Budget Breakdown (Ep. 14) $200,000 of Debt? Tighten Those Bootstraps!

[@jennybauer4375]

I appreciate the budget breakdowns! I was inspired to sell our expensive van, use the equity to pay off our last nagging credit card, buy a less expensive car, and save $450/month with that one move...so thank you! I love it! You make a difference!

[@abfamily4075]

Thats amazing! My husband and I were just saying how I hope these videos inspire others to find ways to cut down. I love how blunt she and Dave are but it's not out of being mean but just a genuine desire to see the people who submit their budgets reach their goals! I hope you guys reach your goals too. 😁

[@71babyjay]

I really enjoy these episodes. I do have a recommendation to make them better. Can you make a template for the contributor to fill out completely, put in NA if it doesn’t apply, some basic questions about career etc. we would have a much clearer picture of their situation and the help you give would be more specific.

[@EmeryShae]

Great idea!

[@FaithWolper]

Yes. Please 🙏🏼

[@paulacostello6912]

The thought of $200,000 in debt just makes me feel ill. I wish this couple all the best.

[@stacymiller2839]

I need to tell you how much I enjoy this transition for your content! The two of you have a gentle approach and that makes a world of difference. You have a large audience and so much workable knowledge to help people with their debt, goals and life skills. I'm so happy to see this change for you and your followers.

[@trackee2024]

I was rubbing my monitor trying to get a smudge off of it for like 20 seconds before I realized you had 2 nails in your wall sticking out! 😂

[@suzifitzpatrick1802]

Netflix is not a necessity. Lots of shows can be streamed free and the library offers lots of shows free. I’d like to hear the feedback of the family after you guys go over the budget.

[@chelseaholmberg6051]

If you are $200K in debt you should not be donating anything. Cut the donations and daycare and then she can stay home with the kids. It will cut costs in other areas and be better for the kids. She can go back to work when the kids are in school.

[@EzekielGage]

Right? You don't need to be donating/tithing $800 a month when you're that deep in debt. That just seems grossly ridiculous. Take care of your own house before worrying about someone else's.

[@jillgott6567]

Agreed because with the cost of daycare, work clothing, personal care - haircuts, makeup, lunches out, dinners out or takeout due to beng tired from work, car loan- gas, oil changes and maintenance it all will come to more than the $2,000 she brings home after taxes. She could try doing something from home such as babysitting, selling online to bring in income and still be with the kids.

[@daniellep3387]

They didn’t get into the specifics of why tithing is important to Christians but it’s completely counter cultural. It’s an act of trusting God with your finances no matter how tight things are. We are also meant to be good stewards of what God has given us, which is what Christine and Dave are helping them with. A healthy church will also step in and support when needed.

[@ayela562]

@@daniellep3387it a tax mandated by the church. You don’t have to do it, but the social pressure if you didn’t gets your faith questioned.

[@daniellep3387]

That’s not biblical teaching. If that’s the way a church is doing it, it’s wrong.

[@erincarter7143]

Thank you for doing these. 1) it has changed the way I look at my finances. We are now on cash only and paying an additional $700 off per month in debt! The first card is 2 months from payoff. 2) my 10 year old was listening with me, and he confirmed that our time is more important than gifts. 3) he started asking about college and our debt situation. Love , love ,love the real look at budgets and options for change

[@mandydoerfler2909]

My dad is a CPA and controller for a large company. I’m always thankful he made my husband and me take his finance class at church before we got married. It’s helped us make wise decisions. My husband had a car payment when we got married. But when we needed a new roof, he sold his favorite car, we got the roof and a car we paid for with cash. We’ve never had a car payment since (15 years). We don’t drive junkers but the newest one is a 2010 😊 buckling down is hard, but you can do it!! ❤

[@emilylindholm3780]

I'm interested to hear how these stories turn out. did they take your advice? How are they doing now?

