[dgabriel]

Health insurance for my family of 5 is about 7 grand a year, and food is about 6 grand, and utilities are about 3 grand (Internet/water/electric/gas). That's 15 grand before transportation, rent, or any luxuries. I frankly have no idea how a family with children can live on 15-30 grand a year without being in constant stress.

[grecy]

You just added up to 15k for the very basics. Let's throw in another 12k for rent, 5k for transport, and 5k for "fun". So you're at 37k in expenses.

Assuming you have two adults here with an "income"* of 20k each, you've still got 3k spare. I'll bet after a few years of that you'll get better at it and can reduce your spending even more.

Keep in mind you've been conditioned into thinking you need to spend money to have a good time, i.e. Disneyland, movie theater etc. This is not true.

*NOTE: "income" could be anything you want it to be, it doesn't have to come from going to work.