[Tree0164]

Jeanie,
What are you paying for your phone? Is long distance included with that? Can you cut down your cable expenses to basic cable or get rid of it altogether? It says cell phones- do you both have one? If so, do you really need both-think about ditching atleast one unless you are in a contract.

Auto repair- are these past due expenses?

Food-this is probably the biggest area where you can cut down the most. I know you have teenage boys and they probably eat a ton of stuff. I have 3 boys all little still and a dh hubby. We average about $300-$350 each month. I plan my meals out. I shop the meat sales-meaning check out the reduce meat aisle where they will often take a couple of dollars off some burger or steak. Keep a price book- I can refer you to some resources if you need it. And last but not least stay out of the grocery store.

Also on your credit card debt-are those the minimum amounts of what you pay each month.

I would really like to see you set up an emergency fund of $1000 over the next few months. This way you can dip into it if you have emergencies. And then focus on getting the credit cards all set.

I know you can do this. Just your thinking has changed in the past few weeks on this.