Is your bank account looking a little dry? Are the bills stacking up faster than you can pay them? Here are just a few tips for getting your finances back on track.

1. Start Saving

It’s easier said than done, of course, but saving money doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Even if you can only put one percent of your paycheck into your savings account each week, that’s a slowly-growing nest egg that you didn’t have before. Start saving even if you can only do it in small increments. They’ll add up over time, and a year from now, you’ll be thankful that you went to the trouble.

2. Get Out of Debt

Do you have collection agencies blowing up your cell phone? Answer them. Most companies are willing to arrange payment plans that will slowly chip away at your debt without bankrupting you. Their only goal is to get the money that they’re owed, so as long as you’re able to make small, consistent payments, they’ll work with you on costs, dates and deadlines.

3. Hire a Professional

If your financial situation has spiraled out of control, it might be time to call in an expert. Type something like “financial advisor near me” into a search engine and see what pops up. Is there anyone in your city who specializes in your particular area of need? For example, if you’re struggling with probate issues, is there a probate expert in town?

4. Monitor Everything

Last but certainly not least, stay on top of your financial situation. Track your expenses. Monitor your credit score. Keep your tax documents neatly organized and filed. It won’t help you at all to bury your head in the sand and simply hope that your money troubles go away, so stay vigilant. Identify potential problems before they start.

These are just a few tips for managing your money. Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or living the dream as a millionaire, it’s important that you know how to handle your own financial matters. Use these guidelines to keep yourself informed and aware.