This is financial step one:Start the journey. I have been listening to Dave Ramsey since he started in Nashville in 1993. His common sense information is why I have a 6 figure 401K, and have had financial peace over the past 13 years. He taught me what my parents should have about personal finance. I have only made 4 car payments in 8 years(I have the cash to pay it off whenever I choose)and have had almost zero credit card debt in 8 years.(A divorce set me back for 5 months).When I started listening to him I was BROKE.This is a great beginners book in personal finance,it can show you the way out of debt.