Thanks Marg, for all of your tips. Several of them have already been put into place.
I have done really well in whittling away at all my old debt following my divorce. I got down to about $1300 when I had to take out the college loan for easy child last year. I had already transferred high interest credit card to a credit card with 0% until August 2008, so I'm good in that regard. And if I'm not done by then, I will transfer the balance then to a new 0% interest card.
It's not just about the $100 overdraw, which I know in the big picture is really not a big deal. Thankfully, my bank does not charge overdraft fees on MY account. I've been with them for a long time, it's a small bank in a small town, I have auto deposit and they know me really well, so they waived all fees. I called and before I even called, the fees that were deducted were credited already! Lucky me, seriously.
I think what is making me panic is because my pay structure has changed beginning this month. Rather than getting a separate check for auto allowance, which essentially pays my auto loan, the annual auto expense amount will now be incorporated into my paycheck, have taxes taken out of it, and will be divvied up between 24 pay periods throughout the year. So I have to adjust my bill payment structure. Also, not a big deal in and of itself. On top of that, I just learned that I will need another crown in my mouth, which is an unexpected $500 out of pocket expense. Likewise, I learned that difficult child will have to have gum surgery and that is all out of pocket - have no idea what it will be but they are estimating $800. On top of that, I just topped off our oil tank for a whopping $465 (only 150 gallons!) and we're already down again and will need to have another delivery at roughly $500 by early February. And lastly, I also just learned that I owe difficult child's psychiatrist $75 for cancelled appts, and a hospital ER visit she had back in November that she never told me about that is an additional $75. Arrrrggh!
I spoke with the time share people and the woman I spoke with said that since I'm not officially into my mortgage I may be able to get out of it, but may lose my deposit. I have to speak with my closer on Friday and see what's up with that. I think I would still be entitled for at least the $478 life insurance I paid for if I'm not getting the mortgage, correct? Yes, I would think so. I know I can probably squeek by and keep my timeshare (I really do think that we will use it and love it in the long run) but I was/am just panicking thinking of all these extra expenditures coming up in the next few months and I hate being behind the 8 ball.
I have already listed out how I am going to be planning menus (a la Linda-style!!) so that right there will save me a few dollars each month. Also, I found out where some budget grocery stores are and I will shop there using coupons of course - the two stores are a bit of a drive, but still worth the ride since my car is a hybrid. We will of course be eating more pastas and salads and less meats these next few months. H complains no matter what I make so poop on him. I couldn't care less. I told him last night that if he's so unhappy with my meal plan, he can make them and shop for them himself. He said he would but he won't, so he will have to eat what I make.
I reduced my auto loan by trading my old Passat Wagon for the Hybrid - I'm saving $65/month in loan payment each month, not to mention almost $100/mth in fuel as well! I already use draft dodgers at all my doors and we have an auto timed thermostat for the house that kicks down when no one is home. Of course, with difficult child home during the day these days she is putting it up to 70 when I'm not around.
Basically, I'm just thinking and fretting out loud still. But everyone's responses have helped me to see that A)it's not so bad, and B) I'm certainly not alone.
And in regards to H, we do keep everything separate in money, however, we divvy up the bills. He pays the mortgage (not even our home actually - it's in his dad's name, but that's another post!), auto insurance for him, me, easy child, and difficult child, plus his life insurance, cable, difficult child and easy child's cell bills, and most entertainment & dinners out. I pay electric, phone, fuel oil, food, college loan, my own personal debt, plus most of the girls' needs. Sometimes it's even, sometimes not. But easy child and difficult child are my daughters technically, so I feel responsible for them before I expect H to kick in. Of course, easy child basically takes care of her own needs like clothing, co-pays, personal care, etc.
I called exh and we straightened out the child support issue. Beginning next week he will be sending me directly $100/wk...or so he says, we shall see how that pans out. I am not completely convinced he will stick to that plan as his job seems shaky and now that the support enforcement bureau is not breathing down his neck he has little incentive except when I threaten to take him to court again. Another post...lol.
So, now that I've laid out all my financial woes on the table...hahaha. Thanks for listening and all the advice and empathy.
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off at me about buying that time share back in November. 