[@addiemay5574]

Something helpful to add is that some bank apps now have free basic budget tracking functions, I know mine does (I am an Aussie though so it might not be true of US ones). I use this this to set budgets for things like groceries, utilities, transport etc to keep an eye on my spending each month, and if I go over in an area (i.e. Groceries) that line item goes from green to red in the summary snapshot. I check it every few days to hold myself accountable. It has helped me save so much money in only six months and I wish I had started using it sooner. It might be worth recommending to people who might not know about it/be using it. Everything little thing helps.

[@jenniferharrington4694]

My mom started me on a gasoline cc when I turned 16 which gets you a discount at the pump and starts a kid’s credit early on something that is difficult to go wild with… I appreciate her guidance on that one 😊

[@rachelcrossen8136]

2 SUVs in Florida. Flat and no snow. SMH

[@colleendurning1215]

They should not be donating in til the debt is gone.

[@whoopi311]

Christine! People don't budget clothes, gifts, vacation etc because that's what's going on the credit cards.

[@SandiMacDougall]

I love your budget breakdown videos. You are ruthless. I love it. I have learned so much. And frankly they make me feel better about our budget. We are in the best place we have ever been in financially. We have been married for 39 years. The #1 thing that helped us was moving from California to Missouri. And we finally own our own home!

[@susansmith3034]

Suggestion for future budget review submissions. A form to complete to reduce missing expenses/incomes. I know you’ll never be able to list every single one, but a form might catch those that people forget. Thanks for all you do!

[@cjdawn]

I worked as a Financial Aid Counselor at a University for 4 years. I repeatedly told students not to take out loans and what to do instead. It hurt my soul when students would not listen to me and put themselves in debt.

[@williamwarren9448]

Thank you for trying ! 🎉glenda

[@cynthiamantzouranis7134]

Absolutely love you two together. So smart and helpful!

[@dinabertrand9113]

I don't understand the $800 tithing! That seems outrageous to me. You could do $25 a week if you really felt you had to. There is $700 in savings. Not to mention, there are other ways to give back and serve others. Once you're on the other side of debt, by all means.

[@barbchumbley9142]

Tithe is 10% of income, so that is $800.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@barbchumbley9142but if you are way over your head in debt, you need to pay less and get out of debt. I'm a Christian but I would cut that to $100 a month and volunteer to work with the kids in Sunday School or nursery. You can donate your time.

[@thecgkoens]

I've been listening to your podcast while I walk every morning. I LOVE it!! More of these!! Love you and Dave!

[@grammydar3358]

Love these kind of videos they are inspiring to me. Thank you. Oh and Dave forgot his thinking hat 😂

[@Mare00711]

I've waited too long for another budget video! Lol. Love these!

[@catgodfrey6451]

I love this series. I hope they made payments all through the moratorium. I can’t imagine owning $140,000 in SL debt. Would ❤ a follow up

[@mariaolker]

Christine wasn't ruthless enough.

[@angelmission]

One danger of consolidating the student loans is if there is ever any debt relief, they will not qualify. Not that I think there will be any student debt forgiveness, but it is something else to think about. I really like this podcast. You did a great job revamping their budget. The mother might want to baby sit, dog sit, make something to sell on Etsy etc. to add a little more to the budget from home.

[@jillgott6567]

They can not adopt, afford to donate, drive two expensive vehicles, go out to eat, go to movies etc, purchase uneccessary food or clothing, participate in hobbies at this time or have the kid's and hubby have haircuts except @ home, mom can spread out her hair appointments One area I disagree on is the tithing. I am a Christian . But the $800 tithing is way too too much. You can donate time, participate in walk a thons or other fundraisers to honor The Lord. It is not honoring Him to be in huge amounts of debt.

[@dianasimplifies]

Agree that tithing amount needs to be cut WAY down, the Lord doesn't want us in debt. He wants to free us from bondage and slavery and that is part of it. I'm a Christian but churches are run like businesses and most are doing very well financially (unless it's a really small church) so it isn't going to break the church to knock it down to $100 a month or stop altogether til this debt is under control.

