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Jim Said:

Any REALISTIC ideas how we can scale back our budget?

We Answered:

You have made some big strides paying off all that debt. Good job!

It looks like you will have $51 free up from the credit card debt. I suggest you add that to your student loan payment or car payment to help pay that debt down faster.

You need to get to $0 car loan payments as fast as possible. If you can sell a car and replace it with a fully paid for vehicle that helps. Drive a clunker if that is what you need to do.

Can you find more income? Is there a 2nd job husband could take while OT is not there or is there a job you can find to help compensate for lost OT?

If your husband's credit card is at a high rate like over 20% then I suggest you contact http://www.moneymanagement.org/ because they can help reduce rates to 6%. That can be a big saver.

Can you drop Verizon? That is a lot of money for a cell phone when your budget is so tight. Vonage offers home phone service for $25 a month and there are others that are cheaper than that.

Perhaps while OT is gone you can reduce your cable and internet service so monthly outlay is less. Can you cut it altogether or go to a less expensive plan until OT is back.

Don't try for home run but take the singles. Drop your deductible and take what they give you. Drop you thermostat to 65 if 60 is not comfortable right now. Enough little things add up.

Byron Said:

Does anybody else smell a Rat in the new health care plan?

We Answered:

I have read some of thing in the health care plan.... there are some BIG rats in this plan that I hope don't pass.... one is they can take money from you checking account and you can't do anything about it. That is just one of the many bad things.

Pg 59 Lines 21-24 .. government will have direct access to your bank accounts for elective fund transfer
Pg 30 Sec 123 .. There will be a Government Committee that decides what treatments/benefits you get.
Pg 427 Lines 15-24 .. The Government mandates a program for order on end-of-life. (the Government has a say in how your life will ends)
Pg 430 Lines 11-15 .. The Government will decide what level of treatment you will have at end-of- life (again --- no choice)

This can go on and on.... sounds great, doesn't it... and to think some thinks this bill is great.

(for the stupid thumb downers to my answer and everyone elses answer... read the bill... you do know how to read don't you or does someone else have to do your reading and thinking for you..if the bill passes someone will do the thinking for you.... I did notice you weren't smart enough to give an answer)