We'll try to sort out the caller's income and outflow. "How much money do you make," we'll ask.

"$38,000 a year."

"How much do you owe?"

"I'm not sure" is invariably the response we get. What?! (But we're no longer surprised.)

It's a pretty sure bet that you're in trouble if you've lost track of how much you owe.

Card issuers make it sound like a divine romance when they solicit your business, but they never tell you how much it will cost you down the line, in dollars and tears. That's why we're here to help. We've been through it (Ken had $3,000 worth of debts when we got married—the equivalent of a new car at the time!), and we want to help you manage your debt.

The best thing you can do for your peace of mind is minimize your debts before they get out of hand - even better, before they start. And if you are already in heavy debt, it's more important than ever to come up with a plan for digging your way out. We'll show you how to get on the track to debt-free living with the Dolans' Debt Clinic.

The Dolans' Debt Clinic

To get out of debt, you have to start with an honest list of every single debt you owe. Here's a worksheet to help you get started, but be sure to add your own items that we haven't included. Write down the numbers from the last bill you received for each item.

Are you married? Living with a partner? Now that you've listed all of your debts, ask your partner or spouse to do the same and compare notes. Whatever you do, make sure you each know what the other's debts are, as well as what the joint debts are.

Next: Debt Management 101

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