I could use some answers

[jcdcandles]

I retired at the end of january and my husband is retired. I have had a lot of problems with depression and have had day treatment to try and get myself together. I found out one month after I retired that my grandson would be living with me. He just turned 13. What was enough for my husband and I is no where near enough to also raise a 13 year old. there is no income from either parent. I have had to let my home bussiness go because I couldn't handle it along with the depression. I am 1700.00 in debt to the business and my bank account is so messed up that I am over 700.00 in the red on two accounts and no way to pay it up. We have numerous small bills but no credit cards. We recieve between the two of us 1766.00 per month. We pay only neccesities. Rent-350.00, Car Insurance-65.00, electric--125.00,
telephone--70.55, Dish Network--65.00, Groceries--200.00, Trash pickup--25.00, Medications--150.00, Miscellaneous--100.00. without the grandson, we could make it. But with him, there is another 100.00 or more in groceries, school clothes and supplies--150.00 not to mention school fees coming up. all of this is estimated. I am canning everything that I can and my husband and I are making handcrafted birdhouses to sell at fall festivals to try and generate extra money. I cannot catch up the bank, small bills and the business debt. Would I qualify for bankruptsy with owing so little. I could file on my own which would be cheaper since ther are no secured debts. I need advice badly. Thanks.

[HHM]

You can qualify, but yeah, its an awfully small amount to declare BK.

The larger issue here is why do you have the grandson. I applaud your effort and willingness to take care of the grandson, but if you can't do it, you can't do it. You need to explore other options. There may be some state programs you can apply for to help.