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If you have a lot of debt to pay off, you’re far from alone. According to a report from late 2014, 40 million Americans have student-loan debt. Even though you’re still in school, there is no time like the present to start tackling your student loan debt — along with any other debt you might have. But how should you go about paying off your debts?

Know Your Debt

If you just make minimum payments on all your debts, you’ll end up paying far more than you have to on interest and it will take you decades to be debt-free. Take an honest look at all your bills. How much do you owe on each account? What are the interest rates? Are there penalties for prepayment? Having this information in hand can equip you to put together a smart plan for getting out of the red.

Choose Which Debt to Pay Off First

You should focus on paying off one debt at a time. This will ultimately save you money on interest and keep you focused on your financial goals.

You can choose to pay off your smallest debt first. Pour as much money as you can into the debt each month while you make minimum payments on all your other debts. After your smallest debt is paid off, roll the money you were using on it into the next debt. This will give you a sense of accomplishment as you quickly see some of your monthly payments disappear.

Alternatively, you can pay off your most expensive debt first. By focusing on the debt with the highest APR, you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars on interest.

As you slog your way through your debts one at a time, you might also put a little extra into the debts that aren’t your main focus. For example, if you use a credit card for a small purchase, you could promise yourself to pay off that small purchase immediately — and add a few extra dollars onto the bill. This will keep you accountable for your spending and make an impact on your overall debt.

Consider Consolidation

Student loans generally have low interest rates, so debt consolidation should only be an option for you if you have other, high-interest, unsecured debts. The consolidation will allow you to combine all of your monthly credit card payments into one. Your budget will be simpler, and you’ll save money on interest.

Choose a Career Path With Student Loan Forgiveness

If you’re still early in your college career, it might not be too late to choose a major that will lead to a career that offers student loan forgiveness. If you go into public service after you graduate — for example, if you work for the government or a nonprofit organization — you may eventually qualify to have your student loans forgiven.

Debt is a worrisome thing for most college students, but the sooner you put together a plan to pay it off, the less stress you’ll have later on. Choose a debt payment method that works with your situation and your budget.

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When you’re living on ramen packets and you don’t know if you’ll be able to afford your next tank of gas, a payday loan can seem like a tempting way to get the cash you need right away. All you have to do is pay it back when you get your check, right? Stop right there. Payday loans are extremely dangerous.

Preying on Students

College students are often desperate for money, and payday loan companies prey on that vulnerability. An article in The Guardian states, “adverts for payday loans weed out the people they’re not interested in, until all they’re left with are the incredibly desperate or the young and unreasonably optimistic.” College students are a special target because of their unique circumstances. Of course you’re not dumb, but your circumstances may trick you into thinking that taking out a payday loan won’t have dire consequences. In truth, though, these loans are nothing but traps.

Shocking Interest Rates

According to PayDayLoanInfo.org, the average payday loan comes with an annual percentage rate (APR) of around 400 percent. Sometimes, the APR can be close to 800 percent. Your jaw is probably already on the floor, but to drive the point home, think about interest rates for credit cards, which usually have an APR between 10 and 30 percent. Credit cards seem like a bargain compared to payday loans!

Usually, you are expected to repay a payday loan with your next paycheck, as the name of the loan implies. However, you may be given the option of simply paying a finance charge and rolling over the loan into your next pay period. The more you do this, the more money you end up paying for nothing. This can turn into a debt spiral that will cost you hundreds or thousands of extra dollars over time.

Avoid Payday Loans

The best way to avoid getting trapped in a payday loan scam is to create a budget and stick to it. Anticipate the hard times, and set aside a rainy day fund for when you can’t work as much or when you have added expenses.

But what if you simply don’t have the means to set aside money ahead of time? You might think that if the choices come down to getting a payday loan or not eating, a payday loan is the lesser of two evils. However, you may have other alternatives.

Hit Craig’s List and sell some stuff you don’t need anymore. You’ll get cash, reduce clutter, and hook someone else up with something they do need.

Ask your employer about a pay advance. Many employers are flexible, and they want to please their loyal employees, so it can’t hurt to ask for a bit of an advance on your next check. Just don’t make a habit of doing this.

Another option is to take something valuable to a pawn shop and use it as collateral for a loan. It’s a quick way to get some cash, and you’ll be able to get your valuables back when you repay the loan.

Payday loans are scary — scarier than that horror flick that gave you nightmares when you were a kid — so avoid them by being smart about your budget and taking advantage of payday loan alternatives.

