[sahm]

My answer will be a bit off topic or should I say Few years old.
Until 2 years ago, I was a single working mum. I had a simple but strict budget. I put down all my expenses and then categorized them by needs and wants. In short, I had what i could not go without and stuff that i could let go of and survive the month such us Mc donald's, Dunkin donuts...
Then every month I would put an X amount for what was needed,eg. 200 for groceries, I think I put roughly 80 bucks for electricity, I would buy gift cards from BP for gas at the beginning of the month etc. If the electricity bill came to 65, I would write a check of 15 to the savings.My daughter(5yrs) and I would go out on Friday eve for dinner and a movie at the mall, and only ate McD's on sunday as a treat. Made all my meals at home.So at the end of the month, I would set aside 500 for savings plus all other savings that we had done.
To be honest, when I started out I was so deep in debt mostly from shopping and travelling. Within 6 months, I was so in track with my savings and it became so exciting watching my savings account grow. By then I had a full time job and started cleaning homes( yes nasty job) as a part-time job. In 12 months, I had paid off my cards, my car loan, and had college-savings account for mykid and was still saving 500 plus amonth.
That's history. I met my husband, and moved to sweden.
But for those that find it hard to save, it takes discipline and a serious plan.
For the kids college plan, only those with kiddos can understand theneed to provide the BEST for ones little ones. I think my paros gave me the best even though they were not financially well off.