Megan McCluskey

As a collegiette, retirement is probably one of the last things on your mind. Though you’re probably thinking about your future, it’s unlikely you’re already considering what your life is going to be like when you’re 65!

Although retirement may seem like it’s so many years away that it’s not worth a second thought, looking into setting up a Roth IRA can be a great financial move for someone who is young and in a low tax bracket (that’s you, collegiette!). But before you jump right in and sign up to open your account, HC is here to make sure you know the facts. And we’ve talked with James Phelps, the managing director of Kendall Capital Associates, a business and financial advisory services firm, to get you all your need-to-know info!

The basics

First, it’s important to know the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account that allows you to save money and defer the taxes you pay on that money until you’re ready to withdraw it.

Graduation is one of the most memorable days of your life. No matter where you end up afterwards, you’ll never forget the day you finally get to turn your tassel. You’ll also never forget the music that accompanied all of it.

To make sure you’re listening to a mix that will do graduation justice, check out our ultimate graduation playlist below!  

Looking back

Before actually moving on, you have to take time to remember all the wonderful times that have happened over the past four years. College is something you’ll never get to experience again. These songs are sure to make you tear up as you think back on all your memories.

As we round the corner on the last stretch of the school year, it’s time for seniors to finally accept that the end of their college career is quickly approaching. On top of all of the other decisions to be made for post-grad life, collegiettes with significant others also have to decide what to do about their relationships. For all of you who are thinking about moving in with your boyfriend after getting your diploma, here are some things to consider before you make your final decision.

Money

The cost of living in many popular post-grad destinations can be incredibly high, especially if you’re planning on living in a major city. If you and your boyfriend move in together, you’ll be able to split the cost of not only rent, but also utilities, food, etc. Halving the cost of living in a one room apartment is significantly cheaper than any other option.

What really goes on during sorority pledging? While many collegiettes have gone through it, some who haven’t been in a sorority have no idea what the process is like. Luckily, Her Campus got the lowdown on what really happens in the life of a sorority pledge. Check it out!

Time Commitment

Pledging a sorority involves many different activities and meetings, many of which are mandatory. This means that for most collegiettes, pledging ends up being a huge time commitment.

New members spend a lot of time learning about the different aspects of their sorority. By the end of the pledging period, they’re expected to not only know about their sorority’s mission and values, but also about all of its current members.

“We had to learn literally everything,” explains Laura*, a junior at the University of North Carolina. “It was so dumb because none of that ever came up again, and I don’t think it served to bind us together in any way. We had to learn the history of the sorority, the dinner prayers, names of national leaders, etc.” 

Many sororities even have a sort of final entrance exam on what they’ve learned. Some sororities will expect pledges to learn miscellaneous facts about the sorority and its members and will be quizzed on them.