Before you can develop a plan that will help you reach your goals, you must know where you currently stand financially. Otherwise, you are just guessing and making budgeting decisions on inaccurate information.

Take the time to track your money flow by looking at the money coming in (your income), the money going out (your expenses), and how much you owe to creditors (your debt). Understanding your credit picture is also important to know what your credit history looks like and how creditors are evaluating you. If money is tight, there are steps to take and local resources that can help. Once you have these things in place, you will be able to create a plan that will help you reach your goals.