The housing market is down and gas prices are up. With an economy in crisis, it's not a bad idea to try to make the most of your money.

The best way to track your finances is by keeping a budget. The first thing is to figure out your net income. Then start taking out the essentials like rent or house payments, car expenses, groceries, and any other monthly expenses you incur. It's also important to think of small items and event think to the future. Amie Darway, Consumer Credit Counselor for Criss-Cross, Inc., says it's a good idea to put away a small chunk of change each month for holidays and your taxes. Even though Christmas is months away, if you save now you won't have to worry about going into debt come time to buy gifts.

So, what do you do with the money you have leftover? Darway suggests paying off high interest credit cards or loans and trying to eliminate any other debt you may have.

If you should to save Darway says "there's no amount too small to save. Even if you just put five dollars a month away it will eventually add up to a significant amount."

If you'd like to get help with your budget visit www.criss-crosswv.org