About a million and a half college seniors got their diplomas this spring. Next comes the real world and a long, long list of things to do. Find a job...for one. Get a place to live...for another. But what about a trip back to the classroom? Several studies give college graduates an F when it comes to understanding personal finance. If it's just too early to think about course registration, we're happy to offer this crash course. Nancy Farghalli has it.

Last year, Americans purchased 220 million pounds of fireworks. In California, the average Joe can't get much bang for his buck -- most fireworks are illegal. But with the fourth of July weekend upon us, we'll have many opportunities to bask in the red glare of rockets set off by professionals. On this edition of "A Day In the Work Life" -- our look at how folks trade their time for money -- we hang out with a Golden State pyrotechnic operator.

Chris Farrell answers more of your burning money questions. This week, he gives advice on conquering debt, using a tax credit for education, and picking the best portfolio allocation.