I'm 27 and ready to get serious about my finances, but struggle with high living costs — where do I start?

Let's say you're 27 years old and ready to get serious about your finances, but are struggling to get by with the high cost of living. Here are some steps you can take toward securing your financial future en route to achieving major life goals.

Emergency fund

One of the most important things you can do right away is get started on an emergency fund. This is cash you can easily access in case something unexpected happens, such as losing your job. Having a cushion to fall back on can help prevent you from falling (further) into debt.

Many experts recommend stashing away three to six months' worth of expenses, however, since you're just starting out you might want to think a bit smaller. Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey, for example, recommends setting aside $1,000 at first. Over time, you can build up your emergency fund. Since this cash isn't meant for everyday spending, it's also a good idea to keep it in a high-yield savings account so it can earn interest.

Tackling debt

Take a look at your debt situation. You may already be on a payment plan when it comes to student debt or auto loan debt. But if you have any high-interest debt, including credit card debt, it's in your best interest to pay it off as quickly as possible. The last thing you want to do is continue digging yourself a bigger hole. Come up with a plan to tackle your debt so you can get to saving. Drawing up a budget with this goal in mind may be helpful.

Saving for retirement

Does your employer offer a 401(k) plan? If so, you can sign up and direct a portion of your paycheck, pre-tax, into an account and invest it in the market. This is a good idea especially if your employer offers matching contributions (up to a certain percentage of your pay), which essentially amounts to free money. It's recommended you contribute as much as you can afford, at least up until the maximum employer match amount.

Otherwise, you can start building your retirement savings through an individual retirement account (IRA), which can also be invested in the market. Keep in mind there are yearly contribution limits for 401(k) and IRA accounts.

Long-term goals

At age 27, you still have most of your adult life ahead of you, but you may have long-term goals beyond achieving financial security. These can include starting a family, buying a home or simply generating as much wealth as possible. A financial advisor can help you plot a path toward achieving them.

Think about how your finances might impact your life goals. There are costs associated with many personal milestones, so look at the big picture in the course of mapping out your long-term plan.