[@MittenPrepperVet]

Christine... I was waiting to hear a recommendation for the wife to quit her job and babysit 1, 2 or even 3 kids a week depending on the age. She could be paying off 1 to 2 thousand dollars a month toward their debts. I also agree that student loans are horrible! They set you up for failure from the start.

[@frugalfitmompodcast]

This would make a HUGE difference!!!

[@MittenPrepperVet]

@frugalfitmompodcast yes Ma'am! Oh... I posted a video on my KZbin Channel and tagged you and Dawn @TheMinimalMom ! I shared that I also have met @DaveRamsey and @RachelCruze when going through my debt free journey.

[@midnightcoalexpress]

To be fair she may work to carry the health benefits. I don’t make much more than what we pay in childcare expenses but I have to because my husband’s health insurance is ridiculously expensive deduction from his paycheck and on top of that is absolutely HORRIBLE coverage. If we were healthy family that only went to the doctor once or twice a year it would be fine. But my daughter sees 4 or 5 different specialists, my husband has multiple health issues, and my middle one has had a few too. So having the much cheaper and extensively better coverage is worth it

[@MittenPrepperVet]

@midnightcoalexpress totally understand what you mentioned as my sister-in-law worked for insurance until my brother's benefits kicked in.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@midnightcoalexpressnot to mention not everyone wants to watch their own kids plus babysit several more. I would pull my hair out, I would rather work!!! My own kids yes. Everyone else's NOPE

[@christinekalin3321]

I feel so lucky that we bought our house when we did. We bought it in March of 21. It was literally a month before the rates started climbing the way they have. We closed at 2.5 % on a $250k mortgage when everyone else was battling for houses. We put in 1 offer and got it.

[@jennymeier3018]

I love your channel and podcast! And are loving these budget breakdowns!!

[@rachelmckoskybennett8285]

Such a useful episode. Great direction. Value your perspective on family badgers.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Also, the boys are young, cut the foid to 350. Use Aldi. Buy meat only on sale at a low price. Change how you cook.

[@mariayelruh]

If they are tithing and it's important to them, cut it to exactly 10% that would save $22 a month $250 a year towards the budget.

[@malawrence1]

Nope - that’s an insane amount of money with that much debt. Inexcusable.

[@beckybramlett3515]

Thank you for sharing this ( and the family that’s letting you). I am on a fixed income and am trying to get out (from under what I consider ) my outrageous debt !! I did it to myself and now I’m definitely “ living hand to mouth” and I hate it . But I will and your program’s helping me to do it. Thank you again .❤️❤️

[@amandam5201]

My dad is an Anesthetist (A-nes-tha-tist). It is hard to say. New graduates normally have $300k in student loans too. I would definitely trade-in/sell the Explorer. I know Jeeps have a lot of mechanical problems too. Maybe trade in both vehicles and get Toyota or Honda cars. There are only Aldi’s in select places in Florida. Many of the higher end touristy areas vote against them. Many people shop at Publix which is super expensive. Traditional adoption is expensive, $40-70k. It’s insane. If they want to grow their family and the wife is able to carry a child, embryo donation/adoption is around $10-15k. The more well-known Christian agencies are the NEDC and Nightlight Snowflakes.

[@dianasimplifies]

And let's face it I shop Aldi and in my area the prices are competitive with WM. So I wouldn't even say it's that cheap anymore.

[@ajo6751]

Clothes going out to eat gifts etc. I think are going on the credit cards.

[@ambermray]

This was a great episode! I’m also very stressed out about student loans. I personally feel, in a lot of ways, cheated when I think about my SL. My husband and I worked so hard in school (we had such high hopes) and the income levels have not been commensurate with our education. It’s frustrating and overwhelming in a lot of ways. It feels like an impossible goal to ever pay them off.

