How did the meeting with your L go? You do need the financial aff to show what expenses are to all - it should be a transparent process, so that everyone can see how all of the "family" money is being split. You need a decent place for you AND your kids. Your apt is great, but small. Ask yourself, would the kids, all of them if they wanted to, be comfortable living there with you for a full week or two during the summer? Would they have their own space, feel like they belonged, have any privacy if they wanted it? It is "reasonable" to look for a two, even 3 bedroom apt OR A HOUSE. This is a good market to buy - rates are low, along with the asking prices. There are GI mortgages, no? Why flush the money each month, when you could be making an investment? It might be in the same town you're in now, but you'll get at least some (probably all and then some) of your investment back when you sell.
Do you invest at school with a 403b? Call the financial advisor today and ask them their opinion. If her side can postpone a meeting, so can you, if you need a bit of time to make sure that you are set financially.
The decisions you make about this will affect you FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!! Don't just ride the top of this wave - educate yourself.
I've got no kids again this weekend. Hang in; this part is all business, and is much easier to handle than issues of the heart.
