Save what you can toward the emergency and life happens fund. But don't worry yourself sick at the slow growth. The point is it's growing even it's just one dollar at at time.

We have to protect ourselves by doing our own homework.

I've found that when you can quickly knock out debt you get motivated because you see progress. Then you attack the other debt so fast that even if it's at a higher interest rate, you don't end up paying much more because you've gotten rid of it.

You are NOT a financial failure if you rent. You are getting something for your money. A roof over your head.

My kids have to maintain good grades. They have to be involved in activities. They have to report to me how thing are going. I watch for any activity that would steer them wrong - drinking, drugs, etc. So their skin in the game is knowing the money won't be there if they don't do their part.

You need to know everything. You both need to be comfortable with sharing everything. If you can't you are NOT ready to get married.

You still need to save but being debt-free in retirement is and should be a goal.