If your financial situation isn’t where you’d like it to be right now, you’re not alone. A recent Gallup survey found that 48% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse. And higher prices, particularly for things like gasoline, are largely to blame.^* But you can still take control of your financial situation and get closer to achieving financial freedom by considering some simple steps.

While your definition of financial freedom may differ from those of your friends or neighbors, the money-related decisions you make now can help lay a solid foundation for financial security later on. Right now is a good time to check in on your financial goals.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Review your budget. The midyear mark is a good time to revisit your budget. With a few adjustments, like limiting such things as takeout meals and electricity usage, and taking public transportation instead of filling up the tank, you can reduce your expenses.

2. Tackle your debt. For many people, credit cards are just one piece of a larger debt puzzle that includes student and personal loans, a car payment and a mortgage. Debt comes at a significant cost, so paying it off as soon as possible will free up more money in your budget to help you achieve other financial goals. Two popular strategies for paying off debt are the highest interest rate or avalanche method (paying off the costliest debt first), and the snowball method (focusing first on the debt with the smallest balance).

3. Increase the amount you’re saving for retirement. Ideally, the above steps will help you save more money each month. With more financial breathing room, you may be able to contribute a little more to your 401(k) or 403(b) plan. The difference of even $10 or $20 each month can add up over time.

The Bottom Line

Taking steps towards building financial freedom may seem intimidating from a glance. However, by taking these proactive steps you may feel more empowered and prepared when it comes to saving for your retirement.