Keep a budget, save and don’t spend above your means.

That is just one piece of advice financial experts and advisors recommend for people wanting to save and get out of debt in the new year.

“I encourage everyone to open savings accounts and have money taken out of your check to save, no matter the amount,” Catesby Jones, board chairman of First Cahawba Bank, said. “Just make sure you save.”

Jones also suggested to control credit card spending.

“Limit the number of charge card transactions, and pay as you go,” Jones said. “Never over-exceed what your monthly payment is. If you have a charge bill, have it paid out within 90 days.”

Jones said the key to getting out of debt is discipline.

“Disciplining yourself (in money matters) is important,” Jones said. “A budget it handy. Make a conscious decision to have a budget and not live above your means,”

Max Baggett, financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments agrees.

“Have a goal in mind for what you want to do with your money,” Baggett said. “See what you have available and decide where to put it from there.”

Jones said a person’s needs should come first, long before their wants.

“Discretionary income is the income you can do whatever you want with,” Jones said. “This is after you take care of bills, etc. Things aren’t getting cheaper, so make it your goal to not charge credit cards excessively, or to overspend.”

And if you want to do more than just saving, investing may be for you.

“The sooner you invest, the longer time you have to make a return on your money,” Baggett said. “When your return grows, it’s a way to get ahead and you can build wealth.”

Baggett also said, when investing, know the difference between a money market account and stocks. “Emergency funds” can be placed in a money market account.

“Money market is money that you will need in six months to a year, which shouldn’t be jeopardized.” Baggett said. “On the other hand with stocks, it’s money that you don’t need for a while, so you can be more flexible.”