<prompt> Human: I am a graphic designer making 35k in Ohio. I have no student loans, I was lucky and had help paying for school. I am married, and have an almost 1 year old son. My wife and I are pretty frugal well, I find that hard to say because we do have probably 10k in credit card debt. However, we dont spend a lot because we dont have a lot.I am on a salary of the pay above and she sells custom desserts and custom apparel online. She does okay, but she mainly focuses on raising our son from home 247. The dessert business is her passion and dream, so sticking with that is desired, versus a job outside that field. She does have student loans, from her associates in business management. We keep deferring payments because we dont have the money to pay for it. We know this unfortunately has compounded interest more and more the longer it sits.Month to month we have our mortgage, two leased car payments we lease for affordability, because both of our cars were not in good shape when we had our son, utilities, TV, internet, home security system, and our many credit cards, mostly which are from doing things to the house like Lowes and Home Depot cards, some others.Ive asked for a raise at work and it cant happen right now, and my wifes personal businesses are doing well but it still just covers her own bills EDIT- this means her credit cards, and things she spends money on personally, which includes things like food and diapers for our son. To reiterate, her businesses are profitable, just not nearly what I bring home with my salary. Saving money also by having her raise our son full-time and the benefits from that as a person is nice too. Her working more than she is would make us pay for childcare, which is awfully expensive, and might offset what she might make if she had more time to work a problem I know many parents face. Were both hardworking people and cant seem to get out from under this debt. My take-home would cover everything if we did not have any credit card debt, but I have no extra money to start chipping away at the debt. Minimum payments and running out of money every two weeks with overdraft fees seem to be a way of life. Ive even wiped out my 401k was about 10k to try and get ahead, and it only paid the bills.I dont know what to do besides drastic lifestyle change at this point. I can turn off things that are not necessary like TV, security system, etc. But it unfortunately barely puts a dent in what wed save. I dont know much about filing for bankruptcy on any level but sometimes I wish I could do so, just to get back on my feet and deal with the 7 years is that correct of no credit. I also dont know what that would do to my house etc.I just feel like theres no getting out at this point and dont know what to do. Ive tried freelance on the side but that only comes along so often. This is sort of me putting it all out there and Im looking for any sort of advice for changing things or even receiving help if its out there. Weve recently even applied for financial assistance for our medical bills from my wifes c-section and care for my son when he was born.I never thought Id be asking for help when I was younger because Ive always worked, since I was 16, and never had any money troubles until life came at us fast. I appreciate any advice, even tough internet love. Please help me get my family out of this rut if you can. Thank you.Assistant: my wifes personal businesses are doing well but it still just covers her own bills.Its not doing well if its only covering the businesss own expenses.A raise at work may not happen, but how much effort have you been putting into applying for new jobs?As unpleasant as it may be, one or both of you getting a PT job makes a lot more sense than the online business. Could she work at a bakery during nights and weekend? What about you guys making a little money under the table by doing babysitting here and there?Human: Its covering her credit card bills and expenses, more than just paying for the businesses. Both ventures are profitable. I think a part time would be tough but were in a tough spot so, might be needed. Not a bad idea about babysitting as well, but right now my young son is a handful on his own, without other kids in the picture. Thank you, food for thought.Assistant: Not OP, but sometimes kids having other kids to play with helps vs. your son trying to get your wifes attention all the time.Human: He is still pretty needy being that he is shy of one year old, but this makes sense, rbe.  <response>: I have 2.5yr old twins and did this for awhile now have 3. Its a HELL lot of work after taking care of your kid and others, easily a 12-14hr day to take care of kids. BUT, you can make damn good money and thats what your family needs. Just make sure youre legal in your state. This is a legit option, but you have to be seriously committed to following through. Its not easy, but youd have the substantial extra income without dropping your kid off at a daycare and paying for it. Plus your kid would get a ton of interaction, which is priceless. I hope you guys find a good solution. 