[@candacechavigne5560]

I have student loans from undergrad that I feel the same way about. Personally, I don’t believe most 18 year olds have any idea how unrealistic and difficult it will actually be to pay them off at what you’ll actually be paid vs what they told you that you’d be making. I value my education and I wouldn’t take it back, per se, but I would definitely do it way differently if I knew what I know now at 40+. I just think we’re far too willing to put very young, inexperienced people in a ton of debt before they even know what a weight it will be on their life long-term.

[@candacechavigne5560]

One idea for the kids clothes: My sister helps to arrange and work shifts for this kids clothing & toy swap thing that happens a few times a year (I think run by or affiliated with their church). She takes clothes in good shape that her kids have outgrown or never worn to sell, toys as well, but sometimes she ends up trading for the clothes she wants. Saves them a TON of $$$ every year with four kids under 10. Maybe an idea since they sound like they’re very involved with their church?

[@rachelcrossen8136]

Put 3 kids through college, 3 different ways. First one did a ton of AP classes and knocked 3 semesters off college cost. 2nd kid went to community college and lived at home first, saved 2 years at college. 3rd child got big scholarship to state school. Cut tuition in half. Lots of ways to approach this with crazy debt. Oh and they all worked while in college for their own spending money and books so we didn’t have to supply that.

[@sameoldsteph]

Sell the Explorer, mom quits job, hold donations. Hammer other debt.

[@amyb1710]

Wow!! Big Frugal Fit Mom fan from the UK but 1st time podcast listener. Very brave submitting their budget. So glad we don't have to have medical bills. Hope it was a posh university. Inflation is crazy here right now, at 9% 😱.

[@yellowpepsi3]

better to keep the cards open for 2 other reasons, 1) length of credit 2) debt to income ratio, ie 100K of credit, you will have your best credit score if you carry around 1k (1%) of balance and pay it off every month - from a person who has hit 850 credit score multiple times

[@mindylarsen3910]

I think your idea is valid if they were in a position to pay them off monthly. However, for many people it is just a license to spend. I like your plan for after they get most of their debt paid off.

[@sharenread8677]

Wash vehicle by hand. Save money. Sharen

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Amazing help!! Fabulous information Thank You

[@touringinwonderland811]

Their problem is they are giving away 800 a month for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Just getting rid of that and putting it towards their debt would change everything for them. They just need to be smarter about where they are putting their money.

[@ohemptysad]

Yep, that's the most glaring issue and it was glossed right over

[@ambermray]

Food in Florida is BONKERS! So expensive right now. It’s getting better but geez Louise. It’s hard y’all! And I think it’s complicated because it has to be brought down our peninsula on only two main roads or shipped in by boat. Also, rent at 1800 is fantastic! Rent in central Florida is crazy sauce!

[@luciaabbaticchio1500]

I'm Christian and understand the tithe, but that's about 10%...can they cut it to 5%?

[@carrieprivette3032]

They would have a nicer lifestyle for less money if the mom stayed home. All those "must be done" activities like grocery shopping, laundry, etc would shift to during the day, leaving the time dad is actually home as family time to spend time together rather than running errands or chores. Plus there would be more time for hot, home-cooked meals, playtime with the kids, less money spent on gas. You could potentially go down to 1 car for a while. Once the dad picks up his nightly overtime, the mom should stay at home. What little she made after paying for daycare and work supplies/gas could be made up when she has more time to devote to saving her family money on the little things or even babysitting extra kids occasionally.

[@MeganFayeDowdy]

If those zero balances are their oldest cards that could absolutely hurt them more to cancel those cards! If they can handle keeping whatever their oldest account is that's the best move imo!

[@Kiterpuss]

For the clothes dryer line, if they live in Florida you really can't line dry clothes in most of the southeast part of the US. It's just too humid/moldy/pollen riddled in the warm months for clothes to ever dry safely. For the college credits, companies like CVS and Target will pay for college or trade schools while you work, even at entry level/stocking shelves positions. That can be a phenomenal option if your only other option is student loans.

