Better jobs and brighter futures top the list of reasons that students give for going to college. College is a very important step and should be done with some planning, because not only can it increase your debt for a certain time period, but it can also provide for a lifetime of higher earnings. Obtaining a job after college is one of the first critical steps in a person’s financial life, and here are five tips to help you with it:

1. Think ahead. Many college students find it hard to think ahead a few years because of all of the pressures that are facing them in the current moment – everything from studying and completing homework to partying and other social activities. That’s why deciding on a lifetime career when just starting out in college doesn’t make sense, unless you’re set on a particular professional career. What you should do is seek small experiences in a variety of fields around your major. Pick the interesting ones. Look for volunteering opportunities, internships or even a chance to be an aide to somebody you look up to. These experiences will help you once you’re ready for a real job.
2. Utilize all available resources. Universities and colleges have entire “career departments” that are tasked with helping students with every area of job searching. Most will help with resume writing, interview skills, class selections, internships and everything else that you might not have thought of. Call up the help desk of your college and they’ll direct you to this department. Or search for “(Your College Name) career department.”
3. Focus on your interests and what you like. Put aside what other people tell you to do, and focus on what you like naturally and would do as a hobby if it weren’t a career. You will find that you will be able to study easier and everything will seem not like a “job,” but play time. And when interviewing for positions in areas that interest you, your enthusiasm will come through without any effort.
4. Network and build up the social circle. Many times, just by interacting with the alumni or other social groups around the college, you will come across opportunities that you might have missed. And because people know you, this will give you bonus points toward being offered the job first. Sign up for p2p sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to network.
5. Don’t be a nobody. The Internet is becoming critical to every industry, so make sure to have your schoolwork or projects discoverable by search engines. The first step for many employers is to Google your name and check what comes up; you don’t want “No results” to come up, as that might be a negative sign.
6. Bonus: Make sure to interview the boss as much as you will be interviewed. Your boss will have the biggest impact on how you perform at your job, as well as how you progress in the future.

When planning for a job or actively looking for one right now, keep in mind that there are many resources and people out there that can help you find the perfect one for you.

Just graduate from college?

If you did, you're probably getting advice right and left from friends and family. Even that creepy old neighbor of yours that showed up to your grad party uninvited gave you advice.

While some of their advice is sound, the one topic they will probably avoid is personal finance. No one says, "Make sure to pay down your credit cards!" when giving you advice. Even if that's the exact advice you need.

So here it is. The practical financial advice (plus a few general tips) that very few people will share with you. The 21 tips you really need to survive the "Real World"...

1. Do Not Buy a New Car

I can't tell you how many of my college friends bought new cars within a year of graduation. Why? Because they looked at their new shiny paycheck, saw a comma in it, and suddenly felt entitled to a new car. Don't buy a new car. If your old college junker is falling apart, get a used car, but whatever you do, don't buy new. Show the world that you actually learned something in college about depreciating assets.

2. Do Not Get a Fancy Apartment

Sure, you can pay 50% of your paycheck and get that fancy pad downtown, but why not rent a house with some college friends and only spend 20% of your take home on housing? Put that other 30% into a savings account and in a few years you'll be the first one in your class buying a nice little condo, while half of your friends are still living with their parents because they couldn't manage their money

3. Do Rent from Your Parents

Speaking of living with your parents, if you don't have a job lined up, this is likely where you'll end up. But don't expect to freeload here. Your parents have had a few years of you out of the house, and it's a good chance they've turned your room into storage. Be an adult and pay rent to your parents when you move back in with them. Even if it's a severely reduced rate, you are an adult now, and that means paying for where you sleep.

4. Don't Happy Hour Every Day

Going to happy hour every day after work is a sure way to: 1. Continue that bad drinking habit you need to quit and 2. blow $200-$300 a month. Join the Happy Hour crew once a week, but limit how much you spend on alcohol as you get adjusted to your new budget. IF you do feel the need to go out every night, remember that Coke is cheap and you get free refills!

5. Commit to Your First Job

Your first real job out of college can be tough. Really tough. But if you quit your first job too soon, it's a terrible way to start off your career. Commit to stick with your job, even when it sucks. You may realize it's not what you were expecting, but most things in life aren't. If after 2 years, you've given it your best shot, move on with a good recommendation and not having burned any bridges.

