Few things are as common or as stressful as money problems. When you have children and a family to feed, making ends meet is a constant concern, especially if you are like most people in America today. Being without financial concerns is, sadly, something that few of us nowadays can enjoy. While many financial problems are completely out of our control, there are plenty of ways you can take control of your financial life. Doing so will allow you to take better care of your family and make sure they don’t have to struggle through tough financial times. Below we will look at some of the most common financial problems facing families today and how to address them.

Too much debt

Americans are drowning in debt. The average student debt alone is currently in excess of $30,000, while credit card debt for the average household is $15,000. Americans, meanwhile, are carrying mortgages that are, on average, $150,000. That’s a lot of debt and it doesn’t even include other debts, such as medical expenses and car loans, that can make paying the bills feel all but impossible. Many people rely on getting an instant loan just to keep up with their payments. However, if you are struggling with debt then you are going to have to take more drastic measures to address the problem. Usually, dealing with debt comes down to changing what your priorities are. If you treat debt as your main financial priority, then you will begin to see it come down. Focus on your high-interest debt first or talk to a credit counselor about possible solutions for paying down debt faster.

Lack of communication

Finances are a big reason why so many Americans today divorce, largely because a lot of couples fail to communicate effectively about money. Everybody has different financial goals and expectations, but if your spouse doesn’t know what they are then problems are going to erupt. Furthermore, most people have different personalities when it comes to money, with some enjoying the security that comes with saving and others enjoying the thrill of spending and acquiring new things. Even if you are a saver, don’t count on your husband or wife being the same. While it can be a difficult topic of conversation, sitting down and going over the family budget is important. Set limits on what each of you can spend a month and agree on what your priorities are going to be as a family. That sort of communicative approach will not only help your wallet, it could even save your relationship.

Sudden loss of income

You could suffer from a sudden loss of income in a variety of ways. Most obviously, you could simply end up losing your job or have your hours cut. Or maybe you have a baby on the way and you need to stay at home while your spouse goes to work. Or maybe your income was already too low to begin with and it’s preventing you from saving enough to get by. Dealing with this problem can be difficult. First, make sure you have a plan in case you lose your job one day. This means getting your finances in order fast and building up enough savings so that you will have some time to look for another job if you lose your current one. Having savings in place will also allow you to develop skills that may be necessary for finding a new job. While you have your current job, maybe consider going to night school (if you can afford it) so that you will have some new skills you can fall back on if the worst happens.

If you simply don’t have enough income as it is, then it is time for you to start cutting your expenses. That means doing up a budget and figuring out where your money is going each month. Chances are there are more than a few items you can do without. For example, if you have a good internet connection and can watch most of your favorite shows online then do you still need a cable subscription? And instead of buying a gym membership just to use their treadmill, why not go for morning runs or bike rides around your neighborhood? While such savings may not seem like much, they usually add up to thousands of dollars each year.

Supporting a family is tough, especially when the economy seems so uncertain. If you are struggling with money, then take the steps necessary to keep on top of your financial priorities so that your family can live more comfortably.

Tom Hanson shares his tips on all things relating to personal finance. He has worked as a personal finance consultant for several years, and as a Dad with 3 kids to support he himself knows how tough it can be.

Sometimes it’s not possible for you to be with your children every day. Perhaps you are on active duty in the military, you have to make a business trip, or maybe you are a co-parent. This is not only tough for you, it can also be incredibly hard for your children. So why not make sure they know how much you love them even when you can’t be together. Here is a list of some small gestures you can make that will make your child feel special and loved every single day, even on those days when you can’t be there.

Give them a special gift: There’s nothing like personalized gifts to make your kids feel special. How about message t-shirts telling them how special they are? These will remind them of you every time they are worn. Here are some more personalized gift ideas.

Write them a letter: This is a very special way to share how you feel with your kids because they can keep it with them and read it over whenever they are missing you. Let them know what’s going on in your life and tell them how much you love them and miss them.

Make them a video: If you have young kids, why not make a goofy video of yourself to make them laugh. For older children, you could make them a “day in my life” video so they can see where you are and the things you do each day.

Talk to them online: Although you may not be able to be in the same physical location as your kids, you can still communicate with them using Skype or FaceTime. Each offers a video platform to make audio and video calls and they’re both free. This is a great way to stay in touch and show your kids you care.

Write a journal: Keep a journal when you’re away from home and write in it every day so you can give it to them when you get back home.

Leave notes: Next time you’re getting ready to leave on your trip. Leave little notes in their room for them to find later, or if they’re coming to visit you, leave them around their room in your home. You could put them in a glove, a reading book, a lunchbox or under their pillow.

Leave messages: If you call and there’s no one home, leave a message on the answering service so that they can hear your voice when they get home, and they can play the messages as often as they like.

Give them a reminder: Give your kids something to remind them of you. Whether it’s one of your t-shirts, a photo, or your favorite toy from your childhood, it will make them feel closer to you when you’re away.

Make them a checklist: Pin them a hugs and kisses checklist on the fridge so they can get a daily dose of your love. This will also allow them to count off the days until they’ll see you again.

Give them something of yours to sleep in: Let them snuggle up at night in your PJ top or t-shirt so they will sleep soundly thinking of you.

Give them a surprise a day: Write them a note, draw them a picture or get them a card for each day that you are away. Put each surprise in a separate envelope with the day and the date written on the front. That way they have a new surprise to open every day while you’re gone.

Make them a paper chain calendar: Make a paper chain with a loop for each day so they can tear it off before bedtime to count the days until you come home.

Give them something to snuggle with at night: Get them a new soft toy or snuggle blanket so they won’t feel lonely in bed at night.

Get some stickers: Get some sheets of stickers and make a calendar with them so your kids have a special sticker each day that you are away.

Read them a story: Read them a bedtime story over the phone or on Skype or FaceTime.

No matter where you have to travel or how long you have to be away for, you can always let your kids know how much you love them every single day. This is important for them so they can grow feeling safe and secure and important for you, so you can feel close to your kids even when you can’t see them.

Eva Farrell writes about parenting. She is Mommy to a 7 year old and a 4 month old. Her articles appear on mommy and lifestyle blogs.