My financial aid award letter came in. $11,101 sounds like a lot, until we subtract a hefty tuition, some money for books and supplies, and money for bills like phones, basic insurance, and a tiny bit of rent to my parents (I am very thankful for their huge support).

Once these are organized on a spreadsheet, I find that I am left with less than $40 a week to help with food, gas, clothing, and various other essentials for me, my wife, and my son.

Looks like I need a job, which means I need to cut back on my units to make time for it. I will probably cut it down to 13 units if I can't find a better solution. I am looking into minimizing some of my bills, auto insurance being a huge factor.

It's hard to believe I pay more than a hundred a month for basic liability auto insurance. The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) will work when I move out, but I don't know if I can take advantage of it while living with my parents yet.