6. Don't Get Any More Credit Cards

If you're like most college graduates, you already have a credit card. Maybe even more than one. Now that you have a higher income, it's not time for a higher credit limit. It's time to pay down all those late night beer runs you charged the past few years. Flashing plastic may have been cool in college, but in the "real world" it just means you're in debt.

7. Save Your Graduation Money

Money is a common graduation gift. I remember when I graduated from college I took home around $600 once it was all said in done. While it's nice to buy something for yourself, sock away at least 50% or more of any graduation money you receive. This way you can still show Grandma the cool new tie you bought, and be financially savvy.

8. Craigslist and Cash Are Your Friends

Stuff comes and goes. While it may seem important now to have that killer stereo system for your new pad, in 3 years when you're still paying minimums on your credit cards, it will look pretty silly. You can furnish your new place over time. Find something you think you need, then save up for it. It's so much better to lounge on a futon you've paid cash for.

9. Practice for Interviews

Sure you got through college by cramming at the last minute, but job interviews are a whole different ballgame. By practicing for your interviews, you'll not only have more informed answers, you'll be much more confident in yourself. Be sure and brush up on common interview questions.

10. Own Your Adulthood

Just because your parents always bought a certain brand of detergent, doesn't mean you have too. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to live a greener and healthy life after your college days. And without those late night Ultimate Frisbee games, you're going to want to watch what you eat from here on out.

11. Start an Emergency Fund

With "Real Life" comes more real potential problems. An emergency fund is the best way to make sure you're prepared should a financial emergency arrive. Save up a minimum of $1000 first, and then try to add to that each month with even just a $100. You never know when your car might die, or an unexpected funeral arise...but you can be prepared.

12. Spend Less Than You Earn

Do I really need to explain this one? If you're never done a budget, now is the time. You likely have student loans, housing, possibly insurance, cell phone, internet, etc. The bills start to add up, and you need to know where you're money is going. Spend less than you earn!

13. Budget Online

Budgeting has come a long way in the last few years. Forget a spreadsheet. Forget a check register. Track your spending online with Mint, Geezeo, or Wesabe. You can setup a sick looking budget at Geezeo in less than 5 minutes. You can even set it up so that you can text a number and receive your account balances back to you in 10 seconds. How cool is that?

14. Prepare to Be Fired

I know it's sounds pessimistic, but if you knew you were going to be fired in 2 months, 1 month, how differently would you manage your finances? Kid yourself and your spending habits into thinking you're getting the ax for a few months. Build up a good emergency fund and God forbid you do get laid off, you'll be prepared.

15. Keep Living like a Student

Just because you are in the "Real World" now does not mean you need to abandon all your student ways. In fact, if you lived frugally in college, there is no reason to change that! Keep that bike you rode around in, and ride it to work. Share a house with roommates, buy furniture off craigslist. All those good frugal "college habits" are really just good habits no matter where you are in life. Just get rid of that lava lamp, seriously, it's not cool anymore.

16. Work Your Butt Off

Coming into your new job, you're going to be on the new kid in town. You'll also likely have a different skill set than many of your co-workers who are older than you. They are going to be wary of your youth. Show them you know how to work hard, and keep your head down the first few months. Begin making a list of suggestions or improvements you'd like to bring up to your boss, but don't share them all right away. Earn some respect your first few months, and your game-changing ideas will be much better received by your older managers.

17. Love The Brownbag

Brown bagging your lunch each day can save you $5 a day just on lunches. That's an extra $1200 a year that you could put towards retirement or put in some aggressive investments. Think making lunch each day is hard? Don't make lunch each day. Make 30 sandwiches at once and be done with it. You can make a whole month's worth of sandwiches for $6.99...

18. Learn to Cook Just 5 Meals

Why 5 Meals? Because 5 means at least during the week you don't have to repeat a meal. Plus, if you're single, you can make a meal for 4 and now have 3 dinners of leftovers. Cooking for one is no fun, so don't do it. Cook for 4 and get some quality Tupperware. Here's 5 Easy Meals for under $10...

