by Pamela S Thibodeaux

Created on: December 26, 2009   Last Updated: December 27, 2009

The number one cause of divorce and one of the toughest spots to get out of is DEBT. Even the thought makes us cringe and yet, many folks slide into this pit without intent or realization that's where they're headed.

Getting out of debt is not hard, but it does take discipline and the biggest question is Where Do I Start?

Dave Ramsey is one of America's leading money experts and he has devised

seven baby steps to get out of debt and build wealth. Mr. Ramsey's plan is full proof but can still be overwhelming especially when you can't figure how to save or which bill to pay off or any number of obstacles that rear their ugly heads. Building a savings account up to $1000 and then 3-6 months of living expense sounds impossible when you can barely get by on what you make and giving? Ha! Can barely make ends meet how on earth can you give?

My advice: Despise NOT small beginnings!

The first and most important step to getting out of debt is to figure out where your money is going. For 1 month keep every receipt and write down where and how much you spend. Once you have a clear picture of your spending habits, figure where you can cut back.

Step 2 - start small but save AND give - People are taught the principle of tithing but many times that is coupled with guilt - "If you don't tithe a FULL 10% of your gross income you're robbing God." Baloney. Start where your at with what you have and watch God work! Even if you don't go to church and you can only commit $10 a paycheck save $5 and give $5 somewhere (charity, needy family) and remember you CAN'T out give God.

Mr. Ramsey says pay off the lowest debt first because it gets you excited about the next one and this may be true but I say, pay off the highest interest debt first. You're not really saving a lot of money paying off that small debt  because you've already paid in most -if not all - of the interest, especially if you've had this note for a while. You may do this to free up some cash but then think long-term, high-interest bills and pay extra toward those.

Mr. Ramsey says once you pay off a debt to take the FULL amount and apply it to the next bill. I say take a portion and increase your savings and giving, keep a little for yourself, then apply the rest to the next bill. Why? Because if you apply EVERY penny to the next bill you'll feel like you never have any money to enjoy. Yes it is important to be disciplined and get out of debt but if you're steadily working toward

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