This is the second article of the A-B-C's of credit and debt. Today is B for Begin.

People ask "when is the right time to start fixing my money problems?"

Well, you should probably wait until tomorrow to get started, tomorrow is a new day. Or wait until Monday, after the weekend is over, weekends are so busy. Or even better, wait until January 1 so you get a fresh start in the new year. Well, maybe you should just wait until you get a raise or a better job so you have more money to work with. No, here's a better idea, wait a few months until you save up some more money. Or you could just until things get better, this is a bad time to get started...

Sound familiar?

When it comes to getting out of debt and fixing your money problems there is no "good time" to get started. Actually, let me say that a little differently - the "good time" to get started is RIGHT NOW. Today. If you have to, start small. But start. And I'm not just talking about thinking about getting started, or planning on getting started. You need to actually take some type of action to get started.

Not sure how to get started?

Here are some examples of goals, and ways to get started right away:

Paying off a credit card: Call the bank and ask for them to reduce your interest rate. If you have a balance transfer offer you got in the mail recently, tell them (nicely) that you'll use it if they can't help.

Fixing your credit: Get a copy of your credit report (and don't use the company in the singing TV commercials). Here's how you can get a free copy from each of the 3 credit bureaus, with no strings attached.

Start saving for retirement: Go to your local bank and open up an IRA. Find out what the minimums are invest the minimum. If you can put in more, do it, but if not start small. If you don't have enough, follow the steps below for saving for a big purchase...

Start saving for a big purchase: Get an envelope and put $5 or $10 in it. Then every time you have an extra $5 or $10 put more into it. Before long, you'll have enough saved up.

Buying a house: Call a realtor and meet with them to discuss your needs. It might take a few months to get through the entire process, but talking with a realtor will give you the info you need to start getting all your documents and finances in order.

Starting your own business: Come up with a name for your business and create a flyer. If the business is something big, and requires you to quit your job, write down a plan. If it is something you can do part-time right away, get in your car and start putting up the flyers!

Hopefully you get the idea. Reaching your goals, financial or otherwise, requires taking action. Anyone can plan. Anyone can dream. Anyone can think about. And of course, anyone can "Wait until the right time." Those people who succeed are masters at taking action. And like the old saying goes:

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

So take that first step today!

---

Thanks to MoneyCactus.com for including us in the most recent Carnival of Personal Finance.