There are seven financial questions you need to ask yourself in order to improve your financial well-being. If you want to get your money under control, you need to take steps right now to manage your finances. Too many people just get by. They live paycheck-to-paycheck. They are charged up on credit cards and no longer to afford the things they really need.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What are your money habits? How do you spend your money? If you have a lot of credit card debt, it is reasonable to assume that you are spending more than you earn. You can either keep doing it until you file bankruptcy or you can take steps to change your situation. You can either spend money for instant gratification or spend your money on long-term financial stability. Every time you are tempted to spend money, you need to stop and think about your financial goals. Create new spending habits that will benefit you, not hurt you.

2. What does money mean to you? Surprisingly, our emotions about not having enough money often lead to us spending all of our money. Understanding why you spend your money the way you do can free you to change your finances. Address the reasons behind your habits, not just the habits. Once you change the reasons, you can create new habits. Otherwise, it is too easy to fall back into an old pattern of spending.

3. Are you organized? Most people with financial problems are not financially organized. They have no idea how much debt they owe. They have no idea how much money is in their checking accounts. They have no savings and no plans.

In order to get a clear picture of your finances you need to become organized. You have to find out whether or not you have more income than expenses. Once you identify this, you can take steps to reduce your spending and your debts. You can start saving and investing.

Work on organizing your finances. Get an accordion folder and organize your paystubs, receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, loan papers, mortgage papers, budget and other financial documents. Keep track of your income and expenses. By doing this, you can reduce late payments and increase your chances of financial success.

4. Can you cut back? You have to cut everything that isn't absolutely necessary out until you are out of debt and saving towards your future. Don't just look at the dollars. Savings pennies will result in saving dollars. Use your budget to identify the areas in which you can save. Challenge yourself and reward yourself. Make it fun.

5. What does your debt add up to? You don't want any debt. I know that some is inevitable, such as a mortgage or an auto loan. But you absolutely do not need credit card debt. Buy now and pay later should really say: don't pay right now and pay back 10 times as much later.

Every dollar you charge is stealing thousands of dollars from your future. You need to form a plan to get out of debt as quickly as possible. How much debt do you have? What is it costing you right now and what will it cost you in the future? Start dealing with it right now and get it over with. As soon as you are out of debt, you will notice how less stressful life can be.

6. What are you saving? Once you are out of debt, you can focus on saving for your goals. It is important to have emergency savings, yearly savings and investments for the long term. Emergency savings will protect you from those short paychecks due to illness, washing machine repairs and other unexpected events. It will also protect your budget and prevent you from going into debt.

Yearly savings are for your yearly expenses, such as new vehicle tires, insurance premiums and holiday shopping. Simply divide all of your expected expenses by 12 and deposit this amount into your savings each month.

Your long term investments include your retirement savings and college education funds for your children. Invest wisely and you will reach your goals.

7. What new habits do you need? You are well on your way to getting on track. Some new habits will help you to get there. Stay organized, pay your bills on time each month and keep away from the credit cards. Set aside a little time once a week to work on your finances. Balance your accounts, review your upcoming bills and look over your goals.