Moronic Monday Thread for the week of August 08, 2016

I feel silly for admitting this mosty because it's so complicated and should have been dealt with earlier.

Two years ago my husband was incredibly ill and I actually lived with my in laws for 9 months and had no income. We then both got a job. Me at $1052-1100 a month and him at $1000 a month. It's not a lot but we managed our budget just fine even with rent at $485 a month and utilities separate. We were very content with our life and knew we would both be in a place to earn more in a few months. All of our debt is deferred from student loans but we only have $200 in savings as we were slowly but surely working to independance. We are paycheck to paycheck.

My husband became incredibly ill two weeks ago and is currently paralyzed with Guillian Barres and confided to the hospital. Doctors are hopeful he will regain his mobility in two-six months. He is out of work till recovered. His job is currently on hold for two months and most like 4 months if necessary (without pay). I work full time for the $1052-1100 a month ($8 an hour). It seems like a simple answer find more work or switch jobs, but I have been with my employer (nonprofit) for almost a year, receive great benefits, and am able to take off a lot of paid time to be with my husband and eligible for a raise in one month, and don't want to deal with added stress of a new job while my husband is sick. I don't know about fitting in a second job as I am already at full time and commuting to visit my husband (he is an hour away) once a week. But I suppose if I had to and could find something 10 hours a week and not on weekends I could manage.

I have a few things going for me. We have health insurance and aside from the deductable, his care is covered. I can live very cheap-I am passionate for dumpster diving, don't turn on AC or heat unless extreme cases etc- and my husbands expenses have been cut out till he is out of the hospital (I am not paying for food etc). I live in a smaller city with a strong sense of community/charity. I also have a strong support system and have been showered with a few gas cards and gift cards.

It is very tight but I believe I can make it till he is recovered without moving. What are my options when my income suddenly gets cut in half? If I contact my health insurance, life insurance, electric, water, would they potentially decrease the rates? All bills are up to date and all debts are either deferred or minimum balance is being paid.

I feel like an idiot for not planning. I expected no difficulties ahead for the next year and am now in an awkward grab to make it work.

/r/personalfinance Thread