As 2016 ends, many people will begin making their New Year’s resolutions. Atop the lists of those concerned about their finances will be to get out of debt in 2017. There may even be a subsequent resolution to save money. Regardless, getting out of debt for some may take longer than 12 months, but at least one can get started on a path to financial freedom. Here are the steps you can take to get your finances in order in the New Year.

Fix Your Credit

Typically, those consumed by mounds of debt do not have the greatest credit scores. Their credit histories usually show revolving debt accounts with high balances, judgments, possibly even a bankruptcy or repossession. In some cases, there are mistakes on a credit report that are affecting an individual’s credit score. About one-quarter of all Americans has at least one error on their credit report. Get a copy of your credit report and work on correcting any mistakes.

Monitor Your Credit

Once you begin working on fixing your credit report, you can start monitoring your credit. You can sign up for free credit monitoring services that will help you detect things like identity theft and that creditors are reporting your information correctly. Most people will not check their credit reports regularly. Get in the habit of doing so if you truly want to fix your financial situation.

Repair Your Credit

Now that you have fixed mistakes on your credit report and have a plan in place to monitor your credit, you can begin the process of repairing your scores. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your credit score is to pay off any high-interest credit card debts. You might also be able to make your monthly debt payments a little lower as well.

A car title loan from Embassy Loans can be used to consolidate some or possibly all of your credit card debt into one payment. Car title loans are usually short-term loans that are paid off rather quickly. They are also easy to obtain. If you own a vehicle and have equity in it, you can use that equity to pay off your debt. Embassy Loans can process your loan in as little as an hour. In a period of 12 months, it is certainly possible for you to be debt-free and have repaired your entire credit history.

Use Your Credit Wisely

Once you have repaired your credit and your debt is under control, use your credit wisely. If you continue to use credit cards, only spend what you can afford to pay off when the bill is due. This practice will require changing your spending habits, but doing so will keep your financial picture looking bright in the future.