National Consumer Debt:
Put Together A Budget and Pay Yourself First

The United States is a nation weighed down by its (citizens' and government's) debt. National consumer debt accounts for more than 40% or 1 TRILLION dollars of the overall national debt.

Put Together A Budget
This is one of the best ways to get a handle on your current financial situation. First have an idea of what your financial goals are for at least the next five years. Then write down your net income (bring-home pay), all expenses, and how much you want to save per month. This will give you a good idea of where you are right now and what you need to do to reach your goals.

Pay Yourself First
Decide on a weekly or monthly amount to set aside for yourself each month. Get in the habit of "paying yourself" first. If your having trouble doing this consistently, ask your employer about plans that automatically deduct amounts from your check. This way the money is set aside before you receive your check.