If you’re in debt, girlfriend you’re not alone! Hundreds of thousands of Americans spend more than they earn. Overspending and impulse shopping have become the American way, but we’re drowning in debt.

A few months ago, it was reported that Americans have more than $800 billion worth of credit card debt. Mortgages, car and education loans, and charges racked up for the family vacation were not included in that number.

So even though you’d love to buy a sexy pair of Jimmy Choos, the new Louis Vuitton with the animal print or a little bling to wear to the club, it’s time to stop, drop (the credit cards) and roll out a plan to get yourself out of debt.

It’s not too late to turn your credit situation around and put yourself on a budget that will keep you stylish and on the road to financial stability.

Here are six simple steps that will make a difference in your financial forecast:

1. Stop, Drop & Roll
Stop in your tracks, drop your credit cards on the table and roll out a plan that you can work with. Get copies of your credit report from each of the major companies (Trans Union, Experian and Equifax) to find out your credit score and where you stand in the world of credit. After you assess the damage, you will have a better handle on getting out of debt and improving your credit score.

2. Design A Serious Financial Plan
Don’t cry over spilled milk, pour yourself a little truth serum and start making a list of all the money you owe. This is where you come clean with yourself and be sure to include everything. Whether it’s your rent, outstanding credit card balances or money you owe to your Aunt Sophie --- write it down. If you have any past due payments (30 days or more) pay them right away. Once your credit cards go more than 90 days past due, it will haunt your credit report for a long time. If you can’t figure out a plan, ask a financially savvy girlfriend to give you a hand, providing you don’t mind her knowing your business. If you want to keep your business to yourself, look for a local credit counseling service that will give you free advice.

3. Jumpstart Your Financial Plan
Jump right in there and execute your new budget. Stop spending money on things you really don’t need, seriously. Every time you walk in to a dollar store, Wal-Mart or Marshalls you don’t have to walk out with shopping bags. It’s okay to admire the goods and leave them in the store, knowing that you’re working towards the bigger picture. And if you absolutely have to buy something, use cash. To compensate for your purchase, cut back in another area like take your lunch to work or skip the expensive coffee.

4. Don’t Sweat The Small Bills, Pay Them Off
Take your smallest bills and pay them off completely. This will help your credit score and take some of the volume off your financial plate. Most times, your smallest bills are the ones you ignore or only pay the minimum, but get them out the way. Once these cards are paid off take them out of your wallet with the understanding that they are only to be used in case of an emergency. Set a short-term deadline to pay off these nagging little bills. If your birthday or a holiday comes up and your girlfriends ask you what you want, ask for a financial blessing that will help you eliminate another bill. Once the small credit card balances are paid off you will have a sense of accomplishment and you will be ready to tackle the cards with the highest interest rates next.

5. Avoid Financial Pitfalls and Bad Advice
Don’t fall prey to poor credit card advice and quick fix financial programs that offer overnight solutions. Getting out of debt is a process that will take some time and will power. The steps to getting out of debt and restoring your credit are straight forward. Many people think bankruptcy is another quick fix, but that is not necessarily true. Bankruptcy takes longer to get off your credit report than a few late payments. The truth of the matter is that you can re-establish your credit by reducing your debt (get your balances under the half way mark), reduce your income to debt ratio and pay your bills on time. It may not be a bad idea to get secured credit card that requires you to pay the money upfront to insure that you will not back slide into credit card debt.

6. Don’t Fall Off The Financial Wagon
You go, girlfriend. You are well on your way to financial freedom and living a life that’s debt free. Continue to pay cash for purchases or have enough money in the bank to pay off your credit card balance each month. That means sticking to your budget and staying on the financial wagon. Keep up the good work and check your credit report from time to time so you have an idea where you stand. Once your credit is under control, credit card companies will offer you all kinds of deals. Don’t be afraid to transfer your balances to a card with a lower interest rate, but remember those rates could go up at any time. If you don’t believe it, read the fine print. Stay focused on your financial forecast and once your debt has decreased, enjoy your new found financial freedom. Now that you’ve done that, it’s time to think about saving a few dollars for a rainy day.