I grew up in a military family. My father was a warrant officer. There were 8 of us children at the time. We couldn’t “afford” the 8 kids because of his pay (we could afford them because God provided!). Military pay is often terrible. I will never understand where people get the idea that military families are rich.

Thank you, sir, and the Happy family, for your service to our country.

but even so, we are slowly climbing out of debt which is important to us. and we are finding creative ways to have fun without spending alot. one thing this has shown us is our values are different from others, as would be expected. we like movies, eating out, and taking drives (gas $$), but we dont’ spend $$ on new clothes, expensive haircuts (i cut my son and hubby’s hair), expensive vacations, etc etc. for the most part i like my life and am content with where i am, but i couldn’t do this without the Lord. He has helped me so much with learning to be content.

Second, my husband once had a job where they always seemed to be asking for money to buy someone a gift. Birthdays, anniversarys, or just chip in to buy pizza, donuts.

It really cut into our budget and at first he tried to give, but then it just kept happening and we couldn’t afford it.

So finally, he would tell the person that he was sorry but he just didn’t have the extra money for it.

The person standing next to him sounded relieved and admitted that she couldn’t afford it either.

I have a friend who jokes about shopping with me. She jokes she saves money when she does, lol!

There’s nothing like being part of a husband-wife team with the same goals. My husband convinced me (read: ReluctantMom) to homeschool during our last overseas tour. When we wanted to keep on going, he supported us 100%, even though he knew he was giving up new cars, dinners out, private time, etc. so I could stay home. I am blessed because my husband wants our children to have my time – and he’s willing to work hard to make that happen.

No family situation is easy. I always suggest that couples look at their situation at least once per year, seriously and without kids around.

I feel sad that April doesn’t understand why Happy and Happier are happiest being debt-free. It’s everyone’s choice, obviously, but why worry about the choice of someone besides yourself? I know first-hand how much military families give up. It’s easy to justify almost anything in light of those sacrifices. The right path differs from family to family. I would never presume to tell any friends (religious persuasion aside) that their belief systems are wrong or evil.

Happy and Happier are personal friends and I can assure you they never, ever try to impose their views on their friends. They lead by example – they live their lives, hoping to inspire others. I’m sure they inspire many to question the secular world around them and to look to Christ for the best possible example.

An aside to April – please check your facts. You don’t seem to know much about military pay and benefits. Our dental insurance is not free, for example. We pay monthly for it, and have co-pays as well. We get one free eye exam per year but pay all of our glasses/contacts expenses out of pocket. Junior enlisted folks don’t make enough to cover family food expenses (check the food stamp and WIC stats if you don’t believe me!) if they have medium-to-large-size families. It’s a disgrace, considering we ask our active duty and reservist members to put their lives on the line every day they are deployed, and then some.

Perhaps you’ve read misleading information about U.S. military pay and benefits. I can refer you to http://usmilitary.about.com if you would like up-to-date information about any pay-related issues.

Meanwhile, April, please consider that freedom from debt IS a good thing, albeit hard-won, because you are in a position to spend your paychecks to benefit your family first. No, it’s not everything, but it’s pretty liberating all the same.