniture except a sad futon? Yeah, that stuff adds up fast.

Whether your kid—or someone you love—just graduated from high school or college, the next phase of life doesn’t have to be terrifying. In fact, it can feel downright empowering when a young adult actually knows what they can afford and has a plan to stay out of lifelong debt.

Imagine this: your kid heads into college, university, or their first job with…

• A clear understanding of how loans and credit cards really work (instead of learning the hard way)

• A realistic, flexible spending plan that leaves room for movies, coffee dates, late-night pizza, and their favorite hobbies

• Actual, achievable savings goals—yes, even for big stuff like a first car or home

• A solid strategy for tackling student loans (assuming they need them at all) before retirement age

Most budgeting tools out there just show you where your money went after it’s already gone. YNAB flips that on its head. It helps you give every dollar a job before you spend it—so your money starts working for you, not the other way around.

This kind of financial confidence is one of the best gifts you can give a young adult. And honestly? It’s never too early (or too late) to start.