Help with budget:

Here is my 2 cent:

First off I don't know how often you get paid. So lets say it is $970 every two weeks. That is $1940 a month. I believe rent is about 30% of your income based on Low Income Housing. And if that is true you could afford $582 in rent. However if your income was $970 every week that would be $3880 monthly which would allow you to afford $1164 in rent.

Here is a formula that helped me: "10,10,30,50 RULE". And if you incorporate it you may relieve some stress.

10% tithing
10% savings
30% expenses (for me this is where I add in hair, nails and other gifts that I work hard for)
50% Bills

We are (people in general) Money Managers and we should not have to work and hand over our pay. Lets face it whats going to happen is going to happen regardless. Pay your tithes and you will not have to worry how everything else will get paid. I believe in this strongly.

And don't try to mess with the system. I have a friend that did that and ended up getting caught... plus the carma is just bad..

The car needs to be your issue. We have a car that we paid for cash. It isn't a really nice car, but it runs and is fully paid for, we have some maintenance costs, but no car payment, and our insurance is only about $30 a month. I'd love to drive a nicer car, but I prefer to afford my home and not have huge car payments and insurance payments.

Good luck, mama.

I don't blame you for not wanting to live in Ghetto especially with kids. You may have to sacrifice a smaller place instead of 3 bedroom maybe down to a 2 bedroom. I had to do this a few years ago. I never really understand the whole FS thing. The people who really need the help never get it.

Are you couponing? I have a family of 5 and I don't spend more than $150 a month on groceries and toiletries. Most toiletries I get for free. I'd also shop around for cheaper car insurance.

What is your family size and are you a 1 parent family? Have you considered moving closer to work? Your rent may be a bit higher but it would offset a $300 a month gas bill and depending on your situation you may be able to walk to work which would cut down your wear and tear (oil changes, cleaning, tires, etc) and if a breakdown occurs you could stll get to work.

Would you be able to take on a child to babysit? find other viable means of income that will help your situation also. I have a friend that babysits at night and works during the day. She has 2 children, cares for 2 others at $150 a week while their mother works 3rd shift and the kids sleep all night. That's $150 extra, untaxed money WEEKLY.

You are going to have to move closer even if it means moving into some rich person's nanny suit or gardeners house. There is no way you can have your husband spend the time and money to be on the road 2 hours a day. Think outside the box and find something you didn't know existed.