Here's a general how-to strategy that I like to use:

1) Budgeting - make sure that how much you spend is less than how much you bring in;

When this first item is satisfied (i.e., you are living below your means), then

2) Use the extra money you found to start Paying off your credit card debts - and as many other debts as you can, but especially high interest credit cards and lines of credit;

3) Create a cushion in your Emergency Fund of at least 1 year (enough to cover what you spend in a year) - make sure you have enough money in there so you do not use your retirement money or lines of credit, such as credit cards;

4) Next, fund a Deductible IRA (Individual Retirement Account, up to at least $5,000 a year until you hit age 50, then up to at least $6,000 a year) - you put money in throughout the year, a little from each paycheck, and then deduct most (if not all) of your Contributions on your Tax Return after the end of the year, and finally;

5) If you have enough income for 1 final investment, then find a Fee-Only Financial Advisor - make sure you compare them, talk with each of them, and especially understand each one's Fee structure.

Follow these steps mostly in order (you are allowed to see a Financial Advisor sooner if you feel like it) and you may find yourself well on the way toward an increasingly more secure retirement.

Ask if you have more questions!