At this time of great emotional pain, making ends meet becomes a daunting task. I've put together a few strategies for money management and living within a budget for all the women out there facing the post-divorce financial crunch.

Changing your lifestyle isn't easy, but if you keep these tips in mind, you can survive post-divorce financial troubles. Don't let yourself and your family become part of the rising debt statistics — manage your money wisely.

Create a Budget:

1. List predictable amounts and sources of income. If employed, use your take-home pay.
2. Record your monthly recurring expenses: rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medical, insurances, transportation, car payment, credit cards, telephone, cable, internet, education, clothing, charity, gifts, misc.
3. For three months, record all of your expenditures — this helps you know where your money is going.
4. If you have more expenses than income, adjustments will have to be made.
5. The final divorce decree should have allocated debt responsibility. Include your share of payments in the budget.

Trim Expenses:

1. Stop adding new debt through credit cards. Use them sparingly, for emergencies.
2. Pay credit card bills on time. Pay more than the minimum; interest increases your debt. Late and over limit fees can reach $35.00. Card companies hike interest rates if you pay late.
3. If your credit cards charge high interest, request they lower the rate.
4. Raise deductibles for auto or home insurance.
5. If you r rent or mortgage payment exceeds 30% of your income, you may have to consider downsizing. However, selling a home is difficult in many areas today.
6. Seek reduced telephone, cable and internet plans. Do comparative pricing on the internet.
7. Use manufacturer's coupons, study grocery ads, make a shopping list for food, seek sales and clearance for clothing, and try consignment and thrift shops.

Other Tips:

1. Do not fall prey to debt consolidators who promise relief. Seek advice from your attorney, accountant or banker.
2. If a variable interest mortgage raises your payment, do not rush into making a new mortgage with huge fees. It may not be cost effective.
3. If your ex is not making payment on debts and you are being pursued by creditors, return to court for help.
4. Request utility companies to change payment due dates to conform to your income schedule.