Join AARP's 30-Day Pay Down Your Debt Challenge

Have credit card bills? Personal loans? Other forms of debt? Don't worry, you're in good company. Personal finance expert Lynette Khalfani-Cox says paying down debt is especially important when you're 50 or above and starting to plan for retirement - and more so if you're retired and living on a limited income.

Of course, some debt is unavoidable...especially if you've been hit hard by the recession and if you're dealing with health issues, job loss, or underemployment. And prices of goods/services and monthly expenses have gone higher -- while income, in a lot of cases, has not.

Focusing on our own bottom line is always a good thing, and there's no one better than Lynette Khalfani-Cox, a.k.a. The Money Coach, to help us get on track to pay down our personal debt. Lynnette paid off more than $100,000 in credit bills in three years - how's that for inspiration?

Learn how to get started and join us in the Pay Down Your Debt Challenge. Join our online community to reply to the challenges and share your successes -- and there could be some prizes in it for you. Here's to freedom from personal debt, and to feeling more in control of your finances.