Resource Library
The Valued Vantage Point Resource Library is here to give you trusted, easy-to-understand tools to support your financial and adulting journey. Whether you’re learning how to budget, build credit, understand benefits, or make informed career decisions, these resources are meant to help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. These are tools and resources I’ve personally used and genuinely recommend. While some links may be commissionable, every resource shared here is something I believe is helpful for anyone starting out in their personal finance journey.
Budgeting Tools
- Why I Recommend: VVP created this budget template with new grads in mind; its customizable, simple, and beginner-friendly — perfect for learning how to budget without feeling restricted or overwhelmed.
- Why I Recommend: An all-in-one platform that automatically tracks spending, savings, and investments so you can see your full financial picture in one place. Note: this IS a paid service, so keep in mind if the ease of an app is worth the cost when deciding how you want to track your income & expenses!
Bank Accounts
- Why I Recommend: Earns higher interest on your savings with zero extra effort — ideal for emergency funds and short-term goals. Right now, SoFi has one of the highest interest rates for a high yield savings account, and it allows you to categorize your savings into different funds (great for those starting to save for specific events in addition to an emergency fund!)
- Why I Recommend: Robinhood has gotten a bad rap in the past, but in reality it is an easy-to-use investing platform that helps beginners start investing early with low barriers to entry. It's FREE to use, and even lets you buy fractional shares.
Credit Cards
American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card
- Why I Recommend: This card offers cash back on common everyday spending like groceries, gas, and online purchases — great for building credit responsibly with no annual fee.
- Why I Recommend: Strong travel and dining rewards with flexible redemption options — best for those ready to maximize credit card perks. Note: this card does have a $95 annual fee, but if the benefits match your lifestyle, the fee may be worth it and even pay for itself.
Cash Back Apps
- Why I Recommend: Earn dining credits and cash back at restaurants you already love — InKind has great restaurant variety, and I love using it as a means to save money without restricting myself from experiences like dining out!
- Why I Recommend: Cash back on everyday purchases like gas and groceries with minimal effort. I use this often for gas, and in a city where you are driving frequently, the $0.20/gal adds up quickly!
- Why I Recommend: Simple grocery cash back that helps stretch your budget on items you’re already buying. This app can be used to the extent that best matches your lifestyle; you can let the offers guide your grocery shopping for the week, or upload your receipt after shopping to see if your planned purchases happen to be on there!