Help a single mom get necessary car repairs and maintenance

Hi, there! My name is Liz and I’m a single mom to an amazing 10 year old.

I have a 2003 Volvo and I’m looking for help getting some work done on my car. I bought the car used and I keep encountering issues that I’ve taken care of on my own. But I think I’ve gotten to the point where I have to admit I need help.

I’ve already been struggling as is, and of course, right when I’m feeling some sort of relief, I get bombarded with more car issues.

I just spent $750 that I could barely afford to let go of and need about $1300 more to get the rest of the work done. The $1500 I’m asking for will go towards some camshaft seals and replacing the water pump&timing belt in my car. I’m asking for a little extra as well to cover the costs of taking an Uber for a day or two while the car is in the shop.

If it was just me, I would honestly just ride a bike or take public transportation and not worry about having a car at all. However, I need a reliable and safe car to get my daughter to and from school every day. It’s about a 20 minute drive to her school, and then another 45 minute drive to my job. I’m so stressed. I don’t want to keep pushing the car until it gets worse and everything ends up costing more to fix… or worse, something fails or snaps while driving and I get into an accident with my daughter in the car.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I genuinely appreciate any help!