[@Jackie_W82]

I line dry my clothes inside. Most people in humid areas have A/C and or Dehumidifiers.

[@candacechavigne5560]

I was going to mention the humidity as a reason for not line drying outside. I hang/air dry a lot of things on a drying rack inside and it works well BUT I don’t have a 1 & 6 yo running around so maybe that poses a risk to the kids?

[@Kiterpuss]

​@@candacechavigne5560I know some folks like to line dry indoors, but unless you live in a building that can dry out the air indoors very well, you can cause mold growth by introducing extra humidity indoors. A lot of the apartments in the Piedmont region have rules against it because mold can grow in the air ducts and make folks super sick.

[@candacechavigne5560]

@@Kiterpuss I should have clarified that I do have AC (being in the South) so I’ve never had an issue but I also don’t know that we have such an ordinance here.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@Kiterpussnot to mention many neighborhoods don't allow drying clothes on a line anymore. We could do it here but we are rural. I dry mine indoors bc of all the reasons you listed. Humidity, pollen etc.

[@samantharuffkess3052]

Love these videos! So glad you’re doing a Florida family! I’m in Florida. Near the tampa area and I agree with lots of people, food here is expensive. Some weeks I do good at staying within budget, others can be harder. Aldi, while nice doesn’t have everything. I’ve been googling and searching and am struggling to find grocery outlet stores that aren’t an hour away. But that’s okay! We do what we can! Lol. Thanks for these videos though! I love learning and using this as an opportunity to try something different with my budget.

[@dianasimplifies]

We don't have grocery outlets anywhere near me. I'm in West TN and apparently it isn't a thing here?? And yes Aldi doesn't have everything and ours is across from WM and competes price wise with them. So prices are comparable.

[@breezybre2670]

Where we live in Canada, $7700 is not making a lot of money. Home insurance is high, proeprty tax even higher etc. People making less than $5000 a month with 3 or 4 kids are living near poverty. Its ridiculous.

[@mollyeason8795]

More of these episodes! I love this!

[@andir7854]

wonderful video

[@OneMamaToAnother]

I have 4 boys and they have never been to a barber. Learn to cut hair and it will save SO much money as the boys grow up. All the medical/dental is missing as well as renters insurance. I totally agree that the mom could save more money by staying home. Become a one-car family, take in another kid to babysit and you'll make more money.

[@christineasby6790]

Well, I'm still working a single woman in her late 50s and doing that 12 hrs days, went back to school last year, and try just about everything to cut down the cost in groceries, household stuff, clothes, and entertainment. I'm big on paying your tithes. They are doing that right. Thanks Christine, I very much like your videos they do help if you keep yourselves discipline. ❤

[@rg-mi5hh]

Drive an older car to save on insurance. Get a small car good on gas like a corolla. Older car and less insurance. Package home and car insurance together for a better deal. Auto owners insurance is cheaper.

[@theveggiecat2147]

Love U guys, U make me feel less alone 🥲

[@truthseeker6370]

Love your budget breakdown videos!

[@rachelcrossen8136]

Love Dave’s reaction in the beginning 😆

[@bd5644]

So agree you do not buy love too many people believe it does and are in debt

[@alisien6227]

I don't understand the push for people to have larger and more expensive cars than they need. When I was pregnant with our third baby, EVERYONE kept saying we needed to buy a mini van. I have nothing against mini vans, but why would I put a car payment into my budget when I have a perfectly good sedan that's paid off and fits my entire family just fine?

[@midnightcoalexpress]

What sedan is that? I have 3 kids that are all still in car seats but I’d rather have a sedan for gas purposes. I’ve yet to find one that will fit 3 car seats though

[@alisien6227]

@@midnightcoalexpress the trick is to look up what carseats work in your car. I have a Honda civic with 3 diono carseats in the back.

