trying to get my ducks in a row

[pennywise]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

I see high electric which I am taking to mean includes your heat since I do not see heat. Is this so? Where do you live? Need to know location to determine weather to offer ideas to lower the heat without going to big expenses. HOw is the water paid, you say you rent. A landlord typically pays the water. What is the deal here. The lanlord will pay the water becasue if you don't a lein will be issued on the home. Perhaps you could analyze and discuss the tithe and lower a little. God does not expect you to burden yourself. He knows you need to retire, may have disability, etc. Tithing can come in other forms than money.

[jmjj215]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

Your phone is way, way up. You could easily free up $70-80 there - unless I'm missing a big detail, or you lumped some other stuff into it (w/ the tired brain syndrome, that's a possibility ) I like Tree's advice: get current on anything that's past due, and put the rest of any monthly surplus toward a $1000 emergency fund. Once you have that in place, start attacking your debts.

Your husband needs to be making more money - how much is the child support?

[pennywise]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

jmjj215: you suggest a 1000 dollar emergency fund. Sounds good. What is the rationale (how did you determine the amount) and what rules are suggested for dipping into the fund. With the high education expenses and gas price problems (U.S. Dept of Energy predicts another 35 cent a gallon by year end on top of the current increase) we are having, my spouse made a comment he was slightly angry I was applying all to the mortgage and had "no slush fund". I ignored that and said "keep to the plan" "stay the course" because in my mind I have U.S. savings bonds I could use. Should I develop a emergency fund of cash or continue with my "stay the course". However, your advice is very good so i am interested in more details.

[becomingafinacialgrownup]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

Answers to questions(i hope)

water is listed in our expenses at 50
Phone includes DSL and direct TV( we live dow town with NO! reception)
Yes we heat with electric

the debt I refer to is all hospital/medical bills

As for DH's pay,I checked a paystub from last year, I was 0ff by 150.He works as a teacher's assistant with kids who are emotionally handicapped.Not a lot of money,but very needed.
He pays child support for three children.11 years ago he had 2 broken vertebrae in his neck which prevented him form working for two years.When you cannot work it is very difficult to pay child support So he pays extra each payday to catch that up.
Also, our health insurance,his 401k,etc all come out of his pay. DOes that make sense?

[becomingafinacialgrownup]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

also forgot a Big expense

every three months
aprox-250 for perscription drugs!

[becomingafinacialgrownup]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

trying to bump this up for input

[Tree0164]

Re: trying to get my ducks in a row

You need more income. If DH is working at a school with weekends and night off, he can get a second job atleast until you get the medical bills paid off.