Your financial train wreck is not forever

Are you in debt to your eyeballs? Have you been out of work for a few months? Are creditors starting to call you at odd hours?

There are things you can do right now to start picking up the pieces of a financial train wreck, or if you think you're headed there, or even if you're just not doing as well as you think you should be doing:

• Take responsibility for the bad things. Following the lead of Larry Winget, in You're Broke Because You Want to Be, with only a few exceptions, if you're broke, or in debt, or have no savings, it's because of actions you've taken. Admit this, feel sorry for this, and get mad at it.
• Set goals and make a plan. Put it in writing. Make it real. A goal isn't a goal if it isn't written down and it's not a goal if there's not a plan to see it through.
• Go ballistic on your expenses. If it's a convenience item, do things yourself and save the money. If it's an unnecessary item (i.e., not food, clothing, or shelter) sell it for the cash to build up savings or pay down debt. Look for ways to trim all kinds of expenses.
• Become accountable to someone. Someone that you trust will not let you slide.

You can start today improving your financial situation. It's going to be a lot of work. Plan on it. That will give you the best chance for success.