Hi everyone! I'm new here and boy could I use some help! I am a 28 yr old single mom who CANNOT MANAGE HER MONEY AT ALL!!! I have been through 2 divorces - the 2nd one in 1997 forced me to file bankruptcy in 1999, so I know my credit rating sucks. What's even worse is that EVEN THOUGH I filed bankruptcy, I STILL GOT approved for MORE credit cards!!! Now I am not THAT far in debt, but I just am unable to get ahead and pay for what needs to be paid. I would bet that I am a compulsive shopper/spender.

I make $33k/yr and you'd THINK I'd be able to save some money. BUT NO. Every week it's a daily battle to make sure I have enough $ in my account to cover what checks I've written and the ATM transactions I've used. I don't use my 'new' credit cards - oh no - they are all maxxed out and some have been turned over to collections. I use "check n go" all the time - every time I get a pay check a portion goes to them, then I get another pay day advance, so it's all just a vicious cycle.

The first of the month is the worst - rent, car insurance AND car payment are due then. I don't even have enough take home pay to cover those 3 things - not to mention school lunches for my daughter, day care, gas/car maintenance, etc.

The main reason I am now so worried about this is because my BF and I are discussing moving in together, which will save me some money b/c we'll be splitting rent in 1/2. However, he makes a lot less $ than I do - so he thinks my life is all in control and that I'm financially sound. Now, I've never lied to him about my money situation - it's just never been brought up. I want to get this stuff all under control ASAP so that it's not going to be an issue when we move in.

I've tried getting a debt consolidation loan, but no one will approve me due to my credit.

HELP!