Getting out of debt isn’t hard, but if you have a game plan, and a checklist, anything is really possible!

Step one-figure out how money you have to work with

This might sound easy, but many people have fluctuating incomes, or perhaps a shared checking account with a spouse that one overspends on. But figure out on average how much money you make in a year, and then figure out how much in a month, and then in a week. You can’t make a budget unless you know what you’re dealing with. Do you have any extra income from anywhere? Do you donate plasma? Maybe win some money at poker? Babysit? Only include the income if its dependable-thinking you have money that isn’t there can be very dangerous

Step two-figure out where all this money is going

Write down EVERYTHING you spend money on, no matter how minor, in a month. This is going to include things such as car insurance, rent, groceries, movies, a coffee at Starbucks, whatever. This includes necessities and luxuries. This should give you a good idea of where you are having trouble paying bills, etc if you spend the money on something else.

Step 3-Change the habits in step 2

Many times, people don’t realize how much small changes can add up. Instead of going to the first run movies, go to the budget. It’s three times cheaper! If you eat out twice a week, see if you can scale back. When you grocery shop, see if there’s other brands you can buy that are cheaper that taste the same. Step three is by far the hardest, because it means adjusting your lifestyle, and it might mean some hard choices.

Step 4 (if step 3 didn’t work)

Sometimes people make all the right choices, but the amount of money they have simply isn’t enough. In this case, you have to start earning extra money. Think about picking up a part time job somewhere. If this still isn’t working, you may have to consider a major lifestyle change-selling a house you shouldn’t have bought in the first place, or perhaps moving to city where the cost of living is cheaper. Getting out of debt can be done, if you’re willing to work at it.