There are ways to get back on track financially in the New Year. Advantage Credit Counseling Service offers these tips:

• Organize your finances. Keep track of all of your bills and other financial statements. Keep them in a central location.• Balance your checkbook each month.• Create a monthly budget that accounts for your take-home income and all expenses including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, transportation and personal grooming. Also, budget for periodic expenses, such as insurance premiums or new tires.• Prioritize your expenses based on your needs and wants. Set spending limits where it's possible.• If additional money is left over, divide that money between debt reduction and savings. Pay off high interest credit cards first.

If you follow these tips and still have a shortfall at the end of the month, or, if you would like to have more money to put toward debt reduction, it's time to cut back on expenditures:• Take your lunch to work more often.• Bring coffee or tea from home instead of stopping to buy one every day.• Reduce entertainment expenses by looking for free or inexpensive events in your area, such as free museums or reduced price days at local attractions.• Get into the habit of comparison shopping. Check the prices of large and smaller purchases at three different stores to find the best buy. You might also have to let go of your loyalty to a particular brand if another brand offers the same quality product at a lower cost.