Hi Mary Alice,

Even if you attended spending counseling alone, you might still learn some tricks which would help you, and they might be able to help you with bankruptcy filing, if necessary, or they could set up payment management so that you would not need to file for bankruptcy. Most areas have a consumer agency which helps with things like that. It is a non-profit thing and I think they would charge little if any fees.

As far as food goes, there are some food pantries in our area which give out food just as requested - all you have to do is say you are in need. I hope there are some like that where you are. We also have some low-cost grocery programs here where you pay a certain amount and periodically get a box of groceries (I think once a month, or maybe every two weeks). I think that might be offered through the Catholic Church but I'm not sure. Anyway, it's not based on need....anybody can participate. But you get a huge box of food for maybe $10, much more than you could buy normally. At our local site they also give out free bread and baked goods from a bakery. I visited the site once and helped out. It's a great program.

I'm just trying to think of ideas. I know it isn't much help, but I want to see you get through this.

I guess I'm wondering, from the various things you've described, if you've considered going on disability yourself. That might make more complications in some ways, but it sure would be easier on your health, and it also might make you and your family eligible for other services too, like a housing subsidy. You would have less income, but you'd also have less expenses (like you wouldn't have to spend $40 on gas for the commute). I wonder if you've talked about this with your doctor(s)? It sounds like you have multiple health problems, both physical and psychological, which might qualify you for disability. I am on disability, and it was a difficult change in many ways, but it was the right thing to do for me.

Take care,
ErinBear