Check out a book called The Tightwad Gazette by Dacyzyn, and go to www.daveramsey.com and listen to archives of the Friday radio shows. You'll hear people who have paid off huge credit card debts, and the books will give you creative ideas about how to save money while still providing for your kids.
And don't feel like you have to be "nice" to H in the divorce or he won't come back. Trust me, being a doormat never won anybody back. He left, let him feel the pinch NOW, you are. No way should you be taking money from your mom for responsibilities HE should be paying.
