My Definitions of financial products/services and how it applies after graduation...

Help Yourself, Now.

I think financial products and services facilitate you to achieve your goals. It's not a savings account- it's a purveyor to getting that Xbox 360 you've always wanted. It's a not just an auto loan- it's a way to help you get that car you've been dreaming about. Or an IRA. It's not the product itself, it's the peace of mind that it provides.

After graduating from USC, there are a lot of other things you should thinking about. Things you've never felt the need to think about. And why should you? You're still young, right?

Well, that may be true. But the sooner you start thinking about these things, the better off you and your family will be down the road. Look at the bigger picture- not just now.

Want to own a home some day? Start thinking and educating yourself now so when the time comes, you'll be ready. You'll need good credit. How do you establish that?

It's a whole different mindset from when I was in school, where all I had to worry about was having enough money for textbooks, gas, rent, and movie outings. In the real world, there's a whole lot more to it. There is a bit of learning curve, but the sooner you educate yourself, the better. Consider speaking with a trusted USC Credit Union representative on how they can help you achieve the goals you have for after graduation. Help them, help you.