Ella- i don't mean to sound rude here, and i do appologise that it will sound rude. but is ttc #2 really a good idea atm? while trying to get a head on finances?
Also loan consolidation doesn't leave a record, it just combines your loans (assuming you do it through a bank) over a longer period so you pay less for a longer time.
What about smaller serves of meat? and def get df to give up/cut down/go to rollies.
all the best.
I agree with that and don't think it's rude - Orlando is still young, so even if you put it off for another year or so, that could be a year to get everything under control and even get a bit of money behind you without a massive age gap between them.

FTB and the baby bonus only go so far and don't help to cover all costs of a new bubba long term.

However, this is a personal decision that only you and DF can make xxx

As for debt consolidation, the other ladies are right, it's an enquiry on your CRAA but you are allowed 5 per year (an average) and it is considered acceptable. The only time I wouldn't go for it is if you have been defaulted, because you won't get the finance AND you are adding further enquiries on an already rocky file....

Lastly, stay away from the companies that promise debt consolidation to bad credit - they are sharks and will leave you in a worse position than you are already in PLUS they will take everything you own to get their money.

Fox Symes etc are similar. You'll go into a Part X arrangement (which is one step lower than bankruptcy), give them what you can afford each week and they pay your creditors. What you don't know is they negotiate a lower rate to settle those debts, still get you to pay the full amount AND that's how they make their money. What Fox Symes can negotiate on your behalf is something YOU can do yourself directly with your creditors AND you keep what you save without going into Part X....

I was a Business Consultant for 10 years prior to having my son, so if there is anything that you'd like to know off the forum, please feel free to PM me