Readers give tips to keep holding on

DEAR ABBY: "Holding On in Arkansas" asked where to go for free counseling. You suggested she call her local mental-health department for counseling options for her marriage and money issues. Another resource would be her local church.

Pastors often offer counseling to couples. Many churches also have support groups for parents to connect with each other. I have seen churches save marriages and get couples back on the right track emotionally and financially. - Passing It On in Tennessee

DEAR PASSING IT ON: Your suggestion was mentioned by a number of other readers. They, too, felt that solving her financial problems would lessen or eliminate the marital discord that "Holding" and her husband are experiencing. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: One of the largest contributors to our national charitable network - United Way - offers many helpful services. The Consumer Credit Counseling Service may also be a resource, if credit cards are part of the problem.

If there is a choice between paying a bill or buying groceries, the bill should come first. There are many food pantries. The family can also apply for food stamps.

- Been There, Done That, Too

DEAR ABBY: "Holding" should contact her bank about refinancing her mortgage. If she can't pay her electric bill, she should see if she qualifies for a reduced rate for her income level. As for the kids, if they're in school, they probably meet the criteria for the reduced-cost lunch program.

- Full of Ideas in Washington

DEAR ABBY: "Holding" should seek help from the school counselor. He/she can recommend mental-health support within the family's financial means, and connect them with additional community resources to lessen some of the stresses of daily life. With many families struggling in many ways, encouraging this woman to seek out available help is crucial.

- School Counselor-in-Training