My wife and I have five children, and we chose to have her leave teaching when we started our family. Alot of people tell me "We couldn't afford to do what you do", and my reply is, "No, you won't afford to do what we do." It is all a matter of priority. Our time with our children is going to be so short.
Our house is about 80 years old, but in decent shape.
I drive a '95 Caravan, also in decent shape.
ALDI canned vegetables look the same as the name brand stuff once the can is in the trash.
Rediscover the lost art of the casserole.
Tell me what you got for your bithday when you were 7 years old? Don't blow alot of money trying to impress your kids with stuff they will never remember. If you are never home they will sure remember that.
We waste so much time trying to pursue career, get bigger and better things, impess the neighbors. The only people in my neighborhood I want to impress are the one's under my roof.