Let's say you have a trusted friend, one who would be a godparent to your spawn, or an open wallet in case you land in jail because of that silly trespassing charge (I told you, Minneapolis Police Dept: I had permission!). This pal has recommended romantic candidates, agreed with your whacked-out political rants, and smiled happily when served the god-awful concoction of cheese-like product and rice that you seem to favor for absolutely no good reason. Could this chum also be the answer to getting your spending and debt under control?

Perhaps, if they simply gave you a large chunk of cash, but there's another way the buddy system works: let him or her into your bank account.

Indeed, I can almost feel your shudder from here, deep within the digital ether. Talking about salaries and investments are still ridiculously taboo in our society, and equally repulsive to most people are discussing specific spending habits. "Oh, I just need to eat out less often," someone may say, with a vague wave of their jewel-bedecked hand. They fail to mention that they've been dining out nearly every evening for the past month and have wracked up thousands of dollars in credit card charges.

Maybe your bon ami has the same type of declarations, and now, unbeknownst to each other, you're both gurgling in the mud pit of debt and trying to be cavalier about it. "No, I don't need a rope, I'm fine," you declare, the slimy pit sucking you further into its reaches. "I just need to eat out less often."

Take a bold step, and ask the aforementioned trusted friend to look over your bank statements for the past three months. Perhaps they'll do the same and sheepishly hand over a list of charges. Then, you retreat to separate corners, and begin to explore the details of someone else's financial malaise. Sure, you could do it yourselves, but someone in debt tends to see charges with emotion, not objectivity. $483 at REI for that ski outfit you haven't worn? Okay, maybe a bit much, but the blue really matches the eyes of that cute sweetie who went shopping with you, even though you've already broken up. On the other hand, when a pal goes through the charges, there's a sense of accountability and responsibility that kicks in, and if you make the swap into a regular habit, you may find that other habits change as well.

Make a plan together for debt reduction, just as you would for losing weight, quitting smoking, or not dating any more losers. The buddy system works for streamlining your love life and your waistline, why not your credit card balance, too?