Need to rant

Geesh, sounds like your plate is full and then some.  Can you talk to some of the people you owe and come up with a payment plan?  I believe, at least here in the states, that if you have children they can't shut off the power/heat off.    I wish I had something helpful to add. 
 
If MIL is there, can you charge her rent?

It might be different in Canada, but here most companies will work with you if you let them know you are in a bind, they will let you pay some and the rest later.

I'm thinking that it's probably right that they can't leave you with no power or heat if you have children, so I would check into that.  Also, at least here, I'm pretty sure that even if your phone is cut off, they have to leave you with basic service - the ability to call 911 or whatever emergency number you use.

Joyce

They wont shut the power off unless I pay by the 20th. The rule is they can not shut off your hydro/heat if you ahve children and it's the winter months. I called them and explained everything so they are giving me some time. It just sucks, I'm so fed up of living like this. I am getting angry with everyone, and I'm getting so dam jealous that it makes me more angry. I'm tired of thinking. I wish I could just shut down all these thoughhts for just one day.
I'm tired of worrying. I'm tired of not being able to do anything to change the situation.
 
 I'm tired of people saying things like "If you have the money, we are going for brunch next weekend"
 
I'm tired of being the charity case. I need a break. I need help, something, i don't fricken know. I do so many good things to help out other people. We are going to struggle this year at Christmas. I don't even want to think about Christmas. Last year I sponsered a family for Christmas. This year i wont be able to. I don't know what I'm going to do for my own kids.
 
Sorry, I'm just loosing it and I can't talk to other peole about it, they just fricken give me more pitty. and tell em "everything will be okay?" Well, when? I've been waiting for a very long time.

Angel, here in Waterloo our gas company has equal billing so you pay the same amount every month. I pay $95.00 which isn't bad at all. If your heat bill is high during the winter, you may have to seal up the windows. I buy this stuff called draft stop at Home Depot and I put it all around the windows inside. It is a removeable caulking that you just peel off in the spring.
If your phone bill is high you may want want to phone the company and get them to put you on some sort of long distance plan if you are calling out of your area. I have Rogers for my phone company and my basic bill is around $60.00 per month. If you don't have them for your internet, cable and phone, I would get it all switched into a bundle package, saves alot of money.
PM me with your number and I will give you a call. 

What you need, my dear, is a budget.  You ain't the government.  You have to live on what you produce.
 
Running a household is no different than running a business.  You have X amount of income and Y amount of expenses. 
X-Y=Profit or Loss.
 
I would start this PAINFUL process with a blank sheet of paper.  Draw a line down the middle.  On one side, list your monthly income (take home).  Typically, there won't be very many lines taken up on this side of the paper.  On the other side, list all your monthly expenses.  EVERYTHING.  Go through your checkbook so you don't forget anything.  List not only expenses for which you receive a bill, but also include things like gas and food.  Don't be surprised if when you subtract your expenses from your income there is a lot of money each month that you just can't account for.  This is a good thing.
 
On the other hand, when you go through this exercise, there is a possibility that your monthly income does not cover your expenses.  This situation is a bit more problematic, but in either case, you will now clearly see what you have to do.  You either have to managage your money better, increase your income or reduce your expenses.
 
Whoever is the best money manager in the house should control the money.  Let's assume that person is you, although it may well be your husband.  No one spends a dime on anything without your approval.  You control the household finances with an iron fist.  You are ruthless. 
 
Does this mean DH has to call you before he buys a Coke?  No.  He has a weekly allowance.  If he wants to buy a Coke, he buys it from his weekly allowance.  When his allowance is gone, he does without a Coke until the next week's allowance.
 
This is a process.  You didn't get into debt overnight and you won't get out of debt overnight either.
 
 

Other than a budget... Angel... you can report your slumlord to the health department and building and codes. You are paying rent for a service and it is HIS responsiblity to ensure the services are rendered and up to date. Not your responsiblity. However, if you do report him to these agencies, they can deem the home unfit for living and you'd have to find another place to live. I'm not sure if the slumlord would have to pay out of pocket expenses for you to reside some place else until the home is up to code or if it is a combination of both, slum lord and Building/Codes that would place you into a healthier environment. Then there is the chance that slum lord after fixing the place up could ask you to move out also. It is a catch 22 situation here.
 
I know about budgets. Ours is very tight and I'm having to make adjustments yet again to accomidate our life style. SUCKS.
 
Know you are thought of and prayers for you and your family are on my mind. Keep strong and start digging girl.... I know you can do it!

Thank you all very much. I have called the bank and they have a program where they pay your bills and put you on an allowance. So we are gonna go and talk to them Friday.
Also my good friend Lena has lifted the fog today and I am feeling better now. I am determined to get things right.
Thank you all again. (((BIG BIG HUGS)))