19. Find Friends Outside Your Job

Being friends with your coworkers is great, but having activities and friends outside your work will keep you balanced. Join a kickball league, or a post-college group at your church, or make a point to keep in touch with any college buddies that are still in your area. In the working world, social plans are not as easy to come by as in college. You have to be much more proactive about being active and social. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and setup a party or game night in advance.

20. Never Stop Learning

Just because you are out of college, doesn't mean your learning days are over. Keep your mind sharp. Read a book (for fun, not class!). Reading keeps your mind fresh and a good fantasy or fiction novel can do wonders for your creativity. After you settle into your new job, take a random class (tennis, rock climbing, theatre, Photoshop) at a local community college. You'll really appreciate classes when you're just taking them to enrich your life. These small escapes will keep you sane if the "Real World" is getting you down.

21. Never Stop Dreaming

Are your best days behind you? Only if you want them to be. You're in the world completely now. You have the freedom and ability to move up in your company. You can start moonlighting your great business idea in the evening if you want. Don't think for a second you can't achieve your dreams. And if you want to start a business, or pay off your credit cards, Lending Club can help.

Did I miss a tip? What other tips would you give new college graduates?

Even though I’ve opted out of pre-screened credit cards, I still get offers from time to time. They generally come from a company with whom I already have an established relationship, such as a bank or airline. When I see these offers, the terms remind me of just how expensive credit cards can be.

You often see the dangers of using credit cards to pay for small purchases mentioned by those who give financial advice. They show how the interest can make something like a trip to McDonalds become incredibly expensive if your balance isn’t paid off in full each month. While it’s true that you don’t want to end up paying $20 for an Extra Value Meal, running a balance on larger purchases is even more damaging. The interest you pay on a large balance is obviously even greater.

If credit cards are harmful for small purchases, and especially for large ones, what are they good for? Convenience is one reason I favor my credit card. It’s easier and faster to swipe my card than carry cash and receive change. Another reason that people use credit cards is to pay for things they cannot afford. While this is certainly a valid use, social lending sites offer a much more affordable option. Financing a large purchase with a P2P loan versus using a high interest rate credit card could literally save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

The only situation where I believe credit cards serve a good purpose is when they are paid off in full each month. That offers convenience, helps to build your credit history, and may qualify you for cash back or other rewards, without incurring the negatives associated with credit card use. If you are unable to pay off your balance each month or have a large upcoming expense, a peer-to-peer loan will likely be a much smarter way to go.

Sound money advice has no sense of irony.

Spending money in order to save money seems contradictory, inconsistent, and just plain wrong. Saving and spending are opposites. How could they ever be complementary?

Though it may seem impossible, practicing sound spending can save money in the long run. Skimping on purchases or decisions today can lead to bigger problems down the road, which is why a little preventative medicine and a few extra dollars could be a very wise investment. Still skeptical? Take a look at the following five ways that a dollar today saves ten dollars tomorrow.

1. At the car lot.

Car shopping is an expensive endeavor no matter the circumstance. You are often talking thousands rather than hundreds when it comes to car buying. In a sense, then, what difference will a little bit extra make?

The dent in your wallet will feel insignificant compared to the long-term results. Upgrading a car from a junker to less of a junker might seem pointless in the present, but when parts start failing and gears start creaking, you will be glad you did. Spending on a reliable used vehicle can be a sound purchase, especially when considering the consequences. Bills for auto repairs are steep, which is why it is best to ensure that you are purchasing a car that is in decent shape and will hold up as long as you’ll need it. That is worth the extra money.

2. At the veterinarian.

People love their animals, but they also like to skimp on their animals’ vet bills. An extra lab test or a harmless medication get shrugged off more often than you might expect.

It is these same owners who, a few months later, end up spending significantly more money on a problem they could have avoided in the first place.

Paying up front for extra services like blood work or flea treatment is a prudent decision. With lab results, a doctor can tell if there is a problem on the horizon or a necessary adjustment to avoid future issues. With simple medications like flea treatments, you can save yourself from the cost of a more serious illness or infestation. The money spent on preventative medicine is often far less than the money spent on emergency problems.

