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A: One of the best places to start is with a very clear picture of where your money is going so that you can further control spending. For one month, track every single penny that you spend.
Once you review this see where cuts can be made. If you cut out three Starbucks trips per week that would be a yearly savings of almost $500. Cut out two Happy Meals (for 3 kids) per week and that is another $1,200 per year. Wait an extra few weeks between haircuts for the family and you just saved another $800 per year.
Look at just those three things....that is $2,500 in your pocket for a year (for five years, that would be $12,500). If you want to think really long term, if you save that much until retirement age of 70 you would save more than $100,000! Really look at every item carefully and see where you can scale back.
Next look at making extra money as well. If you are owed child support, go after that first. Because you can not afford an attorney, try to local Legal aid Society. You can also submit support modification requests yourself in most counties as well.
If there anything you can sell on EBAY? Maybe have a garage sale? Perhaps babysit a few hours a week? Try to think creatively and you will come up with some great ideas.
Spent the past 20+ years as the owner of a local Italian restaurant here in Mobile, Alabama. Took an early retirement this past Spring to babysit Jessica and Samantha, my two newborn twin granddaughters! 
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Votes
A: Hi Single Mom of three,
First I am sorry to hear that you are in tough times and behind on your bills. You may want to consider using a credit card just to get yourself back on your feet. You could also try making extra money working online, the are so many opportunities available to work from home. If you would like a free consultation please don't hesitate to call our office 888-877-9824 and we will be please to help you!
This question was originally asked in Biblically-based Finances
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