We all know about getting physically fit: Participate in aerobic exercise, do some weight training and walk whenever you can. But how much do you know about getting fiscally fit? It’s not difficult but it does require a plan like this:

Record your spending: Sounds like a silly instruction, especially if you feel overwhelmed and under deposited. Nonetheless, if you will begin keeping a written record of every expenditure I can promise you a couple of things: 1. You’ll hesitate before making silly, impulsive purchases. 2. You’ll start taking back control once you see where all of your money goes.

Give back: I know. You’re broke. You have mountains of debt and some idiot is suggesting you give money away. That’s right and you can call me an idiot. Giving is a mysterious, miraculous activity that when practiced will transform your life. Giving away part of what you have is the antidote for that wretched trend toward excess and self-indulgence.

Pay yourself: Ideally you should pay yourself 10 percent of what you earn. If you can’t start with 10 percent, start with something. Even if it’s a dollar a week, start saving. Even if you are heavily in debt, start saving. Saving money is a great attitude booster. If you’re discouraged and down-in-the-dumps, start saving money

Don’t spend what you don’t have: There are only two ways to do that: Steal or borrow. If too much of the latter has landed you in financial bondage, pay close attention to the following suggestions.

Stop debting: Just stop. Determine from this moment on you will not go one more dollar into debt. You may need to part with some credit cards and even shed a few tears, but you can stop. No one can force you one dollar further into debt.

Reduce expenses: If your income is less than what you spend, reduce what you spend. There’s no better way to make money than to cut expenses. The results are immediate and the proceeds are tax free.

Rapidly re-pay debt: If you continue paying your creditors according to their payment schedule, you may never get out of "perma-debt." Incurring no more new debt and prepaying principal is the key to rapid debt reduction. See "Rapid Debt-Repayment Plan" at DebtProofLiving.com.

For more info about saving, read 'Debt-Proof Living.'

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