How do we get learn to manage our money on a very low income while being steeped in debt??

Question

My husband and I are in our late twenties. We made some impulsive financial choices when we first got married ... got two credit cards and to make a long story short, they're both around an $8k balance. The thing we never considered was that my husband was going to go back to college. He has one year left but neither of us make much. We make around 30K a year and just can't seem to make ends meet. Is there anyone out there that's been here before and now you're seeing a change? Can you give me tips? I must say first, we don't EVER EVER spend if it's not a necessity. We pay our basic bills: electric, rent, insurance, 1 car note and groceries and gas. We also give regular tithing to the church. We can't seem to pay our BIG bills also due to the fact that my husband lost his great paying job in March and was out of work over a month and a half. We have never caught up. Please, please help. We want to eventually get a house, but now our credit is screwed.

Answer 1

If you don't ever spend money if it's not a necessity then it sounds like your major problem is income.  Is there any way you can pick up a second job?  Does he go to school year round or could he pick up some extra work during semester breaks.  Also, make a budget and take a good look at what you're spending. See if there are any ways you can cut money out of your budget.  Take a look at what you buy at the store for food, are you eating steak all the time (I'm sure you're not, just an example), but if you can switch to store brands and eat more pasta you could scrape a little money together that way.  Every little bit can help