From Cash to Long-Term Value: A Different Approach to Graduation Giving

Graduation season is underway across New Hampshire, filling gymnasiums and campuses with celebration as the Class of 2026 marks a major milestone. But for many families, the excitement is paired with a practical concern: the next chapter begins in an economy where everyday costs remain high and every dollar matters. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose 3.3 percent nationwide over the 12 months ending March 2026, following several years of inflation that increased the cost of housing, food, and transportation. While inflation has slowed from its peak, prices remain elevated compared to just a few years ago, reshaping household budgets across the state. 

For new graduates, those pressures can be especially pronounced. Many are balancing tuition bills, rent, or early‑career wages while learning to manage money independently for the first time. As a result, families say graduation conversations increasingly extend beyond celebrations to questions about financial readiness and support. 

Graduation gifts are part of that conversation. The National Retail Federation reports that Americans spend billions each year celebrating graduates, with cash consistently ranking as the most common gift. Its immediacy makes it appealing, but during a season of summer spending and major life changes, it can vanish just as quickly—often before it has the chance to support what matters most: a graduate’s next step. 

That reality has prompted some families to look for ways to make graduation gifts more intentional, pairing generosity with longer‑term impact. St. Mary’s Bank notes that early experiences with saving and interest can help shape how young adults approach money during a formative stage of life. 

One option gaining renewed attention is the Certificate of Deposit, or CD. A CD lets you set money aside for a fixed period and earn a set rate of interest, often higher than a standard savings account, helping that money grow instead of being spent right away. At federally insured credit unions like St. Mary’s Bank, CDs are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) within federal limits, offering added peace of mind. Beyond the interest earned, a CD can also encourage planning and patience, as funds are set aside until a chosen date. Families can align that timing with milestones like the start of a semester or a first apartment, using the gift as a starting point for conversations about saving and financial goals. 

“Graduation is a moment to celebrate how far someone has come, but it’s also a chance to support where they’re headed next,” said Ken Senus, CEO of St. Mary’s Bank. “In today’s economy, families are looking for ways to make every dollar count. Giving a gift that can grow over time not only adds lasting value, it also helps introduce smart saving habits at a time when they can make the biggest difference.” 

For families looking ahead, taking a moment to consider how a gift can support what comes next, makes graduation season more than a celebration; it becomes a starting point. A Small, thoughtful way that can help build confidence, stability, and opportunity for tomorrow—so graduates are not just prepared for what’s next, but empowered to shape it.