Playing Grownup nonprofit is driving 8,000 miles around the country to more than 20 campuses in an RV all while providing free life-after-college seminars. The beginning of this adventure will be at Roanoke College on Feb. 18 from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. To mark this occasion, $100 will also be given away to help a lucky college student start their retirement account.

Playing Grownup’s seminars cover various topics that college does not always prepare one for including:

• Understanding investment terms like 401k, stocks and bonds
• Signing up for health insurance and tax exemption forms
• Effective budgeting
• Maintaining college friends while making new connections

The two-month RV tour does not stop long at any one place. Playing Grownup’s next destination is Jacksonville, Fla., before finishing the tour in May in Washington, D.C. To celebrate the conclusion of the trip, Playing Grownup will be giving away $5,000 in scholarships. All students who attended a Playing Grownup session in 2013 will be eligible to apply.

Playing Grownup was started by Justin and Amy Thomas, both Roanoke College alumni, to help the next generation of leaders graduate college and transition successfully to the real world.

“We offer practical advice from recent graduates to soon-to-be graduates to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible. We wanted to share with others that although life after college can be challenging it represents an incredibly exciting opportunity,” said Justin Thomas.

For more information, visit www.playinggrownup.org.

– Submitted by Justin Thomas