When you graduate from college and start your new career try maintaining a lifestyle close to that of a “college student.” Think about what you are spending money on before you make non-essential purchases. If you do this, you will likely find yourself deciding against the purchase a majority of the time. You can take the money you were planning on spending on that non-essential item and put it towards your student loan payment. You will thank yourself later when you pay off your dreaded student loans early.