Start By Making a List

Take the time to sit down and make a list of all your debts and expenses. Be sure to include everything. Your ren/mortgage, utility bills, internet expenses, cell phone, credit cards, medical bills, loans, auto insurance etc. Don't leave anything out.

After you have your list taken care of you then need to break things down.

Category 1- Monthly expenses. This would include your regular living expenses such as rent/utilities.

Category 2- Luxury expenses. This would include cell phones, internet access, credit cards. Anything that a normal human being doesn't NEED for survival so to speak.

You will want to take a hard look at what kind of debt you have. Many people know they are in debt, but they couldn't tell you exactly how MUCH debt they are in.

I would suggest you start with category 1 expenses. While you need a place to live and need light, heat and water, you can do some things to bring those expenses down some.

Category 2- these are debts you have because you chose to get a cell phone, be on the internet or charge things on your credit card. Unless you use a cell phone for business reasons you should really consider getting rid of the cell phone until you can afford to have one. As far as internet access goes you need to look at how much you are paying. You may need to think about going back to dial up or accessing the net from your local library until you have your debts under control.

I'll be tackling ways to get control over some expenses. Sometimes you just need to take a hard look at other providers out there and see where you can get the best deal for the money you can afford to spend. With a little time, effort and self control you can do it!