A Debt Checklist allows you to look at items and areas of your financial life. You need to examine these to gauge how you stand. Even if you believe you are in good shape take a close look at these areas to be sure.

• Your Budget. Almost nobody likes this word, which is why so many people have problems with their finances and debt. You need to know how and where your money is being spent. In addition, you should be sticking to a spending plan.

• Your Savings Account. You should pay yourself each month. To do this you need have an account in place, in which you keep your funds. At least until you can move them to an account with a higher rate of return. Visit your bank or credit union to set one up.

• Your Use Of Credit. You need to review your use of credit to see how, what, and where you are using it. Using credit to pay your bills or buying groceries is a recipe for trouble.

• Your Percentage Of Income For Debt. Nothing makes it harder to stay with your spending plan than credit card payments. You are paying for your past while trying to purchase your present. If your percentage of income going toward debt exceeds 15 you could be headed for trouble. Any amount over 20 percent, you need to put on the brakes.

• Your Minimum Payments. These add up. If you are to the point where you ca only make minimum payments on your debts, you will stretch your indebtedness far into the future. You don