The first thing to understand is: You are not alone. Many, many Americans are deeply in debt. In fact, the average American spends $1.26 for every $1.00 they earn. TIME reported that the average household owes about $16,000 just on credit cards. Regardless of your amount of debt, you always have the option to take control of your finances, gain freedom and feel empowered.

Organize

While you might be intimidated by the amount of debt you’ve racked up, getting (and staying) organized is sure to offer some peace of mind. First, make a list of all the places where you owe money, including the creditor, balance, interest rate, and minimum monthly payment. Then, outline your budget, considering income and expenses. Once it’s laid out in front of you, it will become a lot easier to manage.

Prioritize

Get your priorities straight and set goals to keep you motivated. Ideally, start by paying off the debt with the highest interest rate. Alternatively, knock out a few smaller bills first, and then focus on the heavy hitters. Throughout the process, make sure you continue paying your minimum balances, while allotting extra cash to one debt at a time. Break things down into bite-sized pieces. Consider where you want to be in a year and make doable monthly goals that will get you there.

Play the Field

Your interest rate might be too high to realistically make headway on paying off your balance. Call card issuers and request a lower interest rate. If you can’t get a lower rate, consider getting a balance transfer. Many balance transfer offers come with 0% APR for the first 12 months or more. However, some have serious fees, so make sure to look at the fine print before making a decision.

Slice Expenses and Generate More Cash

Think big. This could mean getting a roommate, looking for a lower rent place, or cutting off your cable television service. Sell anything you don’t need and cut out expensive habits such as smoking and eating out. Capitalize on your skills and offer services like math tutoring or baby-sitting. Remember that although things might be difficult for a while, it’s only temporary and your hard work will pay off!

Ask for Forgiveness

If you have student loans, you might be eligible for a federal forgiveness program. These are available to those who work in different levels of the government or public service positions. Ideally apply for these ASAP, as many such social programs are being overturned by the current administration. Another option is the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program, which caps your payments at no more than 10 or 15% of your discretionary income.