In these uncertain financial times, it has never been more important than right now to take a look at your funds and start planning for possible troubles.

With the recent fiscal cliff, government furloughs and the debt ceiling debate just around the corner, any number of events can impact your monthly budgets and even retirement savings.

Despite these dangers, most of these problems can be mitigated through proper financial planning and preparation. These tips should help you weather any financial storm:

* Take a look at your budget immediately.

Not only do you need to look at your monthly budget and see where you can cut down on expenses and increase your savings, you need to start looking immediately.

It is human nature to simply ignore a problem in hopes that it will go away. But summon up all your strength, realize that difficult financial times are nearly certain to occur, and start planning right now.

Nothing is gained from waiting.

* Differentiate between want and need.

Once you've gotten over the hurdle of opening up your bank account and adjusting your budget, it's important to make a distinction between what you want and what you need.

Start reducing everything you spend in a month on things you simply want. Take all the money you save on these items and start stockpiling the money in your savings.

It is better to oversave now, than the alternative.

* Contact your creditors right away.

Call your loan holders, mortgage companies and other financial entities that you owe money to and let them know that you might be facing a reduction in income that will affect your ability to repay these items.

Often there are loan modification programs or refinancing options that will lower your interest rate and make it easier for you to make your monthly payments.

The only way to know if your lender has these programs is to ask.

* Build up your credit options.

It is never advisable to pay bills or other expenses on credit when you don't have the liquid assets to pay off that purchase when it comes due.

However, for some people, this type of financial liquidity simply is not an option. There may come a point in time when you no longer have cash or other options to pay for what you need.

When this occurs, it will be necessary to have access to credit, but more importantly, access to the right credit.

While certain options like payday advances and car title loans might look attractive, the fine print reveals that the interest rates on these borrowed monies are astronomical. These options are almost always bad credit options.

There are, of course, some good credit options such as a fixed low-interest loan from your bank or even a Thrift Savings Plan secured loan. One of the most attractive aspects about a TSP loan is that all of the interest you pay on the loan goes back into your TSP account.

For more information on these types of loans, visit tsp.gov/planparticipation/loans/loanBasics.shtml.

* Know your rights against creditors.

If you do find yourself in financial difficulties and are having trouble paying your bills on time, you need to make sure you understand your rights.

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act establishes certain legal protections against abusive debt collection practices. Immediately see a Legal Assistance attorney if you're being harassed by creditors.

For more information or if you have concerns about financial planning, call the Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program at 301-677-5590 or schedule an appointment online at FortMeadeACS.checkappointments.com.

If you have issues with creditors or other legal concerns, you may schedule an appointment with a Legal Assistance Division attorney at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at 301-677-9504.