[Mrs.Liberty]

We live in a different era today. For most people who want to buy a house today the ASP is staggering. If you want a house in a good area (low crime, decent schools) then it costs you something

Bingo.

I gave up my job when my husband and I were transferred to Hawaii. We lived in base housing so I did not need to work, though I did when my son was about 1/1/2.

However, when we were transferred back to California, base housing was hard to come by, and you didn't get alot of housing allowance on an E5 salary. Living in a simple, safe, lower middle class neighborhood with decent schools nearby came at a price...me going to work.

[CyberCowboy777]

My father raised 6 children on an E5 salary, off base, in San Diego, Orlando and Gronton.

Sometimes he had to pickup extra work (which is difficult in the military).

It CAN be done, depending on priorities.

I have 5 children of my own now, my wife is a stay at home and also home schools the older ones.

Priorities.