Graduating from school is an exciting time, but lately, many graduates have struggled with their finances. To make ends meet as you enter a new phase of your life, you'll need to be smart with your money.

In the following video, Fool contributor Dan Caplinger gives several suggestions on what grads should do to improve their finances. From getting debt paid down to saving for long-term financial goals like a home or retirement, Dan notes the key advantage that most grads have on their side is time, and making the most of it can make a huge difference in your overall results.