Reply #5: First things first. Stop beating yourself up. [View All]

[Arkansas Granny]

I am writing this as someone who went back to school as a single mother of four children and my only source of income was child support. I got food stamps, rental assistance and government grants that paid my tuition and books. I know exactly where you're coming from. It's hard when you feel like you are depriving your family because of a goal you have set for yourself. It's rough, but eventually you will reap the rewards.

I don't have much advice on handling money, because it was never one of my strong suits. There was never enough to go around so you just take what you have and take care of the greatest needs first. I know that there are credit counseling services available now, but I don't know what services they provide other than debt reduction. If they don't offer any type of budget counseling, they may be able to provide you with a reference.

Please don't feel guilty about trying to do something to make the people you love feel good. Spending that much money on one meal may not have been the best decision, but I'm sure that it won't break the bank either. You've made sure that your rent is paid for months to come, so you don't have that hanging over your head. You may not have made all the best decisions, but you didn't make all the worst either. Forgive yourself and remember the enjoyment you had. You've still got a long haul in front of you, but you'll get there and it will be worth it in the end. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

:hug: