Refi or HEL ?

[pennywise]

That electric is really high, what is going on? You could look around your house to see what all is plugged in, does it need to be. Can you use an old fashioned wind up clock instead? Wall Street Journal had an article on "Phantom electricity". When things are plugged in they still use power. When my microwave is not in use it is unplugged. Computers on power strips. This is another reason I said the family needs to be involved. If you tell them they will help and you need their cooperation. Could the family all read with one light at night instead of one read, watch tv, play video games, on the computer. Ask them what do they want? Life is choices, school or high electric bills? I read my electric meter every day to isolate sources. for example my fridge was running too much so I had to vacuum the condenser, today someone said they saved 12 dollars a MONTh by cleaning the dryer vents. And, could the wife hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. See, family needs to be involved to enlist cooperation.

[pennywise]

Water: seems high at 50/month, should be about 70 quarter. Assess for drips, a trick for the toilet is to put a rock in the tank to decrease water per flush, do you need to flush every use, when waiting for hot water to come fill empty milk jugs and fill tank with the flush. If you water outside, is your ego more important than getting this budget in order, the grass will survive until you get things in order. Showers, how long are they, do the boys participate in sports and have access to a shower there where that will decrease your gas and water (hot water heat use). I know it is overwhelming, but remember one step at a time. Slowy work on each area. The water is another area I think you can decrease consumption for your finances and future generations and the environment. Changes in behavior.