We're "making it" but it's basically just all going to bills. There's nothing to save or play on. There's no vacation money, new clothes, even an occasional $5 latte from Starbucks nope never.
We actually live in a rather cheap area compared to most and our mortgage is much lower than most. But... we have daycare costs and my husband gets sick from the kids all the time. Which means no work if it's bad enough. The car is a big issue and insurance. It's nuts. Food as well... my kids eat a lot. Plus diapers & wipes... it's impossible to keep under 200 a week.
Here are some suggestions that have helped us in the past.
First take an inventory of everything that you have in the closet, pantry, and cabinets. When did you buy it, and how much of it have you used? Could you live with out it? This will give you an idea of your spending habits. When we did this, we found that were buying much more than we needed.
Today you have an easy way of dealing with your spending. Never go inside a store. Make a list of what you need. Order it from the store. Pay for it, and either have it delivered, or pick it up at the store.
I'm not a fan of buying a new car, but I'm also not a fan of buying someone else's problems. If you have a car with a large payment and/or a large repair bill, a lot of credit card debt, and other loans, find a credit counselor. My credit union has one, and many churches can help you find one.
Are you buying 200 diapers/wk or $200 worth of diapers per week? If your children are over two years old, they should be potty trained. At the most there you should need one overnight per child over two years old. That's seven per child, per week. Take the time to train every child over a year old. It's worth ever minute you spend and you will free up a lot of money for your real needs.
New clothes come from the thrift store. When your children have outgrown their clothes, donate them to a parent in need, and take a shopping trip to the nearest thrift shop. Our church association maintains a community thrift shop that also stocks food items for those in need.
Daycare is expensive. If one of you with the lowest income, make less than twice the cost of day care, he/she will be better off to stay at home. The children will do better. It will also improve your husband's health.
I suggest that you and your husband take the next few weeks, and pray for God's guidance in everything your family needs to do.