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Getting a job in today’s market is tough. The United States unemployment rate is around 5.5 percent — so, on average, one in 20 of your friends is going to have a hard time finding work — and that doesn’t even mean the job they’re trying for will be a good one. It could be in a completely different field than they hoped, making as little as minimum wage.

If you are going to get the job you want, you need the right education, some type of experience (volunteer or paid), and impressive interview skills. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to ace your next job interview:

Know What to Expect

Always remember that job interviews are not about showing that you are qualified for the job. Your dream employer has your resume and knows your experience. Instead, job interviews help potential employers determine whether you would be a good fit for the company, including both its goals and its culture.

Be Punctual

Showing up late is disrespectful to your would-be employer as well as other interviewees. Just don’t do it. Plan ahead and arrive early. If you are worried about finding adequate parking or public transportation, give yourself enough time to arrive early and relax with a coffee before your interview — just do not be late. Remember: in appointment time, early is on time, on time is late.

Look Your Best

If you are going to ace your interview, you have to look your best. Wearing casual or revealing clothing is never a good idea, but a suit may not be the appropriate either. Instead, choose an interview outfit that looks like you, expresses as much creativity as the position requires, and demonstrates that you tried to look nice. Polish your shoes, iron your shirt, and look like you came to work. When in doubt, dress up, not down.

How to Prepare

Never walk into an interview without being prepared. Research the company. Check the website, read up on the industry, the company’s competitors, and the buzz on social media. If possible, talk with people who work for the company and ask questions about the culture and challenges they are facing. Finally, prepare questions to ask in the interview that are specific to the company and position.

Plan Ahead

The key to acing your job interview is planning ahead. Bring extra copies of your resume as well as pen and paper for taking notes. Bring business cards if you have them, as well as a digital copy of your resume and portfolio that you can leave with the person who interviewed you. Be sure to also plan ahead for what happens after the interview. Make sure you have contact information for the person or people who interviewed you, as well as the correct spelling of their names, their positions, and the best way to reach them, so you can send a follow-up. And always thank them for their time in meeting you.

Bottom Line

The best way to ace your next job interview is through careful preparation, a personal touch, and lots of respect. Even if you’re not the right fit for the first position you interview for, if you make a good impression with the company, they may keep you in mind until they find the perfect job for you.

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Your graduation ceremony is behind you, and you’re ready to plan your next move. Perhaps you’re considering moving to an employment hotspot or taking a year off to pursue an internship abroad. However, there’s another great option you might not have considered: living with your parents. Reasons like these encourage nearly half of 18- to 24-year-old college graduates to live in their family homes after the big day in May.

It’ll Help You Save Some Money and Pay Back Student Loans

If you’re like 69 percent of recent college graduates, you’re up to your eyeballs in debt. According to the Institute of College Access & Success, the average college graduate in 2014 needed to repay $28,950 to clear their student loans. How do you plan on doing that if you’re paying for rent, food, utilities, and more?

Even if you’re lucky enough to graduate debt-free, you probably don’t have a nest egg behind you. You’ll need this when you move into your own place because you’ll be expected to pay for the first and perhaps the last month’s rent, a security deposit, and movers. Then there are all the costs of daily living to consider, such as groceries and utility bills. Even if you score an entry-level job, meeting those expenses is challenging for most recent graduates.

Most parents will happily charge their kids a nominal amount for room and board. This will allow you to save the money you need to get on your own two feet.

It’ll Give You a Place to Be While You’re Looking For Work

The Global Financial Crisis may be far behind us, but it’s still affecting the employment prospects of young graduates. A 2015 report published by the Economic Policy Institute found that 7.2 percent of young college graduates are unemployed. A further 14.9 percent are underemployed, or employed in jobs beneath their qualifications. You might have studied to be an engineer or lawyer, but in reality you could find yourself waiting tables or working a cash register until you find work in your field.

Living with your parents can be a great safety net while you’re looking for work in your chosen field. Parents tend to be more understanding about long stints of unemployment and times when money is tight than flatmates. It’s also much easier to focus on finding a job when you don’t have to worry about your next meal or keeping the power on.

You’ll Be Close to a Great Support System

Adjusting to life after graduation can be challenging. You’ve lost your usual routine and the social opportunities it provided. You’re faced with the reality of finding full-time work and making the transition from college kid to full-blown adult. All these challenges can take a real toll on your mental health. Your parents will often be your greatest cheerleader when you’re feeling down. If you’ve got siblings at home, you’ll also benefit from their company during this challenging time.

Living with parents isn’t always a bed of roses, but there are such compelling reasons why it makes sense after graduation so don’t rule it out before giving it serious consideration and talking it through with your family.

