Only one way: You must save a substantial portion of your income (e.g. $2000/mo) FIRST. Then treat everything after that as optional, and work with your family

Only one way: You must save a substantial portion of your income (e.g. $2000/mo) FIRST. Then treat everything after that as optional, and work with your family to prioritize those things that are important (mortgage would be at the top of my list). This will be hard, and it will force you to question assumptions about what you really "need." Also, try to keep in mind that there are other families with 3 children living near you that only have $90k in income, and they manage well enough. Edit: And as others have mentioned, keep looking for a higher paying job. This will help tremendously, as long as you learn to save first, then spend, rather than the other way around.