The same advice could be given to human medicine, too. Society is constantly concerned with researching and discovering the symptoms of disease, but when the rubber meets the road, people are often hesitant about ponying up for extra services at the doctor’s office. If it works for pets, it will work for humans. Knowing where you stand health-wise can save time, money, and headaches down the road. A few extra dollars at a routine check-up could help you avoid hundreds of extra dollars at an urgent return trip.

3. At Costco.

Fortunately, this lesson in pre-emptive payment is already pretty popular. Warehouse stores like Costco offer consumers the chance to load up with bulk products, which helps cut down on constant trips to the supermarket for the same, small item. Buying in bulk is chic; it is also forward-thinking.
Like the rest of the items on this list, spending at Costco is a perfect example of the “spend now, save later” tenet. Let’s say a vat of peanut butter costs $14.95 at Costco, and a jar of peanut butter runs $3.99 at the grocery store. Frugal Frannies might see the cheaper alternative as the better deal, but that would be short-sighted. While they are running back to the store for their tenth refill of PB, Costco shoppers are still dipping their ladle into their peanut butter kiddie pool.

Similar savings is everywhere at stores like Costco. Nearly every household item from the kitchen to the closet can be had in bulk at warehouse prices. The initial hit to the wallet might be steeper than at the grocery store, but the frequency of trips will make up for the difference.

4. At the appliance store.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, stoves, and dishwashers are important everyday items that often get overlooked in a home. Until something goes wrong. When problems strike, the cost of repair or replacement all of a sudden makes a wallflower appliance very noticeable.

To combat this trend, you should consider paying for a quality product the first time. Rather than going the cheap route on a product that gets routine use, the better decision would be to find one that can stand a consistent grind and last as long as it’s needed. Constant repair costs will add up, and before long, the money spent on a handyman will exceed the cost of upgrading in the first place.
On top of the repairs, buying a quality appliance can have a positive monetary effect on utility bills. EnergyStar appliances are created to use less energy than other machines, which is not only great for the environment but is also great for consumer savings. Rather than having a dishwasher that gorges itself on your water supply, a high quality machine will use as little water as possible and still get your dishes looking great. The lesser utility bills should pay for the upgrade in no time.

5. At the dentist.

Dentists get a bad rap. No one likes to visit them because of all the awful things they do to people’s mouths. Drills and enamels and braces! Oh my!

Yet most of the ruckus they raise is a direct result of irresponsible clients. Taking a pass on regular check-ups is a big reason why people get cavities and other dental issues. Sure, the thought of teeth probing is uncomfortable, but compared to the pain and cost of a root canal, a tooth exam is downright exciting.

Spending the money on a regular check-up at the dentist will help you avoid having to come back with a more serious problem. Dentists can catch problems before they start and keep you from running into trouble down the road. They want you to have healthy teeth, and they want you to save money in the long run. Besides, you can’t avoid them forever.

The outrage over rising gasoline prices often pales in comparison to that which occurs when oil companies report their profits. Despite analysis showing that oil companies have lower profit margins than companies in many other industries, reporting large profits when consumers are feeling the crunch of high prices generates a lot of negativity. One potential upside to large profits by the oil companies is that it probably boosts your investment or retirement portfolio.

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of owners of natural gas and oil companies are

"middle-class U.S. households with mutual fund investments, pension accounts, other personal retirement accounts, and small personal portfolios."

This information is part of a September 2007 study by SONECON, which tried to determine the distribution of ownership of U.S. oil and natural gas companies.

The study found that for shares in these companies:

• 42.7% percent are owned or held by mutual funds and other asset management companies that have mutual funds
• 27% are owned by pension funds
• 14% are held in IRA accounts
• 1.5% are held by corporate management, i.e., oil company insiders

So before complaining about the greedy owners of oil companies, remember that if you are one of the 100 million U.S. households with a mutual fund, IRA, or personal retirement account, then you are probably one of those owners yourself. Profits by the oil companies generally benefit their shareholders and will likely cause the value of your retirement accounts to increase.

While you may not get the multi-million-dollar compensation of some oil executives, chances are that you profit from the success of oil companies even if you don’t realize it. Unless you are borrowing money from your accounts or selling shares in non-retirement accounts, you may not see the profit until you finally start receiving retirement benefits. The profits you do see may be counteracted by rising fuel prices but nonetheless are one upside of higher oil profits.