This study aimed to understand how emerging adults achieve financial independence by asking how emerging adults who are college graduates describe their experiences with the process of achieving financial independence. Using a generic qualitative design, this study drew connections between emerging adult college graduates' common experiences and their achievement of financial independence. The findings were based on individual interviews with 10 emerging adult college graduates, ages 25 to 29, who were financially independent and could speak to the experience of transitioning from financial dependence to financial independence, both from objective and subjective viewpoints. The analytic approach, thematic analysis with constant comparison, involved coding the transcribed interviews, assembling the codes into patterns, and forming the patterns into overarching themes. The analysis of the interview results revealed that the process of pursuing financial independence was impacted by experiences in the family of origin and support received. Achievement of financial independence was further impacted by the development of financial literacy, as participants' financial decision making correlated with their financial knowledge. Throughout the process of pursuing financial independence, participants developed an emotional relationship with money. Finally, in reflecting back on factors that contributed to their success in achieving financial independence, luck and privilege were cited as key components. Future qualitative research may explore the experiences of emerging adult college graduates, ages 25 to 29, who are not financially independent in order to increase the knowledge base on this population's experiences. Additionally, studies focused on the experiences of emerging adults of color and from families of lower socioeconomic status may expand the understanding of how privilege impacts emerging adult college graduates' pursuit and achievement of financial independence. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]