Is your vision to be debt free in 2008? If so, are you willing to make the necessary changes to see different results? All of the complaining, whining, and worrying in the world will not change your situation. Change will not come until you change. That means making a decision to change your mindset, habits, and spending to get out of debt, and start getting different results with your money. Getting out of debt is easier said than done but definitely possible. Below are some helpful steps to assist you in creating and realizing your vision this year to get rid of debt once and for all.

Know what you owe. List your debts in order starting with the largest balance first. Next to the name, list the balance owed, minimum monthly payment, and the interest rate you’re paying on that card. Getting your information organized will help you see your financial reality clearer.

Have a plan for repayment. Pay off small balances first by applying extra money; continue to pay the minimum on the cards with larger balances. When you’ve paid off the smaller balances, attack the larger ones, and don’t charge another dime.

Stop using credit cards. Don’t roll over unpaid balances to new credit cards. When you pay off a credit card call the company to close the account, and then cut up the card. Note to self, if you don’t have the cash to pay for something, you can do three things: a) find an alternative for it, b) save for it or c) do without it, because you probably don’t need it anyway.

Have a plan for spending. Live on a budget. To do that means tracking your incoming and outgoing money, tracking receipts, and eliminating waste in your spending. Track your spending using software like Excel, Microsoft Money and Quicken.

Stop using home equity. Americans use home equity like credit cards. Using home equity loans can be dangerous. Usually, the money is used to buy "stuff" or pay down credit, which then is charged up again. Avoid equity loans, so you don’t put your house, family, and possessions in jeopardy.

Seek help. Out of control spending can be as hard to kick as drugs or alcohol, because it can be an addiction. Also, life circumstances like health, divorce, and losing a job can lead to debt problems. If the problem is more than you can handle, you should get help and assistance from a counselor, financial coach, or a professional advisor.

However, all the advice, counsel, coaching, books, and audios in the world won’t help you if you don’t commit to dealing with and eliminating your debt.

Sharman Lawson is a debt, money and financial coach, speaker, and author of the book 12 Steps to Eliminate Debt Forever. Sharman Lawson and her husband paid off all their debt including their mortgage, in less than five years, on a combined income of less than $50,000 a year. Contact Sharman Lawson at 770.429.9670 for a FREE 30 minute consultation. Visit her website at www.sharmanlawson.com.