This year's National Football League draft got in gear even before its official April 26 kickoff.
That is because the Miami Dolphins, who have the number one pick, have successfully signed their newest baller, University of Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. And unlike most first jobs out of college, Long, 22, will be making bank. He signed a $57.75 million, five-year contract this week, $30 million of which is guaranteed and will be paid out to Long in the first three-years of his contract, according to ESPN (DIS). Not bad.
Of course not every grad's paycheck and bonus will be in the sextuple-digits. But receiving a hiring bonus is still a milestone for any young person and enthusiasm over newfound financial freedom understandably fuels the urge to splurge. But, what should you really do with that bonus money?
The most important thing is to have a plan for your bonus, says Alexandra Levit, author of career advice book for recent graduates: How’d You Score That Gig? "When you get the bonus, don’t depend on spontaneity," says Levit. "I hear about people spending their bonus, going to Vegas, but you have to plan in advance."
One part of your plan should be paying off debt, according to Beth Guerard, a spokeswoman for student loan provider Sallie Mae (SLM). "Your best bet is to pay off your debt first rather than spend it on something frivolous," says Guerard. "Pay off your highest interest debt first – if you have credit cards at 13% interest that are racked up, pay that off."
