We have three kids (teens to toddlers) and have been leaning toward the antimustachian end of the continuum a wee too much lately, so we're tightening down. Some recent positives include calling Geico and switching from Liberty Mutual for our two cars and saving $1017 for one year (now at $720) -- we had been with Liberty Mutual for 16+ years and had just been blindly going along with the increases (::rolls eyes at self::).
Just sent in paperwork to refi our mortgage from 4.5% to 3.5 or 3.75 (no closing costs with 3.75, one point with 3.5 -- we're pretty sure we will do the no closing cost option).
We have two cars because I commute 3 days a week (no public transportation option, 19 miles each way, using a 2006 Honda Civic hybrid) and my husband drives the kids to school/daycare, but we're in the process of selling the van that has a car payment. We now realize we don't need it, and will either use Zipcar or buy a cheap beater. The relief at having made this decision is enormous.
Our youngest child has significant medical bills ($1000+ out of pocket every month, no way around it), and we incurred serious medical debt from his birth and the past few years, which is all paid off -- but it has hurt us in other areas.
We both contribute the minimum to 401k to get employer match.
When I'm ready for the big punch in the face I'll post a budget, but for now we're tracking every penny in Mint, tightening down, teaching our older kids to be tighter, and we're rethinking *everything* in an effort to free one of us from our job ASAP, and, we hope, the other within 5-7 years.
You guys have some amazing advice collectively, and I've learned a great deal already as a lurker. Thanks!
