Saving isn't easy.

Nor is keeping your wallet in your pocket when temptation calls at the mall.

But it's a lot easier to build financial security for yourself and your family if you have an overall plan or strategy that's easy to remember, simple to follow and helps you make smart decisions each and every day.

So here's our 6-step plan for managing your money. It will help you get out of debt, control your spending and start saving for the future. Make it a part of your life and you'll see the results in days, not decades. You'll be able to stop worrying about money all the time and begin building real wealth.

We're not saying you're going to be wealthy. Bill Gates and Paris Hilton will always have more cash, more stocks, more homes, more everything. But you can have enough cash, enough stocks, a home and enough everything else to make a difference in your life.

It won't be a crisis if your car breaks down or you get laid off. You'll be able to help your kid go to college, your mom recover from a stroke, your sister get through a divorce and retire at a reasonable age. That's what we mean by wealth.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Make a monthly budget and stick to it

Stop scratching your head at the end of every month, wondering where all your money went. You need a plan that ensures your hard-earned dollars are being spent on what you value most, and that you're saving at least a little toward future goals, whether it's a trip to Cancun or a house in the 'burbs.

A budget empowers you to take control of your financial life and creating one is easier and more enjoyable than you might think -- especially if you follow our advice and let your computer do most of the work.

Step 2. Pay off your credit cards

It's almost impossible to get ahead if you're paying 17% or 18% a year on thousands of dollars in credit card debt. The interest payments alone are gobbling up all of your money.

Start by shifting that debt to one of the three best cards for balance transfers or a home equity line of credit. See how much you can save with our balance transfer and debt consolidation calculators.

Either way, your interest costs will plummet, freeing up money to reduce your debt more quickly. Click here to create a plan to pay off a single card or all of your cards.

Step 3. Build a rainy-day fund

Nothing will make you breathe easier than not living paycheck-to-paycheck. Socking three to four months worth of pay away in a savings or money market account should be your initial goal.

Begin by banking gift or refund checks, bonuses, or some of the money you save by switching high-interest credit card debt to lower interest loans. Work toward saving something from each paycheck.

Even if it's only $50 or $100 a month see how quickly the balance will grow with our savings calculator. After you've accumulated a few thousand dollars you can move some of it into higher-earning, three- to 10-month certificates of deposit.

Step 4. Take advantage of your retirement accounts

Start by putting just 1% of each paycheck into your employer's 401(k) plan. Add another 1% every four months. Your initial goal: Contribute enough to take full advantage of any match your company offers.

If, for example, your company matches half of everything you contribute up to 3% of your pay, your goal should be to work your way up to putting 6% of your pay into your 401(k) plan. Obtaining that match is like getting a 3% raise.

Your next goal should be to increase your contributions by 1% every six months until you are contributing as much as your company or federal law will allow.

Begin by investing in a mutual fund that owns shares in large, dividend-paying companies. As your balance grows you can diversify into funds that own smaller companies, foreign companies and corporate bonds.

Click here for more advice on how to make the most of your retirement plans and determine how much you'll need to save for a comfortable retirement.

Step 5. Own your home

It's no accident that a home is the most valuable asset most Americans ever have. So if you're renting, you should be actively and creatively looking for a way to buy.

Your wealth grows as you build equity in the house or condo -- that's the difference between what you could sell your home for and how much you still owe on the loan. Each month you pay the mortgage, you build equity. Each month your home appreciates in value, you build equity.

You can also get a break on your income taxes by deducting the interest and property taxes you've paid from your earnings. Those are all benefits renters just don't receive.

We know how difficult buying a first home can be, especially if you live where housing is most expensive. But mortgages that require a small down payment can help and maybe you can persuade a family member to become a co-owner with you.

Our "Rent vs. Buy" calculator can help you decide when to make the move.

Step 6. Track your progress

Use our net worth calculator to see how your wealth is growing. Think of it as your financial score in the great game of life.

After each quarter (they end March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31) record how much your savings and retirement accounts are worth. If you own a house or car, estimate their current value. Then enter all of your debts, such as how much you owe on your house, car and student loans.

The calculator will subtract your debts (or liabilities as they're often called) from your assets to obtain your net worth.

Don't be surprised if your debts are bigger than your assets, especially if you're in your 20s. What you want to see is your net worth steadily improve. Maybe not every quarter. But most quarters. Celebrate the success.

By Mike Sante

Interest.com Managing Editor

Have a question about your finances? Ask us at editors@interest.com