Loot and lawyers ...

[Train]

I'm saying begin putting that plan and budget together now, and using your husband's foolish nonchalance about the mortgage that is in his name -- by NOT PAYING IT -- as a way to transition to the new plan.

I follow you completely. This is my dilemma! I had been mulling this over since H left, trying to decide what to do. I'm usually pretty decisive. I will obviously come up with a plan soon, especially now that H has slashed his financial support. I've been anticipating he would, but I had no idea by how much. Now, at least I have something to work with.

My mom has offered to move in here ... or into a new place with us ... after her lease runs out in June. My dad died seven years ago, and she's lonely living by herself anyway. It's not ideal. But it makes sense, financially.

This is one of the things I was falling apart about yesterday: After I budgeted my utilities, groceries and health insurance (because it won't be long before H dumps me off that, too), I'm left with just over $400/month. That's what I have left for mortgage/rent. Assuming I can find a full-time minimum-wage job, I'd net - what? - $1,000 a month? Daycare for D2 would be around $700 a month. So I'd bring home $300 a month. And much of that would go to doctor's appointments because of the germs floating around daycare.

How much sense does it make for me to work to bring home $300/month? This is the very reason H and I decided it was smarter for me to stay home. I mean, I was making more than minimum wage at the newspaper ... but not THAT much more. The news industry doesn't pay much. And I've already been in touch with three different newspapers that are only hiring stringers right now.

I am also wrestling with S7, who has been homeschooled for three years. He is FREAKING OUT about going to school, no matter how much fun I tell him it's going to be.

I'll be spending more time on my budget while I'm at the beach. My sister will be there for a couple days, and she's always good at talking me through things.

In which case it's time to get a better lawyer.

You and I think a lot alike sometimes. THIS is what I told my mom yesterday. If L thinks what H is giving me right now "might be reasonable," I think I'll be seeking a second opinion somewhere else.