really need help - long (sorry)

[SeanH]

I think the tricky thing when you tell someone to cut something is that people don't often know how to make it a reality.

If you tell someone to cut cable you also need to tell them - (1) buy an antennae (2) buy a 50+ foot coaxial cable off Amazon (3) Move the antennae with the long cable around your house until you find a location that can pick up local channels and from which the cord can be hidden along the wall. Then sign up for Netflix.

If you tell someone to get Netflix you also need to tell them to (1) buy an HDMI cable (15'+) on Amazon or (2) buy a $30 blue-ray player that can also get on your wifi so they can stream it to their TV.

Sorry your marriage is falling apart. I'm guessing life was easier with 2 incomes.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Look you aren't terribly overspendy in any area BUT the house. You can't afford your house! It's wayyy too much house. You are house poor and going to continue to being in debt because it's 40% just mortgage payment! That should be capped at 28%! Your debt is killing you unfortunately.

How many people are living on your budget? It's a good idea to get a rental for $2k. I think it might make things more manageable. Also the bonus? Maybe the car.

[kyoko]

Look you aren't terribly overspendy in any area BUT the house. You can't afford your house! It's wayyy too much house. You are house poor and going to continue to being in debt because it's 40% just mortgage payment! That should be capped at 28%! Your debt is killing you unfortunately.

How many people are living on your budget? It's a good idea to get a rental for $2k. I think it might make things more manageable. Also the bonus? Maybe the car.

I can't agree more... Your house payment and debt are eating you up. I know selling the house is not something you can just jump in and get it done, but it seems to me that that is the only way to get out of your situation. Your expenses in any other area are not so high, ($800 of food and miscellaneous are a little suspicious... You may want to break down more) and it is almost you are depriving yourself, that's why you buy things impulsively and end up more debt and bills to pay. Having a balance is important.

You may have to do something really radical to make a change. You should even look for a 2 bedroom apartment, not 3. It's only you, your husband and your son. 2 bedroom should be enough.

Good luck!