By Jay Remer, Home Ownership Editor

I imagine a number of you are reeling in the credit card whirl right now, especially after a busy holiday season. I remember all too well facing a mountain of debt, which seemingly could sink the financial ship. It seems for those of us with little or no proper training as young adults in the ways of personal finance, credit cards, and fiscal responsibility, we are overwhelmed. This almost seems like a rite of passage into responsible adulthood, much the same as securing your first home mortgage.

There is no better time than the present to address home finances. I wish the importance of a monthly family budget had been impressed upon me at a young age. I now appreciate the relevance of such an instrument and encourage all of my readers to consider making this a priority for 2012. You will thank me.

There are wonderful and accessible credit counseling services available in all towns, and they are very inexpensive. There are also such sage gurus as Suzy Orman, whose books and advice are incredibly helpful. I have never met anyone whose credit cannot be repaired or improved by following some clear guidelines. Sometimes this cannot be accomplished overnight, but you need to begin somewhere. Setting one’s priorities can be daunting and uncomfortable, which is why I highly recommend a third party (not a family member) to help you through this process.

Most importantly, have compassion for yourself. Financial woes are fraught with high stress. Don’t take your fears and anger out on your loved ones. They are actually on your side and will be more understanding than you may realize. Begin by establishing what the facts of your family financial situation are and then proceed, without judgment, in creating a plan to reach your goal of financial balance. Nothing will bring harmony to a household more quickly. And remember: smile whenever you can. You might just make someone’s day!