I’m a recent college graduate and have been working as a government contractor for the past two years. I have saved about $15,000, which I have mentally divided into thirds: travel/fun money, emergency money, and long-term savings money. I have about $4,000 in Stafford Loan debt leftover from college and no consumer debt.

I'd like to sever ties completely with WF and transfer my balance (about $700-800) to a new card, but I have no idea how to choose one! Any tips/suggestions on how to compare card offers and get the best deal in terms of interest rates, reward programs, etc?

How low is too low? You'll know that based on the typical salary of the position you want.

OK, I am a young professional with a good job that I got in 2008 after graduating college. Since my hiring, I've managed to put away about $12,000 into a savings account, and a few months ago my parents gifted me another $20,000 because they gave up on me ever having a wedding.

Atul Gawande is a doctor/writer genius.

Everything moves faster in college. One semester you’re a reporter for the school paper and the next you’re the editor-in-chief! That doesn’t exactly happen in the real world. It’ll take some time to adapt to not being on a semester schedule, so don’t be despondent if you don’t get promoted after four months, or if you actually just suck at your first job. It’s okay.

—Our buddy Doree Shafrir’s list of advice for new graduates is pretty great (some of it involves doing smart things with money, which: DO THAT). This is my favorite though. Patience is just a great thing to have in general, but especially for your life. Just chill. Just because your first job out of school is at the mall doesn’t mean you’re going to be at the mall forever. Things take a minute to happen. Often many minutes. It’s frustrating! But also okay. You’re gonna be fine, kid (that’s for me, but I’m sure you’ll be fine, too).

Unfortunately, creating a household budget seems like a daunting task to me. Any advice on making one (and sticking to it)?

Is it better for me to pay the balance before it collects interest to save me money (is that even the way it works? I mean, I can do that, right?), or is that money spent on interest a valuable investment in raising my credit score faster?

I am 27, and I've never had a credit card.

I don't want to end up like Mr. Burns in that episode where Homer asks him if his money says "I love you" at the end of the day, and Mr. Burns sadly says, "…no!"