[TinyFish]

Not to re-hash the past, but what about going after those folks who ripped you off for the computer? You say the business that took the computers was 'legit'. I assume you mean by that that it exists. Can ebays fraud team help you any? Or the police maybe? I'm sure others on this forum or elsewhere might be able to help you with that. Yes, it is crummy that people ripped you off and helped get you into this mess, but maybe you can get some of it back. I'm shocked the bank didn't tell you the checks hadn't cleared, if you have that in writing, I'd bring that up with the bank managers.

I'm a little unclear from your statements what your exact situation is. I get the impression that the sheer NUMBER of bills is getting you in a bit of panic, which is why it is sometimes unclear what you are saying and why you want to consolidate so badly?

Do you have enough money coming in to cover all of your debt payments at least? That's the first issue.

After that, if you only spent the absolute minimum on your debts and the absolute minimum you can on your daily expenses (no eating out, finding cheap ways to get kid clothes etc...), do you have any money left? If so, that should be applied to your debt. First pay off the outstanding stuff, get that current. Then you can pay off either the debt with the highest rate or the smallest debt, depending on your philosophy. Does that help any?

What about your husband? I know you say you are trying to not have him involved, but if he's able to carry a house and car payment on disability, he's probably pretty financially savvy, can he advise you? Not clear why all your expenses and worries are so seperate from his. If he's one of the four who is eating, maybe he should help figure out how to reduce the food budget, etc. Maybe I'm misunderstanding the situation.

-TinyFish