Aweda - I can so relate to you. Not that I am in that position myself, cause I am not, I make pretty good money, my kids are grown, but I still couldn't make it on my own. Our oil bill alone was about $500 a month, at least a $50 surcharge on electric, and it's just real draining. A woman I work with, a widow with grown kids, was out on disability for 3 months (had major lung surgery) and she had rent to pay (of over $1000 per month), couldn't pay it on her measly disability payments, went to DSS to get help, they told her she made too much on disability. Rents where I am are at least $900 per month (for a studio), never mind trying to get a one or two bedroom when you have kids ($1200 - $1800 per month). Then as you said, gas went up, etc. I feel for you. But as FD says, please try to think positive and say to yourself "I know I can do it" cause if you feel it, you'll do it.