When I was still married to XH we were kinda in the same boat. Although I was in charge of paying all the bills so they got paid first every pay day. There wasn't a whole lot left after I paid the bills & XH spends money like there's a money tree in his house (still does). So he was buying anything he wanted & putting it on the credit card. I asked him numerous times not to spend money we didnt have but he just couldnt control himself. We ended up refinancing the house to get enough money to pay off what he owed on his 2 credit cards (about $50,000) & I begged him to lower the limit to $3000 & get rid of the second. He wouldnt. As far as I know he's maxed them out again but luckily its not my prob anymore.

I'm no financial advisor but if XH had've stopped his exessive spending after we paid off the credit cards & got rid of one & minimised the limit on the other then I think we would have been ok? Is there anyway you can consolodate (is that the right word?) your loans/credit cards (if you have them) so you can pay the minimum for your bigger weekly/monthly payments?

I also find that buying home brand saves alot of money (something XH would never let me buy!)

Most weeks I'm only just getting by, although I'm not working atm so thats not helping, so I do understand what it feels like to have to watch every dollar while those around you go out every weekend & eat in restaurants etc. Oh, while I'm talking about restaurants... see if you can find some vouchers for local restaurants. I currently have some "buy one meal get one free" vouchers so when my mums visiting next week we can go out to dinner & go halves in the bill (which will be small), it is nice to try & get out now & then

I'm really no help but I hope it helps a little knowing that you're not alone I hope you get through this rough time alright