CALABASAS, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/02/09 -- Graduating can be both exciting and stressful. To help minimize the stress associated with this transition and set the stage for a bright financial future, Informa Research Services offers these tips to new graduates (http://www.bankingmyway.com/ratesearch/savings, http://moneycentral.msn.com/banking/services/creditcard.asp):

-- Create a Budget and Plan to Save

With a new job and income that may have been non-existent during school, it is important for new graduates to manage their money wisely. Even though student loans and credit card payments may be looming, saving even a little can add up over time. Graduates should commence a savings plan as soon as possible.

One easy way to track and manage finances is to check out various iPhone apps (applications), such as the one from the popular online personal finance site, Mint.com. This app allows users to check balances and monitor spending instantly. With the help of this app, there's never an excuse for going over budget, even while on the go!

-- Remember to Keep Looking Forward

Having completed one chapter of their lives, graduates may feel like they have plenty of time to save for a house and retirement, but there's no reason to wait! This is a great time to take advantage of the many programs various financial institutions are using to promote savings and homeownership! For instance, many banks have programs in which various fees are waived for scheduling direct deposits or automatic transfers from a checking to a savings account. Some institutions even offer bonus interest rates for scheduling this automatic part of your new savings routine. Start with a modest amount and increase it gradually based on individual budgeting restraints.

It may be difficult to think that far ahead, but graduates should remember that as much as one may love their profession, anyone who wishes to retire at some point in their life must start to build up their savings earlier rather than later. Scheduling a portion of each paycheck to be deposited directly into a retirement account will eliminate any temptation to slack on building a nest egg. Also, Informa Research Services suggests participating in a 401k program frequently offered by employers.

-- Mind Your Debt

Credit cards can be helpful in purchasing big ticket items, but graduates should be careful to only purchase what they know they can afford to pay back. It is important to remember that credit is not free money. According to Informa Research Services' Interest Rate Review, the national average Platinum, non-reward credit card APR is 11.30%, with the highest APRs topping out at near 25% (Source: Interest Rate Review). Graduates should also look for cards offering a 0% introductory APR. Additionally, paying off balances in full can minimize extra fees and costs associated with consumer credit. Using the Internet, graduates can compare APRs and apply for a credit card online in minutes!

Following these simple guidelines will help graduates avoid unnecessary financial headaches and help them enjoy life outside the classroom. Congratulations to the Class of 2009!

Permission is granted to reprint this release in part or in its entirety as long as source credit is properly listed.

About Informa Research Services, Inc. (www.informars.com)

Since 1983, Informa Research Services, Inc., has provided the financial industry's most extensive array of market research and decision-support information.