Until we start earning, our grasp on money can be shaky. Finances just don’t have the same meaning when you don’t have much to play with. This is even the case if you had a part-time job during college. The chances are you spent your wages on a day-to-day basis, and never entirely got a grasp on your financial situation.

But, studies don’t last forever, and the world of work will beckon you. And, when it does, you may be in for a nasty surprise. Those years of neglecting your financial life are sure to catch up. Student loans aside, you may realize that your money is in a worse situation than you imagined.

When that happens, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, the only way through money trouble is to weather the tide. Now you’re working, you can solve any issue you’ve accrued. We’re going to look at a few of the initial problems you might face, and how to get around them.

Deal with your debts

Debts are incredibly common among those first entering the working world. There are, of course, your student debts to contend with. But, many have others besides. You wouldn’t be the first student to take out a loan or two to subsidize their living.

So, the first thing to do is deal with those debts. The longer things go on, the more money you’ll pay. There are a few things you can do. If the situation is beyond repair, you could file for personal bankruptcy. It’s far from a perfect solution, but it does wipe the slate clean. If you have enough loans behind your name, it’s the best way forward. If things aren’t as bad as that, you could opt instead for a consolidation loan to help you manage the situation.

Build your credit score

A credit rating is a kind of guarantee. It’s a way for people to see how reliable you are with money. Most importantly, you’ll need this when breaking into real estate. If you did have debts to deal with, you’ll find that your credit score isn’t in the best condition. Even those who haven’t contended with debts could find themselves in trouble. Many say no credit rating is as tricky as a good one.

To deal with the situation, you need first to clear all debts if you have them. This in itself will help boost your rating. Then, set about applying for credit cards, or paying for items gradually. Be diligent, and never miss a payment. Your credit score will shine again in no time.

Make up for missed pension payments

Last, but by no means least, you should start thinking about the future. Your years of unemployment will have left you unable to pay into a pension. But, it’s time to make up for that now. To ensure a decent amount when the time comes, you should be paying at least $150 into your pension each month. Don’t hesitate to set up and get started.