Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

After spending so much time spent studying, college grads are ready to spend some money.

"A house for my family...a car, of course, to get some transportation...you know, the basics. "

Getting good grades got them this far. But from this day forward what they'll need is a good credit score.

According to the Society of Human Resource Management, nearly 60% of all employers did some sort of a credit check on job applicants last year.

And it's not just them. Insurance rates will check your credit. So will your landlord. And obviously, lenders.

So here are the Cliff Notes on Credit for this year's graduates.

Tip number one for extra credit in the real world? Think before you borrow.

Just because someone's willing to lend doesn't mean you should borrow. The more interest you pay, the less money you have.

That being said, tip number two? When you do borrow, get the right amount and kinds of credit: three lines, two types.

The two different types are open-end, like a credit card. And closed-end, like a car or home loan.

If you can't get credit, tip three is start small: a credit union might be an easier place to get your first credit card. You can also try a secured card or getting a co-signer.

Tip Number Four: when you do get a credit card, try not to use more than 30% of your available credit.

And your last tip? Always pay your bills on time. Because unlike your grades in college, your credit grades are going to follow you around for a long, long time.