[@rachelcrossen8136]

Yep so many people think you can’t fit 3 kids in a sedan. You totally can

[@rachelcrossen8136]

I think I have a Camry when was doing that. Yes look at different car seats

[@midnightcoalexpress]

@@alisien6227 problem is I already have 2 sets of 3 car seats and I’m not buying more they are expensive as is. And my car is paid off. But I’m going to be doing a lot more driving coming up and wanted something better on gas

[@LifewithAmber24]

I agree with everything Dave and Christine advised. As a Christian I would not cut back/out the tithe period. Thats God's money. Non Christians will always recommend this because they dont understand that this is a direct command that God calls us as Christians to do. However I do know some Christians who temporarily will cut back on the amount due to some poor financial decisions. I get it. At the end of the day its personal. Thats why they call it personal finances. Great video! Love you guys!

[@danaa6283]

I do budgets for a living, it is an enormous part of my job. The thing that sticks out to me is the amount of student loan debt. By that I mean, shouldn't the income be higher? I am questioning the student loan debt and the "return" in the job market. Wondering if they should have better paying jobs? That is a large amount owed for a total of only $7800 a month.......where is the retirement investment? I have so many questions! Wish I could sit down with these people:) Like Christine I know I could help!

[@loripotkay]

Sell the $30k suv and use one car that can be paid off with savings. then I would have the mom quit her job. Save the $900 on daycare, cut the gas in half and boom almost $2k a month saved for debt payoff

[@ayela562]

I read an article yesterday (with data) that Florida has the highest inflation in the country. Might be hard to cut that food budget now.

[@cjsidner2502]

Ok I’m religious too…. But $800 in tithe/donation! I think God would understand. But you complain about child care.

[@letsgrosh]

These are my FAVORITE!! Thank you so much for posting these. I literally check every day if you posted a new one, haha! P.S. I submitted mine a few months back but lots has changed since then...what does it look like to re-submit a budget? Is that okay? Haha.

[@letsgrosh]

Oh! And we highly prioritize our tithe budget as well, so I love that you are keeping that item as is!

[@mariayelruh]

I cut my boys hair. I got better and better over the years.

[@jeannelohr3901]

Great job guys!!

[@FaithWolper]

If their number 1 goal is to get out of debt, no donations! Put the oxygen mask on yourself first. That is nearly $10,000 a year to put toward debt.

[@rowddyone3570]

140K student loan!! Who is doctor or lawyer?

[@sarahdefelice5630]

How do/did you handle birthday party invitations for your kids? My girls are always being invited to parties so gifts are always needed. Just curious how you managed that! Thanks!

[@mariaolker]

When you have that much debt, you don't get any extras like Netflix or car washes.

[@dianasimplifies]

Right I have no debt and I wash my own car and we don't do streaming at all. I don't find streaming necessary. Def only one if you have to and none if you have massive amounts of debt.

[@MsChristianr]

She probably said only the dryer bc water and gas is included with the rent. And the dryer is electric. Great video

[@frugalfoodfamily]

The mom is basically working for the vehicle, daycare, and her part of the tithe. Sell the vehicle and quit the job today.

[@happymama1015]

What about another car though? They are down a car and they are super expensive

[@spareroomcreations4560]

I hope they get fulfilled from their church since they give so much money to tithe. Maybe they can organize a clothing exchange or Kids resale at their church. I rarely buy new clothes for my small child.

[@christinab9133]

❤❤❤

[@beacreates4370]

Also as someone who used to sell car insurance. That $255 is probably just liability for the two cars. Which is stupid. Get comp and collision and uninsured motorist. If someone hits that ford explorer and runs away yall are screwed.

[@heathermoreland6015]

I was thinking if she stayed home with the kids they could cut the $900 in daycare expenses and the food budget. What do you think of that possibility? Then they would also save money on her clothes haircuts make up and lunches out.

[@lisadurant883]

Sorry I would cut tidings. This is the time the church should be helping the people and not the people helping the church. Get out of debt first then help others with tidings

[@k4hdr5]

I could not help thinking that the mom is trying to be a Disney KZbinr with the Disney pass.

