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Congratulations to you, recent grad! You’ve just received your degree, and now you’re ready to enter the world.

But get ready, because you’re not in college anymore.

Whether you’re entering the working world or continuing your job search, you’re going to need to budget, especially if you’ll be paying off student loans, like over a third of Credit Karma users.

Consider some of the following tips for making smart money choices to budget your money.

Watch your costs.

Credit cards. In order to build your credit, a credit card can be a useful tool. But if your card tempts you to spend money you don’t have, take extra precautions. Leave your credit card at home when you go out with friends and take cash you’ve budgeted for the evening. Use your credit cards on expenses for which you’re prepared to pay back in full, like a grocery run. And be sure to pay off your balances each month or you’ll find yourself paying a lot of interest in the end.

Rent. Maybe you’re tempted to get an apartment all to yourself that’s a big step up from your college dorm. Don’t go overboard on a fancy new apartment, and consider getting a roommate or two so you can split the rent. If possible, move back in with Mom and Dad for a time while you put some money away into a savings account.

Don’t buy for status.

Food and drink. If you haven’t already, learn to cook a few meals, and commit them to memory. Keep your kitchen stocked with staples like salad greens, pasta noodles, and tomato sauce. That way, when it’s time for dinner, you have no excuse not to commit 20 minutes to making a quick, nutritious meal, a great alternative to eating out. Check out some of the recipes from Better Homes and Gardens to get you started.

Cars. The clunker that got you through school is at the end of its life. Whatever you do, don’t buy a new car, no matter how cool it looks. Bankrate reports that a new automobile selling for $28,800 loses 60 percent of its value in the first four years. Shop around for a reliable used car. Use Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book to guide you on which cars will give you the best value and then check out CarMax for listings.

Furniture. You may be tempted to fill your new post-graduate place with hip modern finds, but consider shopping at Ikea instead. Here are several reasons why:

Still not convinced? Try Craigslist. You may have to look around a bit, but you can find great deals on used furniture. Just remember to be safe and take a friend along if you’re picking up a Craigslist purchase.

If you splurge, make it count.

Clothing. Don’t buy high-end labels just for the cool factor, but do buy good quality clothing that will last a long time. Put your money toward wardrobe staples like winter coats and boots, as well as professional clothing for job interviews and your first office job. But don’t splurge on the summer dress or suit you’ll wear to a couple of weddings before it goes to the back of your closet.

Electronics. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an iPad 2. But if you want one, or any other pricey electronic, use these three questions to guide you in your decision:

Bottom Line: Use these tips, and you might even have a little extra cash. Put it towards paying off your student loan debt sooner or starting an emergency savings fun. Plus, if you follow this advice, you’ll get started on living a more frugal life, which is never a bad thing.

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