Houses need to be built on firm foundations, and you can’t build a strong financial life if you’re sinking in a swamp of consumer debt. By “consumer debt” we mean any debt that is used to fund consumption (buying electronic toys) and not investment (real estate). Mainly that means credit card debt, but it can also be a car note for that ride you knew you couldn’t afford. If your financial liabilities outweigh your assets, then your goal is to get back to zero.

To get there:

-Have a realistic timetable: You’re not going to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt in two months. But you’re not going to pay it off in 100 years if you only make the minimum payment. So split the difference. Decide what the light at the end of the tunnel should be and make that your goal. Unless you’re buried under a mountain of debt, try to make it less than five years.

-Make steady progress: Sometimes people drop their diets or exercise regimes because they mess up one time. Realize that you’re going to mess up. Stuff happens. But don’t blow off your goal if you have a bad month. Stay focused on the big picture.

-Work a little harder: If you have to, get a part-time job. Work overtime if your job allows for it. It’s not fun and nobody wants to do it, but you’ll feel a lot better about yourself if you start seeing your debts go down.