They’re weathering the storm of money challenges

“We’ve been staying with my mom and stepdad since January. But I’m looking for a new apartment. I’m saving up right now.

“I lived at my previous place for 16 years. When a new company bought them out, they raised my rent by $300. They didn’t give me much notice. So we had to move out.

“I had to get a cheaper car because I couldn’t afford those payments anymore. Also, he turned 18, so I’m no longer getting child support. That hurts because he’s a senior, and this is his most expensive year in school with things like cap and gown, pictures and graduation invitations.

“I’ve always been a single mom. I’ve never been married. I was lucky that I actually did get child support for most of his life.

“It’s tough right now. But we get by. I’m sure there are a whole lot of other people out there who are worse off than I am. I don’t make a ton at my job, so it’s been pretty challenging lately. But we’ve always made it. I think we’ve done pretty well, considering. We’re like a team. He’s my buddy.”

— Leslie Hebert (with son, Luke)