The first step is to eliminate all discretionary spending…and I do mean all. You have to be really firm about spending only on food (at Aldi's), medicine, and gas. Entertainment is the library, or long walks--anything free. Clothing: you just wear what you have. Stop buying wine and beer. No vacations that cost money. In terms of the monthly bills, read the MMM blogs about not using your dryer or air conditioner, keeping the heat turned down in winter, turning lights off, taking quick showers, doing the laundry with cold water--you have to develop that Depression-era mentality like our grandparents. It is astonishing how cheaply you can live if you put your mind to it and can get the family on board. You may be able to avoid a second job. There were times when I considered moonlighting, but usually could get by by going into what I called "austerity mode." My friends knew that if I was on "austerity" they shouldn't ask me to go with them to restaurants or concerts or any of that.