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.