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You’ve tried to forget about your student loans over the last four years, but now that you’re ready to graduate, you have to face facts. A student loan exit interview prepares you for your first payment and ensures that you understand the rules and regulations you must follow going forward. Below are some tips to help you make the most of the interview and prepare yourself for repaying your student loans.

Resist the Urge to Skip It

While exit counseling might not seem like the most enjoyable way to spend your time as you prepare to leave college, don’t assume you can blow it off like a group study session. You’re required to participate in exit counseling if your loan came from the federal government, so resign yourself to this necessity.

Fortunately, it’s not a long or involved experience. You’ll meet a loan counselor on campus or take part in the interview online. Either way, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Afterward, you can meet your pals for coffee in the quad.

Make a List of Questions

Just like a job interview, a student loan exit interview goes both ways. Your interviewer will likely ask you questions and provide you with essential information, but you’re allowed to ask a few questions of your own. To ensure you don’t forget anything, make a list of questions to ask, such as:

  • When must I make my first payment?
  • How much will each payment cost?
  • How long will it take to pay off the debt?
  • Do you have multiple options for payment plans?

Take a pad of paper and a pen to the interview. That way, you can write down the answers to your questions. Alternatively, ask the interviewer for any literature he or she has, such as brochures or fact sheets. The more information you have, the better prepared you become.

Take Stock of Your Future

If you’ve already found a post-graduation job, you know how much you’ll earn each month. Federal loans often involve repayment plans that represent a percentage of your income. If you know this information now, you can start making plans.

However, even if you haven’t yet snagged a job, you can research the types of careers you might want to pursue. How much do entry-level jobs in your chosen industry pay? That will give you an idea of how to structure your finances in the future.

Provide Useful Contact Information

After you graduate, will you return to your parents’ home or move into a new apartment? It’s often best to provide a relative’s address until you find permanent housing. It’s also a good idea to set up a new email address. You’ll stop using your university email after graduation, and you’ll want your loan officer to have a convenient way to contact you.

Whether you took out federal or private student loans, the exit interview is an essential part of starting your new life after graduation. You’ll know exactly what to expect, which means the first bill won’t come as a nasty shock.

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Remember that one time you volunteered? You were probably busy all day and when you were done, you were exhausted but you felt great. You might not think there’s room in your schedule to make volunteering a regular part of your life, but there are some reasons you should try to squeeze it into your weekly or monthly routine.

Personal Satisfaction

Which causes matter to you? Perhaps you’re personally moved by animals that have been abused, people who lack food security or permanent shelter, or individuals who struggle with a particular illness. Get in touch with your cause and connect with an organization in your local community that would welcome your service. You’ll be able to have a meaningful share in something that really matters to you.

Your Health

Volunteering is good for you!

If you struggle with depression or low self-esteem, regular volunteering might be the boost you need to brighten up your outlook. Everyday Health cited a research paper that claims volunteering is connected to increased well-being, lessened depression, and even a reduced risk of dying. It is possible that volunteering is a mental-health super-medicine because of the social connections it helps you forge or simply because helping others usually comes with a sense of happiness.

Your brain isn’t the only part of your body that benefits when you volunteer. Many volunteer opportunities involve physical labor. Whether you’re cleaning up a local park, playing football with disadvantaged kids, or lending a hand at the homeless shelter, you’ll get some good exercise.

Build Relationships

Whatever organization you volunteer for, you’re bound to meet other individuals who share your passion for making a difference. This is a chance to form long-lasting friendships. Convince the friends you already have to join you in volunteering and you’ll probably connect more deeply with them as well. Having a circle of close friends is an essential part of maintaining a balanced life as a college student.

Your Career

Whether you’ve just started your undergraduate studies or you’re well on your way to obtaining an advanced degree, it’s never the wrong time to think about your career.

The relationships you build while you’re volunteering can lead to job opportunities. That person who is picking up litter next to you could be a manager at a local business or could have other connections that can put you at the front of the line for your dream job.

You may even be able to learn new skills as you volunteer and you can polish the skills you already have. Plus, employers like to see any type of volunteering on a resume. It shows that you’re an energetic person with a desire to help others. It also demonstrates your commitment to your community and your willingness to put yourself out there for something you care about.

Has it been a while since the last time you volunteered? Look at your routine. Maybe you could shuffle things around so you can spend one weekend a month or a few hours each week volunteering. You won’t regret it!

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Your impending graduation might fill you with a mixture of excitement and dread. You’re excited because all of your hard work is about to pay off, but you might feel a little trepidation because you’re not sure how to prepare for what happens next. Use this checklist to ease your stress so you can focus on the joys of reaching graduation.

