Three Credit Card Tips for College Grads

One of the scariest and most intimidating factors arriving with your diploma are those “financial” responsibilities that were so easily neglected from the safety blanket of a meal plan and student credit cards.

If you’re a college grad in need of some financial advice, a simple Google search will bring you to helpful articles on sites like moneysmartlife.com, askmrcreditcard.com and redeemingriches.com.

Regardless of the source, the information remains similar: College grads spend like they’re rich but in reality they’re dirt poor. The problem is, there’s no academic adviser to get you out of bad credit.

1. While getting your first “real world” credit card, keep an eye out for no annual fees, cash back options, travel rewards, and low APR on purchases and balance transfers.

2. In order to avoid a future of bad credit, it’s important to take a quick study session and learn the basics of your finances now. Build your credit history, pay your bills fully and on time, and remember just because you might be interning for P. Diddy doesn’t mean you can spend money like P. Diddy.

3. Depending on your jobs, your budgets will vary. Regardless of the amount of your new steady income, be sure to put a little money away for emergencies that may be a little more serious than those trips to Student Health.