My plea for help (long)

[threebeansalad]

You might not have time for a "real" second job, but I bet you can find various odd jobs. This is a great way to earn income on YOUR schedule because you can take or refuse jobs as needed, I'm a few years older than you, but also married, no kids. I've had great luck babysitting, housesitting/ dog sitting, (see my blog entry on the subject here. Let people know you are looking for additional income, you'll be amazed what might turn up. I 've been offered $20 / hour to rake leaves!!

Also, start purging your house of stuff you're not using and sell it a Craig's List, ebay, half.com etc.

Lastly, start tracking everything you earn/ spend. Your computer might already have MS money. Otherwise, just use Excel or a pen and pencil. It will really open your eyes up to where your money is going.

Good luck!

[anonymous_saver]

Another good book to get from the library is by Suze Orman "Young Fabulous and Broke". Like another poster says her way of looking at things is different than Dave Ramsey. Dave Ramsey "method" is paying of smallest debts first, and gets more of a psychological benefit. Suze's "method" is paying off highest interest debt first, and is the better mathematical plan and pays off the debt sooner.

Are you both contributing up to your employers' match into your retirement plans?

Don't cancel any cards unless they have annual fees. Otherwise just cut them all up and hide one card in your house somewhere so that in an EXTREME emergency you could use it.