Your first step to keeping your money is to write down one immediate goal with a measurable timeframe.  For Example to get out of debt within two years, making obtainable 6 to 12 week mini goals to accomplish the two year goal. First, go online or go to your bank and get three months of bank statements for your personal or business accounts so you can track your financial behavior. It will not be a surprise when you see a pattern of swiping for dinners or going to the movies. Personally Tony and I were spending at least $250 a week in those areas.  I saw these damaging spending habits and decided to take action.  The more debt I paid, the more my anger turned into a straight financial beat down.