I'm sorry you're struggling financially ((beauflow)). We declared personal bankruptcy 2 yrs ago and I learned how to budget. I agree with Cyntroxy1973 - if you live in an area that has a dollar store you can get hygiene products there - sure its not luxury products but at least it gets you clean. I started grocery shopping at a lower end store - its the kind of store that doesn't bag your groceries for you. At first I felt embarrassed but when my total came up, I saved at least $80. I also realized the quality of the fruits and vegetables was superior to the more high end store. When I was leaving with my groceries, I laughed because there was a Mercedes in the parking lot.

You might want to consider a few sessions with a financial counselor - we had to get counseling when we went through bankruptcy. It helped me realize how to cut corners. I'm not a spender but my husband was the one who put us over the edge. I still learned how to tighten up even more. One thing I find hard to afford is makeup - its no darn expensive and I don't even buy the top priced ones.