[@mariayelruh]

I'd look into the wife picking up different work. She only needs to replace $4-500 a month if she doesn't have to pay child care.

[@nancykaufman1645]

If they are under 37, they should consider joining the Florida Army National Guard. They will get a cash bonus at signup. They will go in as an Officer which equates to a higher monthly payment, they can get help paying off their student loans. They will no longer have to pay for life insurance. They will be able to use the GI bill to help pay for their kid’s education.

[@StephanieGiese]

If she stops working and they become a one car family for a limited amount of time, they automatically eliminate $30,000 worth of debt and it will almost completely make up for her lost income by eliminating the second car payment, day care, gas, and car insurance.

[@Ladydia1971]

This episode was a huge disappointment for me. If someone is struggling to keep their head above water with their debt then they should NOT be donating to the church. Religion should never be about your own family going without. Not much of a church if you feel you have to donate money to be accepted and welcomed. I get religion is important but why not drop the amount to $100 until they have more room to breathe? Why cut out groceries and not the donation? HUGE disappointment!!!

[@texasglendastitcher]

Agreed. I think if the word "tithe" had not been included in the submission and it just said "donate", the category amount would've been questioned and/or cut way back. The couple could reduce that amount temporarily, then increase it again down the road.

[@Ladydia1971]

@@texasglendastitcher exactly!! If Christine would have just seen the word donate she would have cut it out totally! But because it said tithe they left it. Let’s cut groceries but not donations 🤦🏻‍♀️. Makes no sense and not ok.

[@jaimiedenil4367]

I agree. Reduce their grocery budget, but not their donation to the church?!? $800 for the whole year, maybe, but every month? If they only paid $50/mo, they could pay off half of the credit cards. Thumbs down.

[@Ladydia1971]

@@jaimiedenil4367 I was so disappointed that I havent been able to watch any of her channels since because the message it gave me is that you should pay to go to church BEFORE you fill your families bellies. HORRIBLE message!! If God is everywhere then stay home and pray....much cheaper IMO

[@EmsFitVenture]

They are a sinking ship! You need to help yourselves before you can help others. That $800 should be going directly to debt. Cut up the credit cards and even close all but one or two because they are not credit card people. I would say to only keep them open for gas after they are debt free.

[@ohemptysad]

Just think how much more they could do if they weren't spending close to 1K to give to an entity (church) that pays no taxes

[@tracymiller1561]

If she quit her job almost all of their living expenses would go down and she would have more time with the kids. If they sold the explorer and put that money towards the debt they could decrease their living expenses freeing up even more money to pay their debt faster. They would also save money on car insurance and upkeep. If she didn't work they would not need two cars. She could drop him off and pick him up at work on the day she needed to go grocery shopping and run errands. If he does start working nights and making some more money he can also put that towards their debt.

[@mickalaloeffelbein4935]

The clothes, gifts, etc are probably being put onto all those credit cards....

[@lindasparks7224]

As far as gifts go , my daughter gets a lot of free stuff for her boys on facebook free sites!!

[@kristiannahendo]

Is that monthly income gross? Can you do the math net see you see the actual income after taxes and insurance?

[@leeandra_jo]

Where's your thinking cap, Dave?!

[@alexisbuckles4651]

Man. I wish our daycare was only $900/mo per kid… 😬

[@singerjo5791]

It will take the same time to pay off the student loan as the SUV. Go figure...

[@sheribrooker3993]

Cut the $800 donations. Their clearing the debt is more important. Later on they can go back to donating. I'm sure the donation recipients would understand.

[@carlagribi6142]

If they adopt thru the system it gets covered and they will get adoption support

[@trackee2024]

Maybe it's med school debt and he's in residency? (Fingers crossed)

[@abbygator411]

I also live in florida with my husband and 2 kids, but we spend 600 a month on groceries. 🫣