Many with debt issues talk of consolidating debt and even getting out of it completely. The steps to get out of debt are relatively simple. You need to take action if you want the true freedom you will experience when you get your debt under control.

What goals do you have when you finally reach the point of getting out of debt. Write down a list of both your long and short term goals. Maybe only your list is to retire early, buy a house or even send the kids to college without them having to take out student loans. In the near future will you need a new car?

All these dreams and goals take money. It is for this reason you need to start saving with those goals in mind. Setting up a simple and workable budget will help your goals to become a reality.

Some people look at a budget as some kind of prison sentence. Budgets are guides for your money. A budget should not take hours to manage. It may take a few hours to set up initially but after that it should only take a few minutes each pay day.

When developing your budget you must look at every possible way you can cut corners but make sure you are realistic with your numbers and expectations. If you budget $500 for groceries make sure you can make it on $500. If your family needs more than that to eat and eat healthy then you'll need to put aside more.

To become successful with managing your money you need to get organized. Someone needs to be responsible. For couples I've found it works best to pay the bills together. This way both parties will know exactly where they stand together. However, having one person in charge of organizing the bills, receipts and any contracts so you can get at them quickly is an efficient way to assign task.

In our house, my wife opens the bills, reviews them, I write the checks (old-fashion I guess no online bill paying yet) she then puts the bills in the envelopes and writes down the check numbers and amounts on the receipts, then she files them.

The discipline required along with a willingness to take control of your finances to meet your goals will test you. For some that may mean looking at many ways to lower your debts such as a consumer consolidation loan.

Sticking to the budget will also push the limits. When you begin a budget, Murphy's law will so go into affect. But you need to understand the struggle is worth the pain! Soon the goals and dreams you wrote down will have a fighting chance to become a reality. Plus you will be able to truly enjoy them all without debt hanging around your neck.