Graduate money and finance
Payslips, tax, student loan repayments and saving after university.
Salary and tax
Your first payslip, line by line
Tax, National Insurance, pension and the student loan: what comes off before the money lands.
Student loan repayment plans
Find out which repayment plan you are on and how much will be deducted from your wages.
Tax code checker
Make sure you are on the right tax code so you do not pay more than you should.
Salary calculator
Use our specialized tool to estimate your monthly income after all deductions.
Youth Jobs Grant checker
For 18 to 24s on Universal Credit and looking for work. Tells you whether an employer who takes you on could claim the grant.
Workplace benefits explained
From pensions to health insurance, learn how to value and use your employee perks.
Banking and finance
Best graduate bank accounts
Compare the top graduate accounts to find the best overdraft deals and banking incentives.
Credit cards for graduates
A guide to using credit cards safely to manage your spending and build your score.
Building credit after uni
Smart steps to improve your credit rating so you can access better financial products later.
Personal loans explained
What you need to know about borrowing money and how interest rates affect your repayments.
Savings accounts and ISAs
Start growing your wealth by choosing the right savings products for your goals.
Car finance and leasing
A breakdown of the different ways to fund a vehicle as a new graduate.
Renting and living costs
First time renters checklist
A detailed list of things to check before you sign your first professional tenancy.
Bills and subscriptions
How to organise your household bills and manage your monthly recurring costs.
Broadband comparison
Find the best value internet deals for your new home or shared flat.
Cost of Living Calculator
Estimate your monthly outgoings to ensure your new lifestyle fits your salary.
Moving out after uni
Tips for a smooth transition from student housing to your first adult home.
Life setup after uni
Budgeting on a salary
Learn how to allocate your monthly pay to cover essentials, savings, and fun.
Commuting and travel costs
How to find the most cost effective ways to get to work every day.
Essential insurance guide
Protect yourself and your belongings with the right insurance policies.
Buying your first car
Practical advice on finding a reliable car and managing the ongoing costs.
Relocation checklist
Moving for a new job. Use our checklist to ensure you do not miss a thing.
Avoiding lifestyle inflation
How to enjoy your new income without letting your spending spiral out of control.
The first payslip
In the 2026/27 tax year most people with one job are on tax code 1257L, and a code ending in W1, M1 or X is an emergency code (gov.uk, checked September 2026).
The legal minimum pension contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from your employer (gov.uk).
Related sections
Related sections.
Graduate careers and job search
CV templates, interview prep and graduate schemes. Get the job before worrying about the pay.
Student tools and calculators
Run your take-home pay, rent affordability and cost-of-living calculations.
Discounts and saving
Your student status still works for a year after graduating. Use it while you can.
Latest in Graduate Money
- Your first payslip explained: tax, National Insurance and student loan, line by line 8 Jul 2026
- Youth Jobs Grant 2026: Who Is Eligible, What Employers Get, What It Means For You 29 May 2026
- The 51% Marginal Rate Hitting Plan 2 Graduates at £50,270 18 May 2026
- Avoiding Lifestyle Inflation 21 Nov 2025
- Relocation Checklist 21 Nov 2025