The financial crisis is only going to make obtaining credit harder for individuals. And, whatever you can do now to get yourself out of debt will help you in the future.

First of all, you have to make it a priority. If you go into it half-hearted, it's not going to work and you may be worse off than you were before.

If you have a credit card and you're being charged interest, transfer the balance to a zero-interest card and do it now. Then, begin paying it off as much every month as possible. Most zero-percent interest rates are an introductory rate, so try to get the balance to zero before the introductory rate runs out, or transfer the balance to another zero-percent card and keep going until you're at zero. (Bankrate.com - Take Care With Your Zero-Percent Credit Card).

Once you have paid off your card, don't use it unless it is an emergency -- and pay it off at the end of the month to avoid the interest.

Next, establish a budget and stick to it. (All About Personal Budgets). Find out what you're spending your money on and find ways to trim back. Knock down (or up) the thermostat to save a little on your electric bills. Walk or ride a bike for short trips to save on gas money. After your budget is established and you have money left over, it should not be used to purchase something, it should be used to pay off your debt.

Avoid impulse buying. If it's something you don't absolutely have to have in order to live, don't buy it. But, if you do, definitely don't use a credit card to purchase it.

Sell what you're not using anymore. That could be video games you haven't played in months, CDs you no longer listen to -- anything you have lying around that you haven't used in more than a month is something you can live without and is something you can make some money from.

Sell your plasma. I know it sounds strange, but you can make money by donating your plasma. Just be smart about it and learn how to do it safely (E-How.com - How To Sell Plasma).

Turn a hobby into cash. If you have a talent outside your job, use it to your advantage. And, it doesn't have to be anything big -- babysitting, walking a dog, etc. -- but it could turn into some extra cash -- not to spend however. Again, pay down your debt with it.

Once you have gotten yourself out of debt, you should immediately begin to sock some away in savings. Just because you're out of debt now doesn't mean something unexpected won't happen. And, if you have some money saved, you won't need credit, now will you?