Dealing with financial problems isn't always simple. Depending on the severity of your own situation, it may take a few years of determined effort to get back on top of things. But many times people make it harder than it really needs to be.

The following suggestions are relatively easy to implement. Used wisely, they should go a long way in helping you better manage your money and regain control of your finances.

Get Back on Track

• Begin with a small savings goal. It's easy to get carried away with enthusiasm at the start, but setting a small goal instead of a big one is usually more realistic. Just as in Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the savings race also. Starting small and achieving success will help keep you motivated. Then when you are able to increase the amount you regularly save, by all means do.
• Surround yourself with financially like-minded people. It may be through an online discussion group or from a close friend or relative, but positive encouragement is always important. Paying off debt can be a tough and uphill battle at times. Sharing your feelings with others who have successfully conquered their debt can be quite a morale booster.
• Organize your financial paperwork. Having everything in one place will make your life easier. Designate one specific place where all your paperwork goes. This reduces the chances of your losing a bill or misplacing receipts. Don't waste time searching through purses, pants' pockets, your car, or every drawer in the house desperately looking for a piece of paper. Literally get it together.
• Check your finances regularly. With most banks and credit card companies offering online services, it only takes a few minutes to keep up with your accounts. You should always know your bank account balances. In this day and age, there is really no excuse to overdraft an account or forget to pay a bill. Don't throw away money on service charges and fees. Keep a tight rein on your money.
• Be prepared to pay off debt slowly but consistently. You didn't get into debt overnight and the odds are you won't get out of it that quickly either. Be realistic. Understanding that it will take time to overcome your debt will help you avoid becoming frustrated and discouraged. Making consistent payments will slowly reduce your debt and ultimately get rid of it entirely.
• Earn extra money. Have a hobby you love? Turn it into a source of additional income. Is your house or apartment filled to the ceiling with STUFF? Sell those unwanted items online or have a yard sale. Many people consider taking a second job to bring in extra cash while they are trying to pay off their debt. Be open to income-generating possibilities.
• Avoid taking on more debt. This might seem like a no-brainer but you'd be surprised how many people ignore this warning. If you are diligently making your monthly payments but still using your credit cards to make purchases each month, you're fighting a losing battle. Put the credit cards away. Use cash to make purchases (or a debit card). NO. NEW. CHARGES. PERIOD.
• Remove temptation. Why make it harder than it has to be? Love to shop? Stay away from the mall. Enjoy eating out? Try preparing meals at home. It's less expensive and probably healthier for you. Let fine dining be a treat not a habit. Make your coffee at home in the morning- then you can drive right by the coffee house (and save $5 a day). Change things up. Get a fresh perspective on how you routinely spend your money.
• Focus on your financial goals. It's great that you want to be debt-free and it's certainly a worthy goal. But that's just the beginning. What's your financial dream? Why are you working so hard and what do you want to achieve? Having a clear goal in mind is crucial to your success.
• Choose the budgeting system that works for you. No one likes to hear the word "budget". It generally involves images of deprivation and misery. But it doesn't have to be! Taking control of your money can be a very liberating and powerful experience. Once you decide that your hard-earned money is going to go towards your financial well-being and future goals instead of to credit card companies and other creditors, the road to financial freedom becomes much less bumpy. Whether you use online tools to help you budget or the simple but perfectly trustworthy paper and pen, find what works for you and stick with it.