Here are some steps you can take to stop on the path of debt and start on the path to saving.

- Stop digging the hole. Sometimes when you’re in a mess, you think you can get yourself out so you keep trying and trying. What you’re doing is just digging yourself in deeper. An example of this is putting money into fixing a house that was a bad investment. At some point, it’s better to sell it for a loss instead of throwing money into a bottomless pit.

- Analyze your spending. I’m positive there are at least a few things you spend on every day/week that can be eliminated. For some, it’s trading in a $4 cup of coffee at Starbucks for a $1 cup at McDonald’s. It could also be extra expenses like a car wash or pet grooming.

- Budget. Figure out how much you make and how much you spend. If there’s $245 left over, put $150 of it into a savings account. Better yet, have your bank automatically take it from your checking and put it in your savings.