Network Like Crazy

Whether you want to take a summer to travel after graduation or dive right into the job market, now is the time to put out career feelers. Collect as much contact information as you can from your fellow students — particularly older students who already have job experience — as well as your professors and any professionals you know who work in your chosen field.

Build Your Professional Wardrobe

Yoga pants and basketball shorts are comfortable fallbacks for long study sessions, but if your wardrobe is all casual, it’s time to go shopping. Start your search now for clothing that you can wear to job interviews. If you have the money, you might even want to get a suit tailored to fit so you can really impress.

Polish Your Resume

Often, your resume is how you make a first impression on potential employers. Research what makes an effective resume, and think carefully about skills you can include. Past summer jobs as well as volunteer experience can enhance your resume. You may want to stop by the campus career center for help with refining this all-important document.

Research Places to Live

You might already have a favorite city in mind, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore your options. Research the job market and cost of living in cities across the nation, or across the world if you’re feeling adventurous. Be sure to also look at other opportunities in places where you’re thinking about moving. Perhaps there is a well-reputed volunteer program that could help you gain the experience you need to get into graduate school.

Prepare a Budget

You likely already have an idea of how much you’ll be making when you land your first job, and it might feel like you’ll be rich compared to your current budget. However, be careful not to overestimate what you can afford. Just because you’ll eke out enough money for that awesome downtown apartment doesn’t mean you should. Plan to have enough money to comfortably make all your payments each month and still have some left over for savings.

Manage Your Reputation

Companies often look at a job candidate’s social media accounts. If you have posts that show embarrassing moments from parties or otherwise portray you as unprofessional, delete those posts before you start sending out resumes. If your friends have posted unflattering information about you, ask them to delete it or, at the very least, untag you.

Enjoy Yourself

Senior year should be a time of celebration. You’re close to achieving a long-term goal! Forge deeper bonds with your classmates, go on weekend road trips, and attend parties. The memories will stay with you for a lifetime.

Don’t let the stress of graduation get to you. Start preparing now for post-college life so you can truly savor your accomplishments.

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Even though there are plenty of ways to offset college costs, you still want to graduate with lucrative career prospects. Whether you plan to pay off student loans, buy a house, or travel the world, you need a decent salary to fund your post-academic life. With that in mind, it’s important to choose a major that aligns with your salary expectations.

The Most-Lucrative Majors for College Graduates

When deciding on a college major, it’s best to study the different fields outside of college. Which jobs are most in demand? These often pay better because there’s less competition among workers and more competition among employers.

For instance, Kiplinger identifies computer science, software engineering, economics, finance, and physics as extremely lucrative majors. In all cases, these areas of study offer reasonable starting salaries, excellent salary growth, and a high number of annual job postings.

Other high-earning college majors include petroleum statistics, pharmacology, and health and medical preparatory programs. Additionally, engineers of all stripes tend to outperform other professions across the board.

The Least-Lucrative Majors for College Graduates

According to NPR, some college majors result in careers with low earning potential and other hazards, such as limited job openings. Many of these majors deal with the arts, such as visual and performing arts, graphic design, and drama. While each of these majors can lead to tremendous salary potential, many graduates will fail to make a career out of them.

Similarly, some of the least-lucrative majors involve social work or public service. Theology and human-services graduates might find plenty of work but not much compensation. These industries typically offer low-pay employment, so if you plan to pursue them, you might need alternative ways to generate income.

Pay Isn’t the Only Consideration

Maybe you want to become a pastor at a community church. You know the position probably won’t pay well, but you’re committed to the work. In this case, salary potential might not constitute your top priority. Additionally, jobs that offer low pay sometimes come with other perks. Pastors and priests, for instance, sometimes get free room and board in a parsonage and they experience deep job satisfaction.

It’s also important to look at benefits. Elementary education finds its way onto NPR’s list of least-lucrative college majors, but teachers often receive excellent health coverage and summers off. Maybe that, and educating young people, is more important to you than the numbers on your paycheck.

Researching College Majors

When deciding on a college major, consider the financial investment you’ve made in college as well as your salary expectations and other needs. Think about issues like job availability and working conditions to find the ideal major/career combination for your chosen lifestyle.

While salary isn’t the only factor, it’s important to think realistically. If you’ll graduate with five figures of student-loan debt, you’ll need a career that enables you to satisfy your financial obligations.

Choosing a major is always a difficult process. You have to gaze into the future if you want to make a practical decision. Consider the factors listed above to help you make a decision that will inform your professional future.

