We have big and small methods to stretch paycheck. Biggest thing: We could not afford to have children due to the cost of multiple IVF rounds. Small things: We eat a lot of left overs. When refilling hand or dish soap, we dilute it so that it lasts longer. We mow our own lawn. We keep utility bills low by not watering the lawn, having air conditioning and sweating it out in the house. We defer maintenance on the house and do one big project a year such a replace roof, replace gutters, replace fence, replace windows, paint, etc.