Lord knows I've been THERE. I truly hear what you are saying. I changed my internet to include phones (pay as you go) no landline, see if you can tack on car and house insurance to it to get a better deal. Forget takeaways, batch cook your favourite family meals accounting for diabetes portion them out carefully and freeze them, defrost in the microwave before dinner or take the meal out first thing in the morning to defrost over the day and finish off in the micro. Hot water bottles in the beds. A heated blanket on the sofa to sit on and some cosy throws for the evening. Charity shops are brilliant! get DVDs for a night in, put the candles on and get some raw veggie nibbles. DON'T drink fizzy drinks, make it milk or water instead. I buy all of my clothes from charity, and if I break a glass or plate I get one there. Going out is SO expensive, so now the weather is getting warmer, have a picnic with sandwiches and fruit as per a diabetic diet. Walking is cheap so source out walks in the countryside which will improve your mindfulness and mental health. Forget expensive beauty products, so much online to use kitchen stuff instead. You can make your own laundry detergent and forget the softener and additives it saves you THOUSANDS. Instead of watching the TV which can be expensive read books or buy games from the charity and play with the family. Instead of cat litter, is there a local woodyard near you or horse place where you can get sawdust? I haven't checked but it may work out cheaper. I had a friend who taught her cats to poo in the toilet!! Buy in bulk if you can afford it, pasta and rice at the warehouse thingy. I don't know if you have a dishwasher, but only run it when it is full, use white vinegar for rinse aid, and baking soda in the soap dispenser. Wash the pans by hand as they take up so much room. I confess I used to use washing up liquid as shampoo. PLAN MEALS so that you don't overbuy. I have a group on Nextdoor which I started called Cheapie Meals, things which don't cost the earth and taste very good. You could also try Freecycle.org which is free to join and things are free. People are happy to give as they want stuff gone without going to the landfill or they want to change their decor or kitchen. Think of it as saving the planet. Again, regarding food, you can grow your own. I don't know your housing situation, but potatoes can be grown in cardboard boxes, beans up a fence, carrots in a tub, tomatoes in a greenhouse or conservatory, parsnips in a tub, herbs on the windowsill, onions in a raised bed, dig up the lawn and plant plant plant. Your autistic child may find this incredibly therapeutic. Wear clothes for 2-3 days (change undies and socks daily), in the shower, turn on, get wet, turn off, soap up and scrub, turn on and rinse. Use lemons, salt, baking soda and washing soda to clean your house, vinegar in water for windows. Difficult bit coming!!! I must admit, that unless the cats will eat your leftovers, they WILL eat you out of house and home. 4 is lovely and provides much comfort as pets, but you simply cannot afford them. Contact cats protection and get them rehomed. I always had at least 2 jobs and at one time had 5 part time jobs, cleaning, typing, working at a petrol station, babysitting and gardening. Husband will have to take control of household duties and pitch in, having diabetes does not mean you are helpless. Look up ALL of the scrimping and saving videos on youtube and make notes. Finely tune your budget and although it is difficult, be ruthless. No biscuits or fizzy drinks!!! Eggs are good, chickpeas are protein which you can tart up with spices. Lots of soups using up everything in the fridge. Good luck, my dear, it isn't easy, but doable.