'You're scared and you should be': This young couple's shocking story of being almost $1M in debt just went viral — use these 5 simple tips to prevent financial disaster

Even with a $230,000 income, from a mortgage and student loans to car and credit card bills, collectively, they’d amassed almost $1 million in debt.

After their reality check from Ramsey, he made it clear that if the caller was willing to make the right sacrifices, there was a way to see herself down from that mountain. If you also fear for your finances, try these four simple steps to get your footing again.

Get a handle on your situation

It may seem daunting, but being aware of what aspects of your finances need tending to will help you out in the long run. And you don’t have to take on this task alone.

With WiserAdvisor, you can consult a vetted financial adviser save the typically high fees. They match you with a pre-screened financial adviser from their database of thousands within three minutes after you answer a few questions about yourself.

While most adviser matching services pair you purely based on your net worth and location, WiserAdvisor opts for a more personalized approach by having you describe your unique needs that a financial advisor can help with so you’re sure to find just what you need.

Improving your credit score is another important financial feat, and with Kovo you don’t have to tackle this task on your own either.

Kovo is a public benefit corporation with a mission to help users build their credit. For just $10/month Kovo will help you tidy your payment history. When you pay them monthly installments they’ll report it to the major credit bureaus so you can up your score without thinking twice. Additionally, Kovo offers courses on credit and reward opportunities.

Cut back on spending — dramatically

At 29 and 32, this young couple was far outliving their means. One of the best ways to get on track financially (and stay there) is to use a budget.

And yet a recent survey from credit.com reveals 27% of Americans don’t feel they need a budget, while an alarming 12% are afraid to even check their bank accounts.

Of course there are things you’re bound to spend money on, but you can optimize your spending and save money in the long run if you shop smart. By using Acorns — an automated investing and savings app — you can turn spare change into savings.

All you have to do is link your bank account and spend as you normally would and Acorns will round up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and put that spare change into a smart investment portfolio that suits your financial goals. Signing up takes less than five minutes, and you can start saving for just $3 a month.

Shopping online? You can install Capital One Shopping — a free, money-saving browser extension — which automatically applies coupon codes as you shop online. It also alerts you whenever there's a better deal available from another retailer. So you don’t have to worry about hunting for discounts on your own.

Negotiate your rates

Chances are good that you’re overpaying for essential expenses without even realizing it. But if you take some time to shop around, you’ll find that better deals are waiting for you — and your bank account will thank you.

SmartFinancial’s free online platform lets you explore the best home insurance rates in your area by simply answering a few questions about yourself.