This task doesn't take a computer or any math skills. Just stack the bills on the kitchen table and go to work.

At the same time, make an honest list of what you must spend every month -- rent or mortgage, utilities, food, gas, insurance. Try to divide annual expenses such as homeowners or renters or auto insurance by 12 months, to get a real estimate of how much money you need every month.

Then STOP. You don't have to do another thing. Just pick up the phone and call Consumer Credit Counseling Services -- (800) 388-2227. That will connect you to the nearest local office, where you can get honest, professional help from this national, nonprofit agency. Make an appointment.

They'll offer a range of solutions, depending on your situation. If you're just behind a bit every month, they may help you reorganize -- or show you that if you could get a weekend job you could catch up. Or they can contact your creditors and help you work out a repayment plan. They might even advise bankruptcy and direct you to an attorney who can help.

Just talking to a counselor at CCCS does not go on your credit report. So it's worth a try -- and this is the perfect time to start. The tasks above will give you everything you need to set up a successful meeting with your counselor.

Update Medicare Part D: And here's a reminder to seniors -- and their adult children, or teenage grandchildren, who could be their best helpers in this project. Every senior who is not covered by private or VA insurance for prescription drugs must sign up for Medicare Part D -- even if they're not currently taking prescription drugs.

And every year it's very important that you recheck your coverage to make sure that last year's plan is still the least expensive coverage for the coming year. Any change must be made by Dec. 31.

Many plans changed the prices for their prescriptions or dropped coverage for some drugs. That's why you should line up all your prescription bottles with the names and dosages of each medicine. Then go to www.Medicare.gov and follow instructions to the "plan finder" tool. That will automatically compare the plans available in your locale.

Or call 800-Medicare, and they'll help you over the phone. Either way, you can connect directly to the plans you choose, so you can go through the required telephone interview and get signed up before year's end.

Get started today. This is the way to roll into a better financial year ahead. And that's the Savage Truth.