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Finding a job isn’t easy, and finding one you love is even harder. Unemployment rates have dipped impressively since October 2009, but as many people are “underemployed” (marginally attached or working part time for economic reasons) as are unemployed.

While the economy and the job market itself are somewhat to blame, the secondary issue is that job hunting has changed. Technology has changed the way companies post jobs and evaluate candidates, and that means job searching needs to change, too. More than 70 percent of people are hired through networking, versus just 15 percent who apply through job boards. That doesn’t mean you should avoid using job-search websites, but some are better than others.

Here is a list of the top job-search websites you should be using.

Indeed

Indeed is a free job-search website that gets more than 180 million visitors every month. It is an aggregate site, meaning it pulls listings from company websites as well as various job boards. The site also sends you job alerts on request or you can subscribe to an RSS feed. Indeed also has tips for job searchers and a mobile app to help you search on the go.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor is another great job-search site. It is free to use and provides helpful information about companies and their cultures, while also providing details on what to expect at a certain company or in a certain role. In addition to helping you find new job opportunities, Glassdoor also helps you learn what to expect at interviews

USA Jobs

USA Jobs is the website where the federal government posts all available jobs. You can search by job title or industry and find information about pay and benefits as well as eligibility. If you are interested in federal work, have civic experience, or have a government security clearance, this is a great site.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has its own job-search website. It is free to use and it’s helpful. LinkedIn Jobs looks at your profile and gives you suggestions based on your location, level of seniority, and industry as well as the company size you have typically worked for in the past. The site also looks at your connections and recommends companies you may be able to network with based on your existing connections.

Twitter

While not a job-search website, Twitter deserves a mention. Most recruiters and many companies tweet job openings the minute they become available. Twitter is free to use. All you have to do is set a search alert for your ideal job title as well as target companies and industry recruiters.

Job-search websites are a great place to find new opportunities, but many also provide opportunities for networking and offer helpful advice on how to improve your job search. Rather than select a single job-search website, check multiple sources and network with other people in your industry.

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When you’re a college student, money’s tight and the “broke college student” stereotype is entirely true. College towns often offer plenty of opportunities for part-time and full-time employment, but on-campus jobs might provide the best solution. Here’s why on-campus jobs can be awesome.

1) They’re Schedule Friendly

The local fast-food joint or clothing store doesn’t know where you spend your non-working hours nor do they likely care. Consequently, those employers might not offer student-friendly schedules, especially when finals are rapidly approaching or you pick up a class mid-semester. Julie and Lindsey Mayfield of U.S. News & World Report point out that on-campus employers often take into account each employee’s specific schedule. You might work shorter-but-more-frequent shifts, for instance, to accommodate your class-and-study schedule. On-campus jobs might also leave more room for extracurricular activities.

2) They’re Convenient

Many students head to college without reliable transportation. If you don’t have a car on campus, an off-campus job might prove difficult to work into your schedule, even if you live in a city with public transportation. However, if you work on campus, you can probably walk to the workplace and eliminate that wrinkle. Plus you’ll save on gas and you’ll get some exercise and fresh air. Triple win.

3) You Get to Meet Faculty, Staff, and Your Peers

Part of the college experience revolves around creating connections with students and faculty. If you work outside of school, you leave the campus environment for a significant portion of your day, which could lead to missed opportunities. An on-campus job keeps you interacting with the people most connected to you and it enables you to enjoy a rich social experience. According to USA Today, many students enjoy fuller social lives when they have on-campus jobs. Also, every interaction is a chance to make a good impression on someone who may be your professor next term or your bestie or sig other down the road.

4) You Gain Real-World Experience

An on-campus job offers a safe-and-reassuring environment in which to gain real-world experience. You’ll learn how to function effectively as a co-worker and employee but still within a familiar atmosphere. This enables you to stretch your wings without worry. You might even find a job that aligns with your college major. It’s the perfect stepping stone to the outside world of work and you’ll get a sense of your work style and strengths and areas for improvement.

Finding an On-Campus Job That Meets Your Needs

On-campus jobs can prove competitive, especially at large universities. You might have to put in several applications before you find a job you’ll enjoy. If you’re desperate for work, look for jobs that aren’t as attractive as others, such as in food service or the mail room or grounds crew. Your experience with that job might make you more attractive later on as you apply for more-desirable jobs that might take longer to obtain.

You can also ask other student workers to recommend you. A personal referral often speaks louder than a resume that looks like everyone else’s. Leveraging your on-campus network can prove extremely valuable as you look for employment.

On-campus jobs are an excellent choice if you want to make a little money (or apply earnings to your tuition) and enjoy the full college experience at the same time. Check with your school’s career services department if you’re not sure where to start.