I’m used to hitting the books and heading to class when this time of year roles around. Or rather, I’m used to telling myself that I’m going to hit the books and head to class around this time of year. Today, I find myself wondering what’s next.

In the years leading up to my final year at university, I was always interested in how upcoming grads were feeling. Now, as a recent grad myself, I can tell you that your last year feels just like the rest.

The autumn afterwards—well, that’s a different story.

I have been fortunate to be employed right out of university. I’ve been able to pay off almost a third of my student loan and had the opportunity to visit Canada’s west coast for the very first time.

Thinking back to last year at this time, besides keeping up with school, I was worried about my finances for the rest of the year. With thoughts of school gone by, I still worry about finances. It used to be thoughts of textbooks, assignments and what might come of dinner. Now it’s loan payments and preparing for any opportunities that may one day come knocking on my door.

I recently visited with my newlywed cousin. A few years prior to her wedding, she and her now-husband visited a financial planner. They were able to map out the steps to affording their wedding, a new home and the years ahead. It’s made me think that it may be beneficial to visit a financial planner now that I’m finished one of the biggest steps of my life.

According to RBC’s financial planning focused website, financial planning is “ongoing process that takes into account the ‘whole you’”. They can help you minimize tax payments, increase savings and improve cash flow, among other things.

For those who may find themselves well passed the days of school and in an uncertain financial position, a financial planner may be your answer. While I was in B.C., I visited with my brother who has been in the working world for over ten years now. Like many at his age, he hasn’t been the best at keeping on top of his finances. During my visit, though, I learned that he had visited with a financial planner to help him map out his financial future. Not only was it great to hear he had taken these steps, but it was also kind of inspiring. It seems like a financial planner could be for anyone.

In the coming weeks, I plan on visiting with a financial planner. I’m not entirely sure what to expect and I hope that I learn a couple of things. I’m going to find out what options I have and what common pieces of advice new—and not so new—grads find most useful.