The only thing we could cut out is DF's pack a day habit, but that is easier said than done apparently! lol

Just at a bit of a stand still as I feel like I've explored all the options and just keep hitting brick walls...
Get your DF to speak with his GP about a tablet called Champix. My DH was a pack a day smoker as well and couldn't for the life of him quit.

He tried everything! All your Nicobate products are just substitute nicotine - whereas Champix is a drug that works on the neuro-transmitters in the brain that crave nicotine.

You are encouraged to smoke for the first 14 days while taking the tablets and then your DF will find that the cigarettes won't give him that satisfaction they used to and he should be able to drop it.

My DH did it in 10 days and hasn't had a cigarette since.

He'll need a 2 month script, so he'll go in (and HAS to tell the Dr all other attempts have failed) get his first 4 weeks, then in week 3 go back for the next 4 weeks.

The script is about $25 per month - but the catch is you're allowed it once only. After that, it goes to full price at $450 per script - so it's worth giving it a decent go!!

As for feeling like you've exhausted all options and hitting a brick wall - it does get like that especially when your outgoings are a lot more than your incoming.

To that, I would suggest you do anything at all work wise. If you can manage a job throughout the day or night, then your DF can babysit - even better if you both find work try alternatives in Daycare like Family Daycare. It's a lot cheaper than the Long Daycare Centres and the CCB rebate in FDC is higher (33% more in fact) - so both of you working should be profitable. Don't be too proud to give anything a shot - just remember, $20k really isn't that much debt (even though it can feel like that) and with your heads down and bums up - you'll be on the good end of it sooner rather than later It does get better - I promise