During college, my friends and I watched Sex and the City constantly. We bought the DVDs and watched them back to back for weeks until we had completed the entire series. SATC monopolized many of our conversations about women’s issues, about men and sex and fashion. Although we realized that the show did not necessarily represent reality, we still had a very rosy-colored vision of our futures as single urban women. We couldn’t wait to graduate and get out there in the real world, which we envisioned to be filled with shoes and fabulous parties and expensive cocktails…

 But, it wasn’t. Obviously.

So, if you are financially independent for the first time, here are some things to think about to avoid post-SATC depression, and more importantly, to help you keep out of financial trouble:

BE REALISTIC! Let’s face it: Sex and the City pretty much set us all up for disappointment. Carrie writes a newspaper column once a week and stocks her closet with $400 designer shoes? Yea, right. The most important thing you can do when you’re first starting out on your own is to have realistic expectations about what you can afford and what you certainly can not. This will help you avoid getting yourself into financial trouble, and it will also give you a more positive attitude about your own financial reality!

DRINK RESPONSIBLY! Sure, you can go out and sip champagne every Friday night, but, imagine what you can do in just a few years if you skip the $10 cocktails and settle for a house wine or a vodka soda instead? You can drink inexpensively while still avoiding the college crowd, trust me. Go to happy hour or find places with half-off bottles or nightly specials. They are out there! I would recommend signing up for a local email newsletter like Daily Candy or Thrillist that can help you find specials and discounts that are going on in your city.

LEARN TO COOK! You don’t need to become Giada De Laurentiisor anything, just learn how to sauté some onions and garlic or bake tilapia filets or cook up some fajitas. Basic cooking can go a long way if you’re willing to dedicate time to it. If you are excited about eating at home, you won’t go out to eat as much. And, as a bonus, you may even find that you can eat healthier if you are purchasing your own food from the supermarket and making it yourself.

SHOP AT DISCOUNT STORES! I lived in Alexandria, Virginiaafter I graduated where there are a plethora of darling boutiques with fabulous designers. But, just up the street there is a Ross, which is a discounted store with clothes, home décor and just about anything else you might want. And it’s so much cheaper. Though you have to search through the racks, you can find some real gems for under $15. Also, it gives you a chance to get creative with your fashion sense! If you don’t have a Ross near you, try Target or TJ Maxx.

STAY IN! We all love to go out with our friends. We love to look good and it gives us a rush to flirt with cute guys. But, honestly, spending time in on a Saturday night can be just as fulfilling as a night out, and you will save so much money. Buy a couple $5 or $6 bottles of wine (you can find champagne for about $10), get some frozen hors de vours, find a movie to watch and make your friends come over to hang out! Spend a little time and money decorating your new place, and make it a space you enjoy being in. The more comfortable you are in your own home, the more time you’ll be willing to spend there.

DON’T GO OVERBOARD WITH GIFTS! I know we all have wonderful ideas about saving 10% of our paycheck each month, but sometimes we have to dip into our savings to afford gifts for the people we love, especially around birthdays and Christmas and other gift-giving events. BUT, you don’t have to break the bank in order to show those people that you love them! Set a budget for gifts you exchange with friends and make sure no one goes over that budget. That way you don’t feel guilty for being cheap. As far as family goes, just make it known that you are trying not to spend all that much on gifts. Plan out a budget for yourself and stick to it! They will understand that you can’t afford to buy them expensive gifts. And, for all your gifts, get creative! Frame old pictures, write lengthy heartfelt letters, make CDs…as cheesy as it sounds, putting a little heart into your gifts can absolutely make up for lack of monetary value!

AVOID BEING RIPPED OFF! Make sure you read your lease agreement front to back and you exhaust your agent with questions, just to make sure there are no hidden charges or loopholes that you will get stuck with. Ask about or contest any bills that you think are unfair or unclear. Dealing with customer service is a huge pain, but it is worth it. Do not be afraid to ask! If you’re afraid of sounding ignorant, don’t worry about it! When you get that unwarranted $100 charge put back into your account, you will be happy you argued! One important thing I learned was that people and companies will try to rip you off if they can, so just be aware!

ASK! If you have questions about health insurance options, utilities bills, security deposits, or anything else related to your personal finances, don’t be afraid to ask. Ask someone in your life who has had experience dealing with personal finance or find a discussion board online and ask random strangers. Sometimes you will get confused and intimidated by your personal finances. There are lots of people who can help you. All you have to do is ask.

DON’T BE TOO PROUD! If you are like me, then you try to do everything yourself and you don’t like taking favors from anyone. Well, if I could change anything from my year after college, I would change my attitude toward getting help. If a friend or boyfriend offers to buy you something, or your parents offer to send money, don’t turn it down based on your pride. There will be many opportunities to return the favor, but right now, it’s important that you are thankful that you have people in your life that want to help you. And just think, down the line, you’ll be able to pay it forward.