Comments on: 8 Financial Mistakes that Lead to the Post-Grad Blues

By: Westpac

Westpac — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:28 +0000

During my last year in college I was able to get a full time job. Some of my college friends then are spending all their money to nothing. They did not know the absolute value of money. Right now, I am living a good life and debt free.

By: Andrea (Recession Proof Living)

Andrea (Recession Proof Living) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:12:17 +0000

I’ll throw out a controversial mistake: taking out a student loan!

If you attend a public university and take full advantage of scholarships, grants, work-study, and have a part time job, you can often graduate debt free.

Even in professional programs like medical school, you can get your school paid for if you agree to serve in an underserved area after you graduate. Too many students just mindlessly jump in line to get a loan without really beating the bushes to find money elsewhere. It’s out there! Really!

By: Michigan Lead Generation

Michigan Lead Generation — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:23:37 +0000

Great Post. Before opening our own SEO business we were also trapped by those forces. But one can take the inititive and overcome the problems.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:26:01 +0000

Thanks for the post! As someone about to graduate in May, I hope I can avoid falling into these pitfalls.

By: Studenomics

Studenomics — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:20:58 +0000

Tips for current students: Aside from the obvious fact that they should all take a moment to research the topic of personal finance. I have been in school for the last few years and have 1.5 years left and let me tell you the best thing you could do is work. That’s right stop lying to yourself and saying that you don’t want to work because you want to focus on your studies. This is just another excuse. This semester I worked full time while my friend decided to quit his job so he could “focus.” Let me tell you this all he focused on was trying to pick up girls and playing video games and I ended up with a higher gpa than him. Don’t get me wrong I love picking up girls and relaxing but who you going to pick up with no money?

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:01:46 +0000

When I was in college I had friends with four credit cards to ‘cut corners’ and have fun. I couldn’t believe it! They’re now in debt (obviously), have a bad line of credit and didn’t focus on saving. I’m glad you’ve pointed these out G.E., more undergrads need to read this!

By: StacyB

StacyB — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:14:29 +0000

I recommend consolidating student loans at the time of graduation. The rates increase quite a bit if you neglect to do this.

Don’t forget that classes cost money. You can often cut down on the cost by taking some basics at a community college. But first figure out how tuition is charged. Often 12 hours costs the same as 15. Even if you have student loans, you will pay the cost eventually. Be smart about it.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:22:40 +0000

I happened to be in a fortunate situation that my family was able to afford my college education and left school with no debt. From working the summers I was able to save for the school year, and borrowed spending money from parents which I paid back once I graduated.

Being a recent post grad, I don’t think it’s necessary to have more than one credit card. That can only lead to trouble and I’ve known people to only look at the monthly payments not realizing how much debt they would pile up. Also the dressing tip. No need to buy expensive clothes, gadgets, etc, if it is not necessary and can really hurt your wallet.

The one tip I would add goes along dressing to impress and that is eating out all the time. In college most students rely on eating out which takes a huge toll on their wallets and health as well. Need to learn how to make a few dishes and go grocery shopping.

By: Rich

Rich — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:37:02 +0000

“Dressing for success” was my big sin. I soon realized that having a nicer car and nicer clothes than the boss was a quick way to garner suspicion and not a way to impress.
I also let me GPS sag a bit my last year, which brought my GPA down a bit. And I completely agree that when you don’t have work experience to stand out, a high GPA can be the flag that gets your resume noticed, especially in tough times like today.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:18:10 +0000

I worked a full time job and went to school full time. This allowed me to not only leave school with no student loans, but I also was able to start a company matched 401k at an early age. I however began to live like my parents (finance everything) after graduating, and am still digging myself out of that hole.