She Said:

Yesterday, I sat down and figured out after paying all the basic bills for the month (mortgage, 2nd mortage, utilities, cable,
phone, health, home, life, and car insurance, and such) we have $161.00 left for paying credit cards, food, gas, clothes,
medical, dental, and so on. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!

I Say:

You have starting doing the right thing by looking at what you are paying and what you have left. As somebody else suggested, list EXACTLY what you are paying and what you may be able to do. For example, it may just be worth getting rid of the cable until you get the other, more improtant, expenses under control.

Given the seemingly seriousness of the situation, I would not rule out looking to getting professional help in the form of the local CCCS. It may not be a popular option on this board, but they just may be able to help you get your budget under control. Most other folks already suggestioned excellent advice and I cannot think of anything else, but to give you support.

I am not married, so I cannot say out of personal expeirience, but it sounds like you need to sit down with your husband to a good old fashioned talking.

I was in a seeming impossible situation right after buying my house. I went the CCCS route and since then have gotten my expenses way under control. It may seem dire, but there is no such thing as "impossible" situations - there is always a way out.

Good luck - you have definitly taken the first steps by acknowledging there is a problem and you need to do something about it.

Steven Konopa