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June 6, 2011
Graduating to the Real World

For the graduates in your life, here are the top three rules for getting off on the right financial foot after college.

Transcript

Graduates, you’re saying goodbye to dorm food and cramming for exams. Here’s how to say hello to a bright financial future:

Real world rule #1: Budget wisely. You have to spend less than you make.

Rule #2: Master student loans. Like most students, you probably have student loan debt. Know what you owe and when you have to start paying it back. Then, build repayment into your overall budget.

Rule #3: Know your credit score. It plays a big role in your financial future—everything from the interest rates you’ll pay to whether or not you’ll get the job or apartment you want. For more on managing credit, visit whatsmyscore.org.

Bottom line: Now that you’ve graduated, it’s time to tackle the real world. Just make sure you’re starting off with good financial habits.

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