The ceremonies are over. The cap and gown is hanging in the closet. The parties are done, too.

What isn't over is repayment of perhaps tens of thousands of dollars of student loans. And if you're a recent grad without a job in hand, it's a huge reality.

Washington Post financial columnist Michelle Singletary suggests that new grads should do just about anything they can to start paying off those loans. This means downsizing that cell phone contract when it's up for renewal, getting a roommate, moving back home or even taking a second job if you're already employed.

But what if you have no income? Singletary says that graduates who even suspect that they'll have difficulty repaying their student loans should get in touch with the respective lenders right away to discuss their dilemma. The options vary according to whether the loans came from Federal or private sources.

Many students who graduate without a job offer in hand are tempted big time to go directly to grad school. Singletary states that this is in most cases a bad idea because advanced degrees don't guarantee big salaries. Students who borrowed to finance an undergraduate education will most likely have to do so to finish a graduate program, incurring tons of additional debt in the process. And with the tightening of criteria for student loans, they might not even be able to borrow more money. Continue reading ...

Article by, Vonda Sines and courtesy of Associated Content, Inc.