This is my second and final post for the Money Fix, and as the deadline approached, I felt discouraged by the progress I’d made—as though I had let the readers of DailyWorth down, by not solving my budgeting problems all at once.

After all, what could someone really learn from my experiences? But when I reread many of the comments on my first post, I realized that readers are not only learning from my experiences but from other readers, too.

Now for the update many of you have asked for. Regarding my three goals, I've only made what feels like a centimeter of progress, but even the longest journey must begin somewhere. I’ve come to accept that this will be a long journey and not the sprint I really wish it was.

My big goal was to bring in extra income, but so far I’ve had no luck. I’m still struggling to live paycheck to paycheck, and my electricity was even shut off for a day in July—it would’ve happened again in August if a friend hadn’t loaned me some cash.

I posted an ad on Craigslist for evening babysitting services and received zero responses. Maybe it’s because the competition is offering rates below minimum wage (talk about women undervaluing themselves!).

While I can’t work a second traditional job because I can’t afford the extra cost of childcare, I’m trying to find creative ways to use my existing work skills by freelancing or doing contract work from home. This could be writing, administrative work, sales, customer service, or quality assurance. Even $100 or $200 a month would help. It’s not easy to find these jobs, but I’m being persistent and diligent.

Although I’m struggling to bring in more income, I’ve successfully cut some expenses. I took Erica’s advice to pursue a childcare subsidy—and I’m now taking advantage of the free Voluntary Prekindergarten program Florida offers.

Florida will pay for three hours of childcare during instructional days for the VPK program run by my daycare. While I pay $235 a week for childcare during the summer, I’ll only pay $180 a week once school begins. That adds $220 to my monthly budget!

Plus I’m due for a merit increase at work in September, which will also help. (And I’ve been reading the DailyWorth archives for negotiating tips in case the offer isn’t what I’m worth.)

Regarding my struggles with the Child Support Enforcement Office, I received a letter from the IRS stating that they’ll attempt to garnish any federal tax returns my ex files in the future. It’s not much, but it’s progress. And I’ve decided to take a day off work soon and go to the Child Support office in person, since my phone calls have gone unanswered. My third goal of dealing with my debt and credit issues will be a work in progress for quite some time, but I feel empowered with the knowledge Erica gave me.

Thank you to DailyWorth, and thank you to Erica Sandberg for her fabulous advice and support. And thank you, DailyWorth readers, for reading about my experiences, sharing your own, and offering such kind words and encouraging advice.

I now understand that while my journey might be long, the important thing is that I’ve started it. It’s truly been an honor to share my story with you.

Put your hands together. As Stephanie says farewell, what final advice can you offer her?