Hi there are so many people out there in similar situations to your i have been trying for over 2 years to try to get an org going that caters to these issues .It has been an impossible task ,whats worst it will get worst .I suggest if you have a room in your house you can rent to a freind or a family you can bring some extra income .You need the money more than the kids need they own room they can share a room .If the kids are old enough explain to them why you need to do this .The pressure you are under is not good and will only get worst as you start stressing just rent a room it will give you less space but more sanity .Good luck

Dear "is there any help?" I am not in your shoes and this advice may not apply. I am in a new situation, though, and have to live on a limited amount of money, my SS. It is a struggle but nothing compared to your struggles. I can do without many things and am learning to watch the sales. My daughter went through some very difficult times for a number of years with a disabled husband and two small children. She focused on sales and coupons, especially when it came to food. I am now having to do the same trying not to purchase anything that is not on sale, and am consolidating my driving, making sure I make all of my purchases on one single trip and making fewer trips, saving gas. I have planned ahead regarding meals and make sure I freeze leftovers (and eat them before they go bad). I feel I am saving quite a bit. I feel for you and pray you see the light at the end of the tunnel. A saying my mother used to say has always helped me, "where there is a will, there is a way". Sometimes we have to take one day at a time and find things to be grateful for each day. If nothing else, it makes that one day better. Now that I look back to my own difficult times, I see how there was always something bigger than I helping me, even when I was unaware of it. I pray you find that too.

Recommendations:

cancel cable, phone (keep a cell phone), get an evening/weekend job while your husband is home - can you work at all? can you answer phones or do check out at a store? find something you can do to supplement income.

buy NOTHING. only food and no convenience foods. pasta and sauce, rice, etc are cheap.

stop all activities the kids are in

no eating out at all.

stop driving - only go where you have to.

If that is not enough, call energy assistance in your area and they may be able to help with utility bills.

If you have car payments, sell your cars and buy what you can without having payments.

Not saying you are wasting money or living beyond your means, but society tends to do just that. I wish people would realize that we could eliminate so much and still be fine. If I had financial issues, my house would go on the market and I would downsize to a small house. A bit harder in this market, but not bad if you price it very low.

Good luck

Thank you so much for your advice.

Even though the problems still exist in our life and the financial situation is getting worse each day, it's so nice to know that there are people out there that understand. Reading your response was very soothing to me, thanks.

We are cutting back as much as possible. My husband and I are also taking the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class that began this week at church. Thanks for your advice.

it's the end of June. wondering how you are doing?