If pursuing a dream meant downsizing your household significantly and getting out of debt, but there are constraints that keep you from obtaining a second job, what strategies would you use to accomplish these things?

Make lists.... Your first list is what you want (your dream) Your second list is a list of obstacles blocking access to your dream. The second list is the most important, because you are going to break it down and write ANOTHER set of lists for each obstacle. These lists are going to be your solutions. Let's say your dream is to move to another side of the state and take a better job. List 1: (Desire) - Move to Fresno to take a better job List 2: (Obstacles) -It's a long way away -I need $4000 in living and moving expenses -I will have to leave the kids for a week List 3: (solutions to the obstacles)(listed in order) -The distance will require renting a Uhaul, and my brother can drive the children in his pickup. -We will save the money prior to moving(see highlander's list about saving money) -My cousin Joan can watch the children for a week while I interview and house hunt. It's methodical, and will most likely look nothing like mine, but a list is important. If you have it on paper, it has at least a 60% better chance of happening, and you will be creating yourself a "how to" guide